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paulsh
136 Posts |
 Posted - 27/07/2010 : 10:13:24
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Inquest Rules Gulf War Could have Caused Death of Terry Walker
Pressure is mounting on the new coalition Government with the reality of Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) becoming increasingly irrefutable, as the inquest into the death of Terry Walker on the 20th July concluded that his death may have been caused by his experiences in the Gulf War 1990/91.
Terry who served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps died as a result of complications after a heart transplant operation in June 2007, but it is only now, over 3 years later that the inquest into his death has been completed. It is hoped that this may finally perhaps, give his family the chance to come to terms with his death.
Dr Stuart Hamilton – Pathologist who was giving evidence at the tribunal stated that “The cause of the cardiomyopthy [heart muscle disease] remains unclear, but evidence suggests that it could have been contributed to by various factors which include virus and effects which may arise from army services in the Gulf War in 1991.” Examination of Terry’s heart revealed scars in the heart muscle which could not be dated but showed previous damage had occurred and could have been significant.
Terry and his family which includes his parents have been members of the National Gulf Veterans & Families Association (NGVFA) since 1995. This charity provides help and support for Veterans from recent desert conflict Gulf War 1, Iraq and Afghanistan. The NGVFA have provided help and support to Terry and his family before his death and have continued to support them through the last 3 traumatic years. One of the key issues for Terry just before his death, that NGVFA were desperately trying to help him with, was that the MOD had cut his war pension from 100% to 40% after ‘a medical review’. This was both financially and psychologically devastating for Terry and his family and caused immense stress and anxiety just before he died. Terry’s family continued his fight to have his 100% pension reinstated, and now as a result of this inquest the MoD have been forced into a huge u-turn, reinstating Terry’s 100% pension which is now his children’s pension.
Terry’s parents, have long sought justice for their son and said in a written statement, released after the narrative inquest verdict had been given “We shall continue in our attempts to bring the MoD to justice for their lack of duty of care and failure to support the ‘Forgotten War Veterans of the 1991 Gulf War’. Terry served Queen and Country honourably for 15 years and we believe the MoD should do likewise.”
Despite this inquest, the data presented by 3 comprehensive American reports (RAC Report, IOM Report, US Gulf War Taskforce), and a clear sea-change in policy, and treatment methods for Gulf War Veterans by the US Government, the UK coalition government is refusing to make any changes based on this barrage of substantiated evidence. In the recent House of Lords debate the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence stated "There is insufficient credible evidence to suggest that we should treat this group differently from other groups of veterans who report similar health problems."
The office of Nick Clegg Deputy Prime Minster had made it clear in correspondence with Gulf Veterans prior to the recent election that “There is clear evidence that Gulf War veterans have suffered illnesses as a result of their military service and Liberal Democrats believe that this should be recognised and sufferers compensated accordingly.” But it appears since forming a coalition with the Conservatives the Liberal Democrats have been forced to back down on their beliefs in this matter.
The UK Government’s continued blatant disregard of the plight of Gulf War 1 veterans is indefensible. In order that Terry’s death and, the untimely deaths of great many other veterans since 1991, are not in vain the NGVFA will continue to publicly campaign upon their behalf. The NGVFA will also continue to provide much needed everyday help and support to the thousands of veterans, like Terry Walker, and their families from all 3 desert conflicts.
We will remember them.
Paul Sheehan
NGVFA Staff |
Edited by - paulsh on 27/07/2010 10:13:47 |
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martinle
United Kingdom
70 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2010 : 12:15:35
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Hi Paul,
I totally agree with what you have said, i was wondering if we can't get the government to open there eyes by taking this to the European Government can they not help?
I would of thought we would have a good case with all the finding.
What do you think?
cheers
ML
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kerryfu
United Kingdom
315 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2010 : 13:08:41
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I find the 3rd paragraph interesting as my stroke was caused by having dilated cardiomyopathy. The cause of the DCM was unclear, the consultant at the time said it's a though my body had slowly been poisoned, which caused heart,brain and kidney failure to occur.
So it goes............ 
Kerry Fuller |
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davidmc
11 Posts |
Posted - 30/07/2010 : 14:02:14
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This does indeed raise some medical issues. I have suffered five strokes each progressively more damaging, yet at no time could a definitive reason be found. When will this govt realise we are not going away if nothing else our time in the forces has taught us patience.
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Inquest Rules Gulf War Could have Caused Death of
