We are here today to discuss several issues confronting the Department of Veterans Affairs. First, what progress has the Department made in ensuring consistent and fair processing of Persian Gulf War veterans’ compensation claims. We have seen the Department go from processing claims at the Regional Offices to centralizing processing at four regional centers and now back to the RO’s. Throughout each of those moves, we have been told that the latest decision would clean up the processing problem. Unfortunately, I am not convinced. In the past few months, the Department finally admitted that its data collection scheme was faulty and began an effort to improve its data. However, after considerable efforts to systematize data collection, the staff member responsible has now been assigned temporary duties away from the Department. I am very disappointed to see that and I hope the Department will inform the Subcommittee how it will continue to improve its data on Persian Gulf claims.

The issue of exposure to depleted uranium, which was widely used in various munitions during the Gulf War, has made the press recently. My understanding is that depleted uranium is a toxic heavy metal and potentially dangerous. I would note this problem is not limited to those who fought in the Gulf War because DU is still being used on firing ranges by all the services, so our people are still being exposed to DU. For example, somebody has to clean the weapons after they have been fired. Therefore, I am asking the Department to coordinate a VA-DoD briefing on the issues surrounding the exposure to depleted uranium within the next 30 days .

Second, we have asked the Department to discuss how it is handling claims involving Hepatitis C. This is a deadly disease that has been making the front pages of news magazines and some scientists are saying a bigger threat to the national health than AIDS. I want to be sure that if a vet shows up at the VA with Hep C and evidence of a possible infection opportunity while in the service, the vet will be taken care of. Initial VA data does not show that necessarily to be the case. So, my question to the Department right up front is do current laws and regulations inhibit a veteran’s ability to be service-connected for Hepatitis C if he or she received a blood transfusion prior to the early 1990’s or worked in the medical field?

Our final topic concerns the possibility that veterans who are judged to be suffering from PTSD may actually be exhibiting the effects of cerebral malaria. I am looking forward to hearing the Department’s views on the study done by Dr. Varny and others.

Finally, I want to spend just a moment on what I see as the value and obligation of the VA research program. Today’s hearing revolves around three examples of how VA research can contribute to a veterans ability to be compensated for disabilities incurred in service. While this subcommittee does not have jurisdiction over VA’s research program, I want to make a point about how VA chooses research topics. I am concerned that VA research has lost its focus on problems, that while not necessarily unique to veterans, occur with greater frequency than in the non-veteran population, and we will hear testimony today reflecting my concern. To put it in perspective, an R&D program focused on the relevant issues affecting large numbers of veterans is vital to a fair compensation program. Typically, these are problems that our troops encountered in the field or the workplace throughout this century - things like tropical diseases, cold weather injuries, combat-related stress, exposure to radiation or hazardous materials. My question is, what portion of the VA’s $300 million R&D appropriation is going to directly address these types of problems? I would appreciate an answer from the Department by next Wednesday.

Before we begin, without objection, I would like to enter a letter from Chairman Stump to Secretary West into the record. Copies are available on the table. In his letter, Chairman Stump has asked the Secretary to review implementation of compensation laws on undiagnosed illnesses to determine whether chronic fatigue syndrome and fibro myalgia should be considered equivalent to undiagnosed illness for compensation purposes. The Chairman makes the point that two veterans with exactly the same symptoms could be diagnosed completely differently by VA physicians, with one receiving a diagnosis of CFS or fibro myalgia and the other suffering from undiagnosed illness. I believe the Legion’s prepared statement does a very good job of making the case in support of the Chairman’s position. I look forward to hearing the Department’s views on the Chairman Stump’s letter.

I now yield to the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, Bob Filner for any opening remarks he may have.

Do any other members have opening remarks?

Could we have the first panel, please. Today, we have with us Mr. Bob Epply, Director of the Compensation and Pension Service and Dr. Teresa Wright, Dr. Nils Varny, and Dr. John Booss (BOOZE). Before you start, I would like to request an explanation of each of the 29 Hepatitis claims denied by the Board on the grounds of being not well grounded by the end of next week. Please proceed.

Thank you. I have a couple questions for this panel.

I now yield to the Ranking Member for any questions he may have.

Do any of the other Members have questions for this panel?

Could we have our second panel, please. We are delighted to have Paul Sullivan from The National Gulf War Resource Center. Paul, I am impressed with the quality of your written testimony and I look forward to a long and positive working relationship with the Resource Center. Your full testimony will be entered into the record, so if you would, please begin with your summary.

Thank you Paul.

Bob do you have anything for Mr. Sullivan?

Do any of the other Members have questions for Mr. Sullivan?

Thank you, Paul. Could we have the next panel, please.

Chairman Bill Redmond

(assuming Chair for Chairman Quinn)

July 16, 1998

Our final panel is composed of representatives from the Veterans Service Organizations. Bill Russo, Matt Puglisi, Bill Frasure, and Phil Ridley will represent the VVA, the Legion, the VFW, and the DAV respectively. Gentlemen, please begin.

Thank you. Let me start the questioning.

I want to thank all of today’s witnesses. But more importantly, I would like the Department to understand that they are still deficient in their data collection and I believe they need to do whatever it takes to get the data question straightened out.