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who, or what board, is to make this crucial determination and entry in a service member's record.

If you disagree with any of the PEB's determinations, you can request a formal hearing.  You can - and should - be represented for free by a military attorney.  You can also choose to obtain a civilian lawyer at your own expense, or to be represented by an advocate from a veterans' service organization.  The PEB will make another decision after the hearing.  If you disagree with that decision, you can appeal to the Physical Review Counsel, then to your service's board for correction of military records (BCMR), and then to a federal court, if necessary.

Do not waive your right to a hearing and accept a rating of less than 30%, even if you are anxious to return to civilian life or tired of dealing with the military on this issue, unless you have made a comprehensive analysis of your medical problems and options.  Get competent advice from someone who is knowledgeable in this area of law.  You have valuable in-service rights.  Once waived, they are lost forever.  See the Private Attorneys area of the Resources section of this guide for legal assistance or referrals.

Research

Epidemiology: Mortality, Hospitalizations, Birth Outcomes.
Naval Health Research Center, San Diego.

Examined the mortality, hospitalizations, and birth outcomes among cohorts of Gulf vets and control groups.  The results of these studies were released at the end of 1995, and basically found no difference between Gulf vets and others.  The studies were strongly criticised by a member of their own scientific review board and by members of the Presidential Advisory Committee.

Environmental Research
Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio (Navy Medical Research Institute Detachment).

Study of the effect on rodents of insecticides, jet fuel, diesel fuel, kerosene heater emissions, pesticides, pyridostigmine, and stress.

Effects of Smoke Inhalation
Army Medical Research and Material Command.

Studies in animal models to define pathology from smoke inhalation.  Studies predate Gulf war.

Psychological Studies of Veterans from Hawaii and Pennsylvania
Department of Military Psychiatry, WRAIR, and VAMCs in  Honolulu and Pittsburgh.
Study to identify psychological consequences and risk factors of deployment.  Study completed in 1994.

Operational Stress and Human Performance

Army Medical Research and Material Command.

Study to continue work on Hawaii and Pennsylvania vets described above.

Combat Stress Diagnosis

Army Medical Research and Material Command.

Study to develop a diagnostic algorithm for field stress diagnosis.  Identify pharmaceutical countermeasures.

Health Effects of Embedded Fragments of Depleted Uranium
Army Medical Research and Material Command.
Two studies, both using rodent models:
Armed Forces Radiobiological Research Institute.

Study will determine the extent of localized tissue inflammatory response and damage, toxicological effects on the nervous system, long-term effects on kidney function, and the distribution of uranium in tissue over time.
Inhalation Toxicology Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM.
Study will determine if DU increases the carcinogenic potential of metal fragments and the timecourse and significance of urinary concentrations of uranium in individuals with embedded fragments.
A third study at the AFRI found DU fragments dissolve in the blood and travel throughout the body - causing systemic DU contamination. 

Leishmaniasis Diagnostics Research
Army Medical Research and Development Command.
Study to develop a reliable serological assay and skin test for leishmania infection.

Identification of the Genetic Factors Which Control Tropism in Leishmania
Army Medical Research Unit, WRAIR.
Study to identify gene(s) that control tropism in leishmania.  Latent infections may reactivate, especially in those who are immunosuppresed.  Gene probes used in screening may identify those at risk.

Pyridostigmine and Synergism with Other Chemical Agents
DOD, Army Medical Research and Material Command and Army Environmental Hygiene Agency.
Study to evaluate possible acute effects from exposure to pyridostigmine in combination with insecticides, DEET and permethrin.  Study completed in 1995.

Male/Female Differential Tolerances to Pyridostigmine Bromide
Army Medical Research and Material Command and South Florida Research Corporation.
Study to evaluate tolerances of pyridostigmine in males and females.

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Second Edition - Fall 1997          Page 17