The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding its eligibility requirements for the Veterans Choice Program. The program allows veterans to seek outside care if they live more than 40 miles away from a VA medical facility. In the past, department officials measured that distance as the crow flies. On Tuesday, that changed to driving miles.

Some veterans service organizations are skeptical, though. Dan Caldwell is with Concerned Veterans For America. He said the distance should be measured by how far away a veteran is from a needed service.

"It’s a small positive change to fix some of the problems that have emerged with the Choice Card," said Caldwell. "But much more needs to be done to ensure the Choice Card actually works and the intent of the law is followed by the VA."

In a statement, VA Secretary Robert McDonald said the move will ensure more veterans have access to care and estimates it will double the number of vets eligible for the program.