In addition to DoD, cases have been reported by employees of the intelligence community, State, the FBI and other agencies. Image: Black Salmon/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffDoD has set policies on claims for compensation from federal and military personnel and family members for health effects of “Havana Syndrome”—a catchall term for symptoms such as severe headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus and vertigo, whose origin remains under dispute.
Technically termed “anomalous health incidents,” Havana Syndrome was so named because the first widely reported cases occurred there. But cases have also been reported in a dozen other countries, in settings including workplaces, residences and even during daily commutes, the GAO reported last year.
In addition to DoD, cases have been reported by employees of the intelligence community, State, the FBI and other agencies.
The DoD guidance comes under a 2021 law authorizing payments to federal civilian and military personnel and dependents who incur such symptoms while on assignment overseas. It addresses issues such as required documentation of the condition, validation that it occurred at a particular location, and review, payment and appeal processes.
The GAO report noted that one study deemed Havana Syndrome very unlikely to be caused by a foreign adversary, but other studied concluded that the symptoms are consistent with radio frequency energy or focused ultrasound.
Further information about eligibility and procedures is here.
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