By Kevin Lavery, KWMU

St. Louis – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin says veterans need greater access to health care through the Veterans Administration medical system.

The Illinois Democrat visited with patients and doctors at the St. Louis V.A. Hospital at Jefferson Barracks Monday.

Durbin says health care offered through the V.A. is second to none, but adds the military still faces some problems.

"And many veterans, when given a chance, come to the VA system because it has such a good reputation," Durbin said. "That's the good news. The bad news is, you have soldiers coming back from Iraq. I say many times as a senator, 'what can I do?' They'll tell you something basic. Put armor plating on humvees; get us more body armor. We're still struggling to meet those obligations."

Earlier this month, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced a seven-year, $6.1 billion program to restructure medical services across the country.

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