Skip to main content

Adequacy of the VA Persian Gulf Registry and Uniform Case Assessment Protocol (1998) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

The Dapartment of Veterans Affairs Persian Gulf Registry and Uniform Cse Assessment Protocol
Pages 21-28

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 21...
... a complete medical history is to be taken and is to include a family history; an occupational history; a social history including tobacco, alcohol, and drug use; a civilian history of possible exposures to toxic agents; a psychosocial history; and finally, a review of systems. The examiner is to record the time of onset of symptoms or condition, their intensity, the degree of physical incapacitation, and details of any treatment received.
Read the entire page →
From page 22...
... According to VA Manual M-10, "The concept behind the protocol was to identify previously unrecognized major diagnostic entities which could provide an explanation for the symptoms commonly reported in Persian Gulf veterans with unexplained illnesses." The protocol states that those referred to UCAP "must receive" the tests listed for the Phase II protocol. For example, all patients are to receive a set of supplemental baseline laboratory tests that include a CBC, Sedimentation Rate Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, C-Reactive Protein, Rheumatoid Factor, Anti-Nuclear Antibody, Liver Function, Creatine Phosphokinase, Hepatitis Serology, Human Immunodeficiency, VDRL, B-12 and Folate, Thyroid Function Test, Urinalysis, and Tuberculosis skin test Purified Protein Derivative.
Read the entire page →
From page 23...
... PERSONNEL Each VA health facility is to designate a Veterans' Registry Physician (VRP) who is responsible for the clinical management of the Persian Gulf veteran and who serves as the primary health care provider until another one has
Read the entire page →
From page 24...
... The form elicits information on the required components of the Registry examination including the presence or absence of a Persian Gulf Registry Code Sheet in the health record; a "thorough history and physical exam such as completion of an SF88"; a breast examination and a gynecological examination for women; laboratory test results including CBC, blood chemistries, urinalysis, and chest X ray; record of follow-up visit; record of follow-up letter containing examination results and recommendations; and whether or not specific examinations were ordered if the veteran complained of persistent diarrhea, memory loss, shortness of breath, or chronic cough. A summary form for recording the monitoring results is also completed by each facility.
Read the entire page →
From page 25...
... Most Sequent complaints are listed in Table 3.1 while Table 3.2 lists the distribution of diagnoses. TABLE 3.1 Most Frequent Complaints among 5,970 Patients Complaint NumberPercent Loss of memory and other general symptoms 1,68728.3 Headache 1,55226.0 Fatigue 1,49225.0 Muscle, joint pain 1,42323.8 Skin rash 1,37723.1 Sleep disturbances 71812.0 Shortness of breath 67911.4 Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal 65711.0 symptoms Choking sensitivity 3656.1 Chest pain 2754.6 Abdominal 2634.4 Other symptoms involving skin and 244 4.2 integumentary tissue Cough 222 3.7 TABLE 3.2 Distribution of Diagnoses among 5,970 Patients Diagnosis NumberPercent Musculoskeletal and connective 2,11135.4 tissue Mental disorders 1,90932.0 Loss of memory and other general 1,68728.3 symptoms No medical diagnosis 1,25220.9 Skin arid subcutaneous tissue 1,15619.4 Respiratory system 1,12018.8 Nervous system 1,02217.1 Digestive system 97116.3 Injury and poisoning 66611.1 Circulatory system 61310.3 Infectious diseases 5389.0 Genitourina~y system 3335.6 Neoplasm 450.8
Read the entire page →
From page 26...
... It is from this office that many outreach efforts are organized and implemented. Extensive efforts have been expended to inform Persian Gulf veterans of the services available through the VA health care system.
Read the entire page →
From page 27...
... Medical center staff also receive a substantial amount of information via interactive satellite teleconferences, interactive quarterly national telephone conference calls, and. annual educational conferences.
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • gulf registry
  • gulf veterans
  • code sheet
  • gulf war
  • referral centers

  • registry code
  • registry examination
  • initial examination
  • blood chemistries
  • unexplained illness

  • gulf concerns
  • registry examinations
  • laboratory tests
  • supplemental baseline
  • provider education

  • agents service
  • environmental agents
  • physical examination
  • referral center
  • veterans affairs

  • bulletin board
  • affairs persian
  • sedimentation rate
  • baseline laboratory
  • vitas implemented

  • subjects related
  • regional offices
  • basic protein
  • assessment protocol
  • protein derivative


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
    More information on Chapter Skim is available.