The symptoms the Gulf War veterans reported were twice as severe

Dr Nicola Cherry, University of Manchester

Lead researcher Dr Nicola Cherry told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the findings would be presented to the MoD.

"We must make sure that this doesn't happen to veterans in future, that we know what we are doing and make sure that people take care of these issues we have identified," she said.

Decline in health

The researchers found that personnel who had had inoculations while serving in the Gulf were more likely to have skin and musculo-skeletal complaints, such as rashes or aching joints.

Exposure to pesticides was linked to neurological problems and symptoms, such as headaches and convulsions.

Researchers found there was not an excess number of deaths or hospital admissions among the veterans, but the study did suggest some veterans suffered "a significant decline of health".

There are now calls for further investigations into the effects of inoculations and pesticide handling.

The study, published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, was carried out seven years after the Gulf War, which ended in 1991.

More than 14,000 servicemen and women - almost 5,000 of whom had not been deployed to the Gulf - and asked them about their health.

Range of symptoms

They were asked to give information on symptoms ranging from fear of open space to palpitations and hair loss.

The Manchester University scientists found the Gulf War veterans were more likely to report symptoms ranging from tiredness to convulsions.

They also found that psychological, peripheral, respiratory, digestive problems and difficulties in concentrating were worse among the veterans.

Symptoms suggesting nerve damage and widespread pain were even more common.

Dr Cherry told BBC News Online that fewer than one in 10 of those who had not been to the Gulf were found in the groups with the most severe symptoms.

We are determined to continue to address the concerns of Gulf veterans

Veterans' minister Dr Lewis Moonie

"The symptoms the Gulf War veterans reported were twice as severe," she said.

But she added that her study did not indicate a unique syndrome.

"We did not set out to answer the question of whether there was a single 'Gulf War Syndrome', and it is fair to say that the results do not suggest there are unique symptoms."

None of the Gulf War veterans were found to drink or smoke more than the other service personnel.

More research

The MoD said the report, which although independently conducted was funded by it, showed no evidence of "Gulf War Syndrome".

Veterans' minister Dr Lewis Moonie said: he was pleased further work was already underway, including MoD-funded research.

"We are determined to continue to address the concerns of Gulf veterans."

Gulf War veteran Tony Flint said the study was long overdue

Tony Flint, of the National Gulf War Veterans and Families Association, said the study was long overdue.

"It is not before time. We have been saying this for years, but it is annoying that the MoD will not recognise the illness."

Mr Flint, of Tottenham, London, served as a reservist in the Gulf and has suffered from ill-health ever since.

"I have not worked since 1994. The right side of my body is collapsing and I am suffering muscle wastage," he said.

"I have post-traumatic stress and asthma. I have lost two stone in weight. Every night I suffer from night sweats.

"I am 53 years old now, but I don't think I will live to see 63."