I've noticed many claim to have PTSD who never saw combat

Nope. I've never encountered a protester who claims to have been a veteran. I have encountered and/or read about veterans who claim to have all these non-existent medals such as purple hearts, when in fact, they worked in offices in the States during the war. There is a huge, booming business in the buying and selling of medals. As one who reads veterans claims daily for a living, I have heard more bullshit combat stories than I care to recount. How do I know they are bullshit? We get hold of their duties and assignments while in the service. Suddenly the combat infantry soldier turns out to be the short order fry cook. Protesters don't need to fabricate their stories. There is no Veterans Administration money for them to get.