The National Academies has launched a study to determine the strength of evidence for associations between six types of military-related exposures encountered during military service—pesticides, jet fuels, solvents, heavy metals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and air pollution (particulates)—and selected neurological conditions. As part of this effort, the report authoring committee seeks to better understand the perspectives and lived experiences of impacted communities.

The committee is inviting Veterans to share their experiences during upcoming virtual listening sessions, prioritizing those who served in the 1990–1991 Gulf War and Post-9/11 eras. Perspectives are welcome across all neurological outcomes included in the study; however, the committee is particularly interested in hearing from Veterans diagnosed with one of the following conditions:

• inclusion body myositis

• myasthenia gravis

• neuromyelitis optica

• primary lateral sclerosis

• transverse myelitis

Selected individuals will be invited to share brief reflections on their military service and lived experience with their condition.

To ensure a range of perspectives, a limited number of Veterans living with each condition will be selected to participate. Each individual will have approximately five minutes to share their perspective during the virtual sessions, either live or via a pre-recorded submission.

Please note that these sessions are intended solely to inform the committee’s understanding of Veteran experiences. They are not a forum for medical advice, and the committee does not influence Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits decisions.

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