VA Cooperative Studies Program No. 585

Overview: Gulf War Era Cohort and Biorepository (GWECB)

The Gulf War Era Cohort and Biorepository is a project (1) to develop a group (cohort) of U.S. Veterans who served in the military in 1990-1991, whether or not they receive their health care through the VA, and (2) to store a blood sample in a collection (biorepository). The purpose is to learn about the health conditions and related factors among this group through research studies.

Status of the Project

The first phase of the CSP 585 pilot project aimed at testing the feasibility of implementing a full scale project of its kind. This phase was completed in May 2016, and the results of the pilot are being analyzed.

Second Phase of CSP 585

We have transitioned into the next phase of the project. During this phase, we have been speaking with Gulf War Era Veterans through focus groups, interviews, and other activities to learn more about their perspectives on this and other Gulf War Era research projects. These conversations with Veterans, and the lessons we have learned so far, will help us improve Gulf War Era research projects and better serve Gulf War Era Veterans.

We will not recruit for the cohort and biorepository during this phase. Instead, we will conduct these one-on-one and group conversations with Veterans.

Sponsorship

This project is sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Kellie Sims at 919-286-0411 ext. 4055 or Kellie.Sims@va.gov.