The court rejected a government appeal against a ruling that recognises that British soldiers suffered from an unspecified ailment during the 1991 Gulf War.

The court upheld an earlier verdict in a case brought by four former soldiers, who are seeking damages for a range of ailments that have been collectively described as "Gulf War syndrome."

"The judge expresses no opinion on whether Gulf War Syndrome exists," the defense ministry specified in a statement.

The verdict opens the door for possible claims for damages from several hundred people who served in the war.

WAR.WIRE