Is this a case of Stolen Valor or Mental Illness

I agree with many of the statements posted – “That depression, anxiety, low-self-esteem or any other kind of mental disorder” in general should not be used and an excuse for stolen valor.

With that said, I came across a case of soldier who was being treated for a traumatic brain injury at the VA hospital. I was there visiting an injured service member and the hospital staff asked me if I would not mind visiting the service member. I agreed; the staff told me that the service member had been in a motorcycle accident and had to undergo surgery to relieve pressure the head trauma. The staff told me he was improving but he was “confused” and they were working to help him “sort out” his memory.

I met with the soldier and his family; it became apparent that he was not able to process reality. Before his accident the service member worked in administration and spent most of his time reviewing awards and evaluations. He was unwittingly regurgitating awards write-up and evaluation as events from his own memory. The doctors explained that this was common in head injuries.

Today the service member remembers who he really is and is embarrassed by what he told people. I share this story only to illustrate that this service member could have been confused with someone who stole valor. Although anyone that knew him it was obviously that he could not have done the things he claimed.

I lean more towards mental illness. While I think there are far more phony vets who either claim to have or exaggerate their military service than those who suffer from some level of delusion, the individual pictured above looks like a loser who knows he is one. I think the law should, if it doesn't already, distinguish between those who merely claim to be something they are not and those who do so with the intent to defraud the government or others for financial or material gain. Mentally ill people should get the help they need but the intentional fraudsters should go to jail.

Looks like someone spent all their allowance at the local Army/Navy store.

He's gotta be crazy to think anyone with intelligence would fall for this PX Ranger.

Would it be fair to say that Stolen Valor IS a Mental Illness?

I'm sorry, that picture is a joke. There is no way someone is that stupid.

Looking at these photos it was clear to me right away this guy is not well

Thank you all for your responses. I didn't want to lean one way or the other, but was curious as to the responses I would get.

He may have been suffering from a lack of identity or has confidence issues. Similar to wanting his 15 minutes of fame.

Very poor self image.