British Gulf War Syndrome victims battle for pensions

Hundreds of ailing Gulf war veterans are still going through drawn-out and distressing appeals to get war pensions, a charity said today. Those left ill from the 1990-91 conflict must seek compensation for each individual symptom because the Ministry of Defense refuses to recognize Gulf war syndrome as a medical condition, according to the National Gulf Veterans and Families Association. Many give up after repeatedly having their disabilities challenged and their claims rejected, it said. The Hull-based group says 9,700 British veterans have suffered from a cocktail of Gulf war-related health problems, typically including chronic headaches, cognitive difficulties, depression, unexplained fatigue, rashes and breathing problems. Nearly 20 years after the conflict to drive Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait, many are still battling to receive war pensions.