President Barack Obama says the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have left the nation with a new generation of veterans, one he called the 9-11 generation. Obama spoke Saturday in Orlando on the opening day of the Disabled American Veterans national convention.
He described how the government is caring for this new generation of veterans. But he said too many are waiting too long for their benefits.
"Part of it is all of these new veterans in the system who came in", said Obama. "Agent Orange. PTSD. It meant a lot more claims."
The president said the US Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded its staff of claims processors, and funding has grown 40%.
He also said more veterans now have health care. But they need more help transitioning to new careers.
First Lady Michelle Obama introduced the president.
More than 4,000 were expected at the convention. It concludes Tuesday.