That looks like a must-see Ed.  I agree with your thoughts on that issue.

The song Stranger did strike a very poignant chord with me when I began to work here at the VA 6 years ago, not that I didn't love the song before that.  It would go through my head many a time while seeing Veteran patients.  Especially, "you've lost it all for me, there must be something I can do for you".  

I know I have posted on this before, but I noted certain clinical similarities in many Vietnam vets, especially those now in their mid-50's, and with direct combat experience.    The profile was something like this:  (I've got it somewhere in one of my documents)..just found it, a note to myself, obviously:

You will see the following association, not necessarily as cause and effect, but factors seemingly inextricably linked.  Why, I do not know, but there are larger forces at work here.

Viet Nam veteran------Diabetes-----Hepatitis C-----Agent Orange-----Substance a/o Alcohol use------Psychiatric problems-----Homeless-----Unemployed.

11/06/01

The prevalence of type II Diabetes in these men is simply staggering, and they did not fit the prototype of the classic overweight elderly patient; many were thin, otherwise healthy and active.  The explanation for this association is unclear.  However, as of the year 2000, Type II Diabetes in Agent Orange exposed Veterans is now an established service connected condition with applicable service connected compensation including complications of that disorder.

Gene

Three Hundred Thousand men, all different, all the same