Obama to address convention of disabled veterans

August 10, 2013 04:23 AM EST | AP

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will cite progress in reducing the backlog of disability claims when he addresses a gathering of disabled veterans on Saturday.

The White House says Obama also will discuss research into traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide among veterans and troops, as well as efforts to help veterans earn college degrees or get the credentials needed to compete for high-skilled jobs during his an appearance before the Disabled American Veterans' convention in downtown Orlando, Fla.

First lady Michelle Obama will also address the veterans. Mrs. Obama and Vice President Joe Biden's wife, Jill, are leading a national effort to rally public support for military families.

A top concern for veterans is the staggering backlog of disability claims for compensation for illness and injury caused by military service.

The number of claims waiting to be processed ballooned under Obama, largely because the administration made it easier for Vietnam veterans who were exposed to the Agent Orange defoliant to get benefits.

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