President Clinton has signed legislation to require the Veterans Affairs Department to treat Persian Gulf War veterans for diseases that may have resulted from exposure to toxic substances.

"Over the past 21/2 years, Persian Gulf veterans have experienced a wide range of health-care problems that have eluded diagnosis and cure," Clinton said Tuesday, a day after he signed the bill.He said the veterans' symptoms include fatigue, painful muscles and joints, bleeding gums, skin rashes, short-term memory loss and hair loss.

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"With this legislation, the VA will have the authority to provide to these veterans both inpatient and outpatient care on a priority basis," Clinton said.

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