Ocean swimmer - I don't understand what you are talking about about the va. If a veteran falls below a certain income, all their meds and appointments are free. If you are talking about help for housing then yes, a vetern has to be homeless or facing eviction with nowhere to go. The va has mental health clinics. In fact my psychiatrist has worked very hard with me to get me on a med combo that seems to be working. I pay nothing for my va treatment as I don't make enough money on my ssdi. And I have also had more than enough stays in the va psych units when needed. Also in a php program when needed.