For me it's not empathy, it's sympathy.  I am a combat Marine Corps vet with (in my opinion, very lucky) injuries from Iraq.  

I have friends who have been drawn into the VA "PTSD" prescription vortex.

These drugs obscure reality and delay resolution and new growth.  They are so powerful they "give feelings of consolation" to the vets immediately.   Big problem with this.  Very addictive and growth stunting.