Tell him not to take it too personally Jeff - the copper making the decision won't know him so, he just has to run the numbers - mental issues are still very difficult for most doctors to understand and work out.
............. Look at it this way - would any of us give a rifle to a stranger that has history?
I hope he enjoys his shooting mate (albeit restricted,) and, at some point in the future, it'll be nice if he gets granted his license