Millions of US war veterans suffering from mental illnesses have been hit by serious delays in much-needed treatment, according to a new report, which was requested by congress.

To help alleviate the problem, the government is planning to boost the number of medical staff at the Veteran Affairs department, which provides patient care and federal benefits to veterans and their dependents.

But many ex-soldiers are scepitical that it would be sufficient to meet their needs.

Rosiland Jordan reports from Washington DC.