@1013leigh I have been on the road, and this afternoon was thinking about your situation. Does your friend have a veteran's group he belongs to, that has advocates? What about contacting your local city council or supervisor, rattling some cages to let them know a veteran is being pushed to the side? If you have a recording, or in writing, about the comment of not doing expensive tests, tell the VA they are leaving you no choice but to go to the media [TV or paper]. Be the squeaky wheel. Hope this helps.
Ginger