US President Barack Obama, in his weekly radio address, announced policy changes at the Department of Veteran Affairs that aim to make it easier for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder to receive benefits. For years, troops from current and previous wars have been required to provide specific evidence proving how their post-traumatic stress was caused, President Obama said, noting that the practice has prevented many veterans in non-combat roles from obtaining needed care. "I don't think our troops on the battlefield should have to take notes to keep for a claims application," President Obama said. "And I've met enough veterans to know that you don't have to engage in a firefight to endure the trauma of war." Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki will be tasked with putting an end to the practice beginning Monday. The policy shift is "long overdue," President Obama said. It's been made clear, "up and down the chain of command," that those who need of care should seek it, the President said, highlighting moves already taken by the administration to expand mental-health counseling and services.
