WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today announced that the Veterans Administration (VA) is moving ahead with plans to open three new outpatient clinics designed to serve the healthcare needs of Missouri's military veterans, especially those veterans living in rural areas.

"All of our veterans, regardless of where they live, have earned access to the best healthcare we can give," McCaskill said. "This expansion is great news for our veterans living in rural areas who are sometimes forced to travel long distances to get even the most basic care."

This announcement is part of an effort by the Department of Veterans Affairs, made possible by McCaskill's support for a 63 percent increase in the VA's budget since 2007, to increase care and services for veterans. The new clinics in Missouri will be opened in Marshfield, Platte City, and Springfield. For a complete list of award recipients visit the VA's website, HERE.

During her first year in office, McCaskill successfully won a boost in the mileage reimbursement rate for disabled veterans from 11 cents to 41.5 cents per mile. It was the first mileage reimbursement increase in 30 years.

Separately, the Military Service Integrity Act, a bill championed by Senator McCaskill that institutes criminal penalties for anyone making a false claim relating to military service or awards to secure a tangible benefit for themselves, passed the Senate unanimously.

McCaskill, the daughter of a World War II veteran, has been a champion for military veterans since coming to the Senate in 2006, and was a leading advocate for the VOW to Hire Heroes Act. Read more about McCaskill's work for veterans by clicking HERE.

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