Civilian federal employees, contractors and family members identified as having “Havana Syndrome” — mysterious symptoms that began, for many, overseas after hearing a loud noise, accompanied by instantaneous earaches and headaches — face difficulties receiving medical care in the military health system as allowed by law.
For a report published Monday, Government Accountability Office analysts interviewed 65 of the 334 people who qualify for Defense Department medical care for their condition, referred to as “anomalous health incidents” by the U.S. government, and found they’ve faced troubles navigating the system, scheduling appointments, and receiving medical hardware, medications and support.
According to the Government Accountability Office, the affected CIA, State Department and FBI employees and others have not received clear guidance from the DoD about their medical care and often rely on one another to navigate the maze of facilities, including the National Intrepid Center of Excellence for traumatic brain injury in Bethesda, Maryland; Walter Reed National Military Medical Clinic; and regular military hospitals and other facilities.
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Many of those interviewed for the GAO review said they had little support and faced difficulties getting appointments at military hospitals as they qualify for care only on a…
