Former Army Spc. Michael Butcher, 29, sorts through the 2 dozen medications he uses to help cope with disabilities related to combat injuries sustained in Iraq. When he tells employers he needs time off to see therapists for post-traumatic stress disorder and a brain injury, they don’t call back. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Butcher has a dark scar where military doctors inserted a 4-inch screw to repair his ankle. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Butcher was on a tank crew in Iraq that repeatedly came under fire. He says he can’t turn his back on an open shade for fear the enemy is looking in. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Butcher hugs Dr. Eric Granholm after their weekly counseling session at the VA in San Diego. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Butcher shows medals he received commemorating the 2003 invasion of Iraq. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
