Dylan, I think benefits should vary off of years of service, combat, wounds/injuries, etc. And they should be allowed to go to any doctor at anytime, not just VA hospitals or clinics. For someone who went in for four years and rarely was deployed, should only receive a small package for say 10 years or so. Otherwise on their own.
It doesn't need to be free, it just needs to get them the care they deserve on their personal circumstances. If you're willing to fight for the country, you deserve a bit of benefits if your future is altered because of it.