Comment on AN54-Proposed Rule-James H. Lynch

Thank you for the opportunity to speak out on behalf of America's Vietnam veterans. The issue I want to address is that of Vietnam veterans with diagnosed peripheral neuropathy. As a Veterans Service Officer who represents vet's in their efforts to obtain compensation, I find that the existing rule for peripheral neuropathy is totally unrealistic. As I meet with (Vietnam) vet's daily, many, many are diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy but the "two year rule" arbitrarily excludes them from eligibility. No veteran I've met thus far, ha been diagnosed within two years of exposure. Without exception, they are all diagnosed after about twenty-five to thirty years of their exposure. Thus, the CFR rule excludes them from eligibility. Truly, there needs to be a re-assessment of this situation, as our Vietnam vet population is aging and their health situation is not good (re: Agent Orange). Please advise on this critical situation. I am willing to further address this scenario from the situation in which I find myself having to explain this over and over again to my Vietnam veteran clientel. Thank you.