Many soldiers who went through Balad became used to `` Iraqi crud , '' as they dubbed the symptom of excessive coughing and black phlegm . VA finalizing deal with Institute of Medicine to assess potential health risks . Decision reflects experience with Gulf War Syndrome , spokesman says . Comment: No long-term danger from smoke from Balad Air Force Base pit , military said in 2008 .
VA finalizing deal with Institute of Medicine to assess potential health risks . Decision reflects experience with Gulf War Syndrome , spokesman says . Comment: No long-term danger from smoke from Balad Air Force Base pit , military said in 2008 .