YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED: An Iraq Vet Answered Viewers' Questions

Mar. 28, 2008— -- You submitted your questions to Iraq vet Marine Cpl. Jeff Landay and his mother, Michelle Landay. Here are there answers to your questions.

Bobby from Sylmar, Calif., asked: "Is there anything as private citizens we can do to help to get the message about your health to our government?"

Michelle Landay responded: Yes! Contact your congressman/woman and senator. Petition them and let them know you won't stand for our wounded being treated this way. Push for immediate action by the Department of Defense.

Dan from Walnut Creek, Calif., asked: "I am totally outraged and ashamed by what I saw on "World News Tonight." Our president has no problem spending trillions to invade a foreign country then kill and maim, yet he can't support the men and women he sent into harms way to carry out his bloody vendetta … and for what? How can I, as an average citizen, help you persuade the government to get the support and benefits you deserve?"

Michelle Landay responded: I can tell you Jeff is proud to have served in Iraq and proud of the job the corps is doing over there. You can help by petitioning your congressman/woman and senator for immediate action by the Department of Defense to meet the needs of our returning wounded.

Dr. Fusco from Berkeley, Calif., asked: "I have treated some of the current military personnel as well as veterans presenting with PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] symptoms. I am convinced that PTSD often occurs as a direct result of milder forms of TBI [traumatic brain injury]. Which would include being in the general vicinity of an IED [improvised explosive device] when it detonates. My question to you is, having sustained severe TBI, are you possibly experiencing symptoms of PTSD as well? This would include nightmares, insomnia, mood swings, rages, depression, eating disorders, sexual problems, etc. Thank you in advance for your kind response to my question."

Michelle Landay responded: I am unclear of the clinical difference between PTSD and TBI are. From our experience so far, many of the symptoms are the same. Jeff suffers from a lack of sleep, mood swings, "flash" anger and occasional nightmares. He deals with it through exercise and a healthy diet. He's also learning to "forgive" himself for being "less" than he was before the injury. It has helped him deal with his anxiety and anger.