SAN ANTONIO – Sobbing at times, former Marine Juan Alonzo-Miranda testified about how his post-traumatic stress disorder affects him.
He was testifying in federal court Wednesday during a trial in which he claims that his employer discriminated against him.
The veteran of three tours in Iraq explained that he has panic attacks and flashbacks and that his service dog, Goldie, helps him cope with the disease.
"It is a real injury, a real issue," Alonzo-Miranda told the jury.
He is suing Schlumberger Technologies, an oil company, alleging mental anguish and for lost wages.
Alonzo-Miranda testified that he submitted paperwork asking that his dog accompany him to work to help him cope. His initial request was denied, he testified.
"When it was finally approved, they treated me like a second-class citizen when I went to work with Goldie at my side," he testified.
Alonzo-Miranda said he was not allowed to enter the building where he worked as a mechanic through the front door, and that he was denied access to the break room with his dog.
The company says the delay in granting Alonzo-Miranda's request was because they did not get timely documentation of his disability.