Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a precursor condition for multiple myeloma.
Parkinson’s Disease Might Be Somewhat Different in Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange
Parkinson’s disease (PD) presents somewhat differently in the VA’s healthcare system than in many community medical facilities.
Agent Orange Exposure Linked to Myelodysplastic Syndromes for First Time
For decades, questions have persisted about whether exposure to Agent Orange contributes to the development of blood cancers among Vietnam War veterans. New research sheds light on this issue, identifying a significant association between Agent Orange exposure and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a group of bone marrow disorders that can progress to acute leukemia.
Risk of Relatively Rare Melanoma Subtype Linked to Agent Orange Exposure in Veterans
A rare melanoma skin cancer subtype which is less likely to be associated with sun exposure has now been linked to contact with Agent Orange.
Risk of Relatively Rare Melanoma Subtype Linked to Agent Orange Exposure in Veterans
A rare melanoma skin cancer subtype which is less likely to be associated with sun exposure has now been linked to contact with Agent Orange.
Improved Migraine Symptoms Found in Veterans With Gulf War Illness on Low Glutamate Diet
Veterans with Gulf War illness who followed a low glutamate diet for one month experienced significant improvements in migraine symptoms, according to new research presented at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting.
Newly-Recognized Upper GI Symptoms Add to the Toll of Gulf War Illness
For decades, most research on Gulf War illness (GWI) has centered on neurological problems, fatigue and lower gastrointestinal (GI) issues. But a new study published in BMJ Open Gastroenterology shifts attention to an often-overlooked area—upper GI symptoms—revealing how common and impactful they are among Gulf War veterans.
Agent Orange, Genetics Independently Increase Lymphoid Malignant Neoplasms Risk
Agent Orange (AO) exposure and polygenic risk can be a double whammy when it comes the increased hazard of developing mature lymphoid malignant neoplasms, according to a new study.
Deployed Veterans Have ‘Normal’ Testing Despite Respiratory Problems
Despite having seemingly normal lung function tests, many veterans with a history of deployment still experience significant respiratory symptoms and limitations.
Heavy Equipment, Aircraft Maintenance Lead to Military Inhalational Exposures
The risks of inhalational exposures are well known on the battlefield or in other deployment areas.
Gulf War Veterans Could Face Future Risk of Clonal Hematopoiesis
Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is a precursor to myeloid neoplasms (MN) and could be an indicator of clinically significant toxin exposure by military servicemembers, according to a pilot study.
Military Exposures Linked to Bladder Cancer
What carcinogenic exposures are implicated in the development of bladder cancer in military personnel?
Bridging the Gap: Treating Myeloproliferative Neoplasms in U.S. Veterans
A disconnect persists between patient and physician expectations for treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), particularly in managing symptom burden and quality of life.
Agent Orange Exposure and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Among U.S. military veterans, more than 13,000 individuals carry a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), a figure that continues to grow as the veteran population ages.
Deployed Vietnam Veterans Might Not Have Higher Risk of Bile Duct Cancer
For a half-century, Vietnam veterans have been assumed to have a greater risk of dying of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a form of bile duct cancer. A new study suggested that might not be the case, however.
Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Rates Higher in Middle-Aged Servicemembers
While the incidence rates of soft-tissue sarcomas are lower in young U.S. active-duty military servicemen compared with those in the general population, according to a new study, those are higher in middle-aged servicemen, possibly because of greater cumulative exposure to toxins.
Use of Botulinum Toxin for Headaches Under-Researched in Servicemembers, Veterans
A new study spotlighted the trend of using botulinum toxin, including onabotulinum toxinA (OTA), in active military personnel and veterans who have been diagnosed with migraine and post-traumatic headache (PTH). The article in the Journal of Pain Research also sought to describe the efficacy of botulinum toxin administration.
Limited Information on Breast Cancer Risk After Military Exposures
A long list of health effects have been attributed to military environmental exposures (MEE) such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), tactile herbicides, airborne hazards and open burn pits (AHOBP) and depleted uranium.
Chronic Ill Health Remains an Issue for Many Gulf War Veterans
For many veterans who served during the 1990-1991 Gulf War era, Gulf War Illness (GWI) and chronic ill health have lasting effects nearly 30 years later, according to a recent study.
Higher Rates of Early Menopause Reported in Women Veterans of the Persian Gulf War
Female military personnel from the Persian Gulf War with probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are nearly twice as likely to experience early menopause and related health consequences, according to study results presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society in Chicago in September.
Congress Doesn’t Address VA’s PACT Act-Related $12 Billion Shortfall
Before going on recess through mid-November, Congress passed a continuing resolution to keep the federal government funded through Dec. 20, 2024. That resolution, however, did not address the $12 billion shortfall in VHA’s FY 2025 budget,
Faulty Cell Function in Gulf War Illness Likely Caused By Exposure to Hazardous Agents
Veterans suffering from Gulf War illness (GWI), also known as Gulf War Syndrome (GWS), have faulty cell function that is likely caused by intense exposure to hazardous biological and chemical agents during war service, according to a new study.
Persian Gulf War Service Linked to High Rates of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
A study of almost a half-million veterans has found for the first time a link between environmental exposures during military service and the development of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).
Supplements Marketed to Military Contain Dangerous, Illegal Substances
Dietary supplements for weight loss are widely promoted online and through social media, with many claiming to have the added benefits of building lean muscle and enhancing energy and performance.
Exposure to Agent Orange Associated With Increased Prostate Cancer Risk
In veterans who were on active duty during the Vietnam War era, exposure to Agent Orange was associated with a small increase in the risk of developing prostate cancer, but not metastatic prostate cancer or fatal prostate cancer, according to a recent study.
Environmental Exposure Linked to Blood Cancer Risk in Veterans
Study Shows Link Between Agent Orange and MPNs A recent study has linked the development of polycythemia vera and other MPNs—essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (MF)—with exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange. Among patients with MPNs,...
Targeted Therapies for CLL Widely Used at VA; Prolonged Survival
U.S. military veterans with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) routinely received therapies in line with current evidence-based treatment practices over the past two decades, and those who were treated with targeted therapies had longer overall survival, according to a national VA study with more than 20 years of clinical data.
Longer Deployment, Exposure to Burn Pits Linked to Respiratory, CV Disease
Servicemembers with prolonged deployment to military bases with open burn pits might have an increased risk for developing adverse health conditions, such as respiratory and cardiovascular disease, according to a recent study.
Accelerated PACT Timeline Opens VA Healthcare to Many More Veterans
VA has dramatically accelerated the healthcare provision of the PACT Act, opening healthcare enrollment to hundreds of thousands of veterans who might have been exposed to toxic substances during their service.
Results Mixed for Military Toxic Exposure Effect on Breast Cancer Incidence
Little work has been done to investigate the relationship between MEE and risk of breast cancer.