Long-dismissed 'Gulf War Illness' finally recognized with international medical code

Veterans who have long sought recognition for a medical condition linked to their service in the Gulf War earned a major victory last week.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently approved a diagnostic code for “Gulf War Illness,” which went into effect on Oct. 1. The code represents a long-sought breakthrough that will allow doctors across the country to diagnose and treat the condition – formal medical validation that has eluded these veterans for more than 30 years.

Gulf War Illness, or GWI, is a chronic, often debilitating condition with several symptoms, including constant fatigue, cognitive issues, chronic pain, respiratory difficulties, skin problems and gastrointestinal distress. Researchers estimate that up to one-third of the roughly 700,000 troops deployed to the Gulf War have GWI.

But as of October, GWI is now recognized in the International Classification of Diseases, or ICD-10-CM, which is managed by CDC.

To put ICD-10-CM’s importance in military or veteran terms, think of it as an Air Force Technical Order, Army Field Manual, or Navy NAVADMIN update, but for doctors who specialize in diseases and illnesses — a final, argument-ending reference book for up-to-date information and procedures that now includes GWI.

https://taskandpurpose.com/military-life/gulf-war-illness-veterans/