PTSD much more than a "mental" issue with Iraq veterans...

[Jeffersons Ghost]

Especially in the early years (Desert Shield) US forces in Iraq were exposed to a variety of chemical compounds, like nerve gas, that have long-term effects. I know one veteran from that era who has a variety of physical issues. He wears a coat in warm weather and finds it hard to stay warm, among other things. The VA is not even attempting to treat physical nerve damage brought on by chemical attacks in Iraq. They lack funding for proper research in that area.

[aquart]

1. "Support the Troops" never extends to the veterans.

Or their families.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

3. propaganda hurts

[KT2000]

2. of course it is

We certainly do not have all the answers yet but we are learning alot.

You may want to look at http://www.thetenthparadigm.org
the nitric oxide cycle in the body shifts into high hear and causes many problems.
Down regulating with certain supplements and prescription drugs as Pall explains on the site helps.

Your friend needs to have his thyroid checked, including for the autoimmune condition called Hashimotos. That is common in chemically injured people.

The VA is never going to give him the kind of treatment he needs. He needs to look at less traditional doctors because they have been trying to help Gulf War vets for a long time. They have been helping other chemically injured people as well.
They have found some things that help.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

4. a kick for fellow vets. this needs 2 more recs.

[GTurck]

5. I have....

2 sons and a daughter-in-law with PTSD and none have access to any special care. But on of my sons has written a (published)novel about dealing with PTSD as a way to deal with his problem. His wife, my daughter-in-law, has various auto-immune diseases that often come from an overly stressed body and mind that developed during the siege of Sarajevo. One son has decided, after a year in Afghanistan investigating suicide and roadside bombings, that he hates all Afghanis; even the children. These are long term problems for them all and my heart goes out to each and every person who has no one to turn to to understand what they are going through.