Forgotten casualties

"Mentally scarred by experiences in Iraq, returning US soldiers say the military isn't giving them the help they deserve

Lynn Harris in London's The Guardian

Eventually, a physician at Kentucky's Fort Knox, where he was on medical holdover until being allowed to go home for temporary convalescent leave last week, diagnosed him with severe PTSD. The medical report cited, among other symptoms: insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, disassociation, easy startling, quick temper, and keeping to his room for fear of hurting others, all of which were said to cause significant impairment in his "occupational and social functioning". He has been able to manage his symptoms somewhat with therapy and medication, but he still can't tolerate groups of people, or much food.
Just two weeks ago the soldier received word that his PTSD had received a 10% disability rating from the MEB/PEB. (He counters that his remaining symptoms and resulting disability, as described in a second medical report, match those described for a 30% rating). He was also informed that both the PTSD and his slipped discs (rated at 20%) were considered chronic, not directly related to combat in Iraq - where he wore and carried 75lbs of equipment every day."
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