Obama plans to expand PTSD care with '21st century' veterans administration

President Barack Obama announced Saturday his administration will make it easier for military veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder to receive the benefits they need.

"This is a long-overdue step that will help veterans not just of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars, but generations of their brave predecessors who proudly served and sacrificed in all our wars," Obama said in his weekly radio address.

For many years, war veterans with post traumatic stress disorder have been stymied in receiving benefits by requirements they produce evidence proving a specific event caused their condition.

In addition, that practice has kept the vast majority of those suffering from this disorder who served in non-combat roles from getting the care they need, according to White House officials.

Obama said that beginning Monday, the Department of Veterans Affairs will start making the application process "easier," but did not offer specifics.

"It's a step that proves America will always be here for our veterans, just as they've been there for us," the president said. "We won't let them down. We take care of our own. And as long as I'm commander-in-chief, that's what we're going to keep doing."

This video was published by the White House on July 10, 2010.