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For wounded warriors, the path ahead is a challenging one. However, the challenge is sometimes made more difficult by a program designed to help.

"They're backed up because there are so many wounded warriors," said Todd Vance, an Army veteran and CEO of Pugilistic Offensive Warrior Tactics, a nonprofit that helps many troops afflicted by injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Vance said he has heard complaints about Wounded Warrior Regiment West based at Camp Pendleton. The unit is examined closely in a 168-page audit by the U.S. Department of Defense.

The audit gives the program high marks for quality of care and support for troops. 10News recently obtained video of the new Wounded Warrior Center at Camp Pendleton, which includes a state-of-the-art gym and underwater treadmill.

The audit also points to problem areas, including inadequate support for wounded warriors' families, a lack of primary medical care managers and long waits for appointments.

In one case, a wounded warrior had elevated blood pressure readings but it took two months to see a primary care manager.

Vance says delays lead to frustration.

"They don't go back for their appointments," he said. "They just kind of shut down."

The Wounded Warrior Regiment declined an interviewed but worked hard to address the issues, including better access to primary care managers, less wait time for medical board reviews and developing a comprehensive recovery plan for each warrior.