Chairman Quinn makes a point as Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL), right, and Subcommittee Staff Director Darryl Kehrer listen.

The leadoff witness was VA Under Secretary for Benefits Joseph Thompson, center.  He was accompanied by, from left, Robert Epley, Director, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA); Charles R. DeCoste, Director, Data Management Office, VBA; Dr. Frances M. Murphy, M.D., Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Health, Veterans Health Administration (VHA); and Dr. John R. Feussner, M.D., Chief Research and Development Officer, VHA.

The Subcommittee also heard from Dr. Claudia S. Miller, M.D. Department of Family Practice, University of Texas Health Science Center; and Dr. Victor Gordan, M.D., Manchester (NH) VA Medical Center.   Both doctors told subcommittee members of their experiences diagnosing Gulf War veterans.

 

Rep. Ciro Rodriguez (D-TX), until this year a Subcommittee member, introduces Dr. Miller, his constituent.

 

The final panel consisted of veterans' service organizations, including, from left, Matthew L. Puglisi, Assistant Director for Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, The American Legion; John McNeill, Assistant Director, Veterans Benefits Policy, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Joy Ilem, Associate National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans; William Frasure, Deputy Director, Government Relations, Vietnam Veterans of America; and Paul Sullivan, Executive Director, National Gulf War Resource Center.