Hope you're continuing your progress back to normal!
No, I don't think it is "shell shock" or what is now called PTS (Post Traumatic Syndrome). He apparently did not want to be anywhere near the enemy. Made quite a fuss about things when they deployed the Swift Boats from the "safe" areas around CamRanh Bay to the delta area.
One of the items that popped out at me from the timeline being kept by christie was...
it was only 28 days between the time sKerry got his 1st PH until he left Vietnam. Now... he didn't get his 1st PH until much later than the "action" for which he claimed it. Since the Boston Whaler never engaged an enemy, his superior officer refused his claim. After he was no longer under the command of that superior he made the claim to another.
He was determined to get out of combat at all costs... so he made up or exaggerated the "wounds". Never lost a day of duty and I can't believe the action for which he received his Silver Star or Bronze Star. Marines that served in Vietnam for full tours with me would embarass him with laughter if they knew of his claims and the awards he received.