159,238 US Gulf War I Casualties

159,238 US Gulf War I CasualtiesA Commentary by Dr. Doug Rokke

 

Former US Army's DU team health physicist

 

Former US Army's DU Project Director

 

10-14-2
 

Expected US Casualties From War   A Commentary by Dr. Doug Rokke Former US Army's DU team health physicist Former US Army's DU Project Director 10-14-2   The upcoming battle Gulf War II will result in casualties that include:   * killed in action * wounded in action * killed in accidents * and additional casualties that do not show up until after the completion of hostilities.     During the Gulf War between 1990 and 1991 the United States military incurred: 467 individuals wounded in action, 148 killed in battle, and 145 killed in other than battle (i.e. accidents). Therefore, the total number of US Gulf War casualties was 760 at the time of redeployment.     The United States Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans Benefit Administration Office of Performance Analysis and Integrity Data and Information Services Gulf War Veterans Information System report that was just published (May 2002) states that as of May 2002: 696,778 individuals had served during the Gulf War with 572,833 individuals now eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs benefits to include lifetime medical care, financial compensation, and a lifetime pension.     The difference of 123,945 individuals includes Desert Storm veterans who are still on active duty, who already received a disability rating directly from the military, and those who are ineligible for benefits for various reasons.     As of May 2002, 206,861 veterans had filed claims for benefits based on service-connected injuries and illnesses caused by Gulf War combat related duties. Department of Veterans Affairs officials have processed 183,249 claims for medical care, compensation, and pension, determining that for 159,238 veterans their injuries and illnesses are service connected, caused by Gulf War exposures and injuries. Consequently they have been awarded lifetime medical care, compensation, and pensions based on the extent of their medical problems.     The VA still has claims from 23,612 individuals pending while they have denied benefits to 24,011 veterans.     SINCE THE CESSATION OF GULF WAR HOSTILITIES IN 1991; AN ADDITIONAL 8013 VETERANS HAVE DIED FROM SERVICE CONNECTED INJURIES AND EXPOSURES INCURRED DURING OPERATION DESERT SHIELD AND OPERATION DESERT STORM.     The implications of this official report are staggering! As of May 2002, the Gulf War casualties include 8306 veterans dead and 159705 veterans injured or ill as a consequence of wartime service to our nation. The official May 2002 Department of Veteran Affairs report classifies 168011 individuals as "disabled veterans". That reflects a staggering casualty rate of 29.3% for combat related duties between 1990 and 1991.     We still know that many sick veterans have not submitted claims. We also know that some veterans have received disability benefits directly from the military. Thus the actual casualty rate from combat during 1990-1991 is probably higher than the 29.3% rate the new VA report verifies. However, combat activities did not stop in 1991. Therefore, since August 1991 a cumulative total of 1,127,458 individuals have been deployed to the Gulf with 851480 veterans now eligible for veterans benefits.     Consequently the VA officially recognizes in the May 2002 report that a total of 262,586 individuals are "disabled veterans" due to duty in the Gulf and that 10,617 veterans have died of combat related injuries or illnesses since the initiation of the Gulf War during August 1990. That gives us a verified casualty rate of 30.8%. If we are to initiate Gulf War II we had better be ready for the possible casualties.   GIVEN THAT: (a) OUR MEDICAL SUPPORT SYSTEM IS INEFFECTIVE, (b) OUR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT TO DEFEND AGAINST POSSIBLE USE OF WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION ARE DEFECTIVE, (c) COMBAT READINESS IS QUESTIONABLE, AND (d) A VERIFIED IRAQI THREAT HAS NOT BEEN PROVEN; THE CITIZENS AND LEADERS OF OUR NATION WOULD BE CRAZY TO AUTHORIZE A PREEMPTIVE ATTACK AGAINST IRAQ.     Traprock Peace Center 103A Keets Road, Woolman Hill Deerfield, MA 01342   Phone 413 773-7427 Fax 413 773-7507<mailto:traprock@crocker.com> contact by email