Michael

Michael is an eight-year Veteran who served in the Army Reserves/National Guard as a transportation officer and purchasing agent. He deployed to the Gulf in 1990 at the age of 25. During deployment he began having stomach issues, respiratory problems, headaches, insomnia, and fibromyalgia (later diagnosed) while in theater. He thought the symptoms would subside and get better after returning home from the desert, but over time, they had only worsened.

Upon returning home from the war, he sought help from the VA, at which time he was told “It’s all in your head” and felt discouraged from addressing symptoms and issues. Over time, the symptoms became debilitating and interfered with work and his ability to fully function. This led Michael to open his own business in 2005, so he could cope and manage his time around his symptoms. He had previously worked for the census bureau while completing grad school, earning his MA in Urban and Economic Geography, with a BA in Public Administration. He then was working in commercial development as a retail site analyst and an economic development director. His own company combines those skills and his education focusing on market and economic research and strategic planning for government and non-profit organizations across the United States and Canada.

The difficulties he had with navigating his illness and attempting to feel better were burdensome at times. The VA had issued information about possible symptoms of Gulf War Illness, but when he went to receive treatment, he was turned away. He began seeking treatment outside of the VA and within the private sector. A rheumatologist had diagnosed him with fibromyalgia in 2013-2015. He began comparing notes with other Veterans on social media and attempting recommendations such as a weighted blanket, sleeping in a recliner, and climate control to ease his symptoms. He found that walking dogs, meditation and massages also assist with relief. Michael lives close to his parents and siblings and has a strong bond and connection with them.

After a long and persistent road, Michael was finally granted disability in 2018, nearly 30 years later after dealing with constant symptoms. He urges other Veterans to be persistent and understand what you are dealing with, whether getting care or filing a claim, and if your symptoms are not being treated fairly then you must advocate for yourself. Find another provider and seek more opinions, comparing notes from providers. Also, compare notes with other Veterans- this provides validation. He suggested educating providers inside and out of the VA about Gulf War Illness.