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Appendix J Examples of Persian Gull Registry Follow-Up Letters SAMPLE PERSIAN GULF VETERANS FOLLOW-UP LETTER (MEDICAL PROBLEMS INDICATED) DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Medical Center Anywhere,USA85012 (Date) (Name/Address) Dear - In Reply Refer to: We sincerely appreciate your recent participation in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Persian Gulf Registry. This effort should prove to be helpful in assisting us to serve you and other veterans who are concerned about the possible health problems which may have resulted from service in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War. As discussed at the conclusion of your visit, results of your examination and laboratory tests showed certain problems (optional these findings may be described in lay terms). In view of these findings, we have scheduled you for treatment of these health problems on (date). If for any reason you cannot keep 141
142 ADEQUACYOF THE VA PERSIAN GULFREGISTRYAND UCAP this appointment, please call (telephone number) at the earliest possible time to cancel and reschedule. The results of your examination will be maintained by VA and will be available for future use as needed. If you have any questions or concerns about your Persian Gulf Registry examination, please contact the Veterans' Registry Coordinator at (telephone number) for assistance. Whether you are entitled to cost-free treatment or will be responsible for partial co-payment will be determined by your income and other factors unless the VA determines that your health problems are service connected. You may wish to file a claim for compensation to establish possible service connection. The injury or illness need not have been incurred in combat; the law requires only that a disease or disability was incurred or aggravated during military service. Please remember that this examination does not automatically initiate a claim for VA benefits. If you wish to file a claim, please contact your nearest VA Regional Office. In your area the Regional Office is located at (address). Their telephone number is (telephone number). If you need any further assistance, you may contact a Veterans' Benefits Counselor by calling the VA toll-free telephone number 1-800-827-1000. An outreach program has been implemented by which VA notifies all individuals listed in the Registry of significant VA activities, including the health consequences of military service in the Persian Gulf theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War. You will be receiving a "Persian Gulf Review" which is published periodically by VA's Environmental Agents Service. A copy of this "Review" is enclosed for your reference. We trust this information is helpful to you. Once again, your participation in the registry is appreciated. Sincerely, (Signature) Name of Veterans' Registry Physician Enclosure
APPENDIX J SAMPLE PERSIAN GULF VETERANS FOLLOW-UP LETTER (NO MEDICAL PROBLEMS INDICATED) DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Medical Center Anywhere, USA 85012 (Date) (Name/Address) Dear 143 In Response Reply Refer to: We sincerely appreciate your recent participation in the DeparDnent of Veterans Affairs (VA) Persian Gulf Registry. This effort should prove to be helpful in assisting us to serve you and other veterans who are concerned about the possible health problems which may have resulted from service in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War. As discussed at the conclusion of your visit, results of your examination and laboratory tests indicate that there are no detectable medical problems. At this time you have no reason to be concerned about any adverse health effects resulting from your service in the Persian Gulf. However, in the future if you have a medical problem, I would encourage you to seek the help and advice of your nearest VA medical center or outpatient clinic. You may reach us at (telephone number). The results of your examination will be maintained by VA and will be available for future use as needed. Please remember that this examination does not automatically initiate a claim for VA benefits. If you wish to file a claim, please contact your nearest VA Regional Office. In your area the Regional Office is located at (address). Their telephone number is (telephone number). If you need any further assistance, you may contact a Veterans' Benefits Counselor by calling the VA toll-free telephone number 1-800-827-1000. An outreach program has been implemented by which VA notifies all individuals listed in the Registry of significant VA activities, including the health consequences of military service in the Persian Gulf theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War. You will be receiving a "Persian Gulf Review"
144 J~F ~ ~ ~ _\ Gem ~~ ~f Ibid is published periodically by VA,s Env~o~emal Aged Service. A copy of ~ Preview" ~ enclosed far your reference. We ~s1 tab An ~ be~110 you. Once Cad, your p=~ip~10D He registry is ~prec1~ed. Sincere, (Signature) Ale of Veterans' Resist Pbysici~ Enclosure
