Comment on AN87-Proposed Rule-A

I support this proposed rule. I believe it will bring about needed changes to VA healthcare system, however VA health benefits are still not sufficient. Under 17.109 veterans receiving certain services will not have to pay co-pays. For people with low funds, co-pays can often be a deterrent from seeking health care. It is well know that health care in the US is expensive which often scares people away from seeking help. I think the no co-pay requirement is great and should be implemented. The part of this regulation that bothers me is the two year requirement for treatment. Basically patients would have needed to develop psychosis within two years of discharge or after the war/conflict. My problem with this provision is that illnesses that stem from a traumatic event, such as psychosis, can develop later in life. Or if someone has untreated psychosis, I am unsure of how the VA services will decide if it is covered. This two year requirement is a strict rule applied to an illness that doesn’t always follow the calendar. I do, however, like that there is no minimum service requirement for length of active-duty in order to qualify for these benefits. As a non-veteran, with limited ties to the veteran community, I believe that this country does not do enough to support our soldiers when they return home. For the most part, I think this proposed rule is a step in the right direction.