WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) met this afternoon with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki to discuss ways to improve veterans care in New Mexico and around the country. Click here for additional photos from the meeting.
"Secretary Shinseki and I had a productive conversation about the need to improve services for veterans in our state. I shared with him my recent visit to Southeastern New Mexico, where I heard once again from rural veterans about their transportation challenges and obstacles in getting the care they deserve.
"We also discussed the VA's plans to address the unacceptable claims backlog, ways to improve disability processing, and the concrete steps needed to implement the burn pits registry -- including more outreach to vets about the health impacts of burn pits.
"During the meeting, I was glad to hear the Secretary shares my commitment to increasing the use of telehealth technologies and providing adequate mental health services to treat PTSD. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee's Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, I look forward to working with him to ensure the VA can meet its responsibilities to veterans in New Mexico and across our nation."
