Some of the information is for Gulf War Vets...but most of this is useful for all veterans.  Thanks to Gale for this page.

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     Obtain a large notebook to keep buy your phone and to take with you to your doctor's appointments to keep notes of what you need to discuss with your doctor, names, phone numbers, etc. This will help you keep track of important information you will need from time-to-time.


1. If you served in the theatre of operations, you need to register in the Gulf War Registry Program through your local VA.
Persian Gulf Registry http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1003
This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom as of March 7, 2005: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1232


2. Gather previous medical records to include any private doctor's reports you may have.

a. http://www.archives.gov/veterans/

b. http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/services.html

c. REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT'S RECORDS http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/getformharness.asp?formName=3288-form.xft

d. If you have a compensation file (C-file) already and wish to obtain a copy of it, see this link for instructions: http://www.hughcox.com/V_CFILE_foia.pdf


3. If you feel you need help in your claim, choose a service organization and officer:
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view


4. Familiarize yourself with the VA's healthcare protocols and claims policies derived from Title 38 laws for Gulf War Illnesses.

a. Healthcare protocol: ENVIRONMENTAL AGENTS SERVICE - Persian Gulf Program http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002

b. Criteria for filing claims associated with Gulf War exposures: Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6/ch07.doc

c. Compensation and Pension Examination for Gulf War Guidelines: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/disexm25.htm

d. Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibility: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315

e. Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom as of March 7, 2005:
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1232

f. SUBCHAPTER II--WARTIME DISABILITY COMPENSATION: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1110


5. EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU)

a. http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC and

b. http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158
See also,
c. http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.doc

d. http://www.pdhealth.mil/downloads/DU_Clinicians_Guide_09172004.pdf



6. Help and information in treatment and filing a claim for PTSD:

a. PTSD CLAIMS FAQ (FROM A TO Z): http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=000043

b. IRAQ WAR CLINICIAN GUIDE:
http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/war/iraq_clinician_guide_v2/iraq_clinician_guide_v2.pdf

c. Military Veterans PTSD Reference Manual:
http://www.ptsdmanual.com/

d. Nation Center for PTSD :
http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/topics/war.html

e. VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf

f. INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF):
http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html

g. §4.130 Schedule of ratings-mental disorders.
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_130.DOC

h. Vet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling Service: http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm

i. Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_130.DOC

j. Mental Health Program Guidelines: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1094

k. Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers: http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/

l. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: See
Initial - http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/disexm43.htm
Review - http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/disexm56.htm
Mental - http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/disexm37.htm

m. VHA MENTAL HEALTH INTENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT (MHICM): http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=78

n. VHA PROGRAM GUIDE 1103.3 MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM GUIDELINES
FOR THE NEW VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1094

o. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 1154): http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_304.DOC



If you did not serve in the theatre of operations during the Gulf War, but feel you may have had adverse reactions to vaccines, you will need to read up on this:
http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=000026

Everyone concerned about vaccines (deployed or not) can read the latest on vaccines here: Milvacs. org http://www.mvrd.org/

We have a Library of Useful Links you should consult when looking up information on most any issue regarding healthcare and claims:
http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=forum;f=14

See also, our list of VA links of resources: http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=000001


If you suffer from an undiagnosed illness such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or irritable bowel syndrome you will find these links helpful:

1. Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm

2. Compensation & Pension Examnination for Fibromyalgia: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/disexm22.htm

3. CFS/FMS : http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=000049

4. Title 38 regarding chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.
http://www.gulfwarvets.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=14&t=000077