MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Department of Veterans Affairs is significantly increasing its referrals of veterans to private doctors following a scandal over lengthy patient waiting times at many VA hospitals and clinics and falsified appointment records, VA Secretary Robert McDonald said Wednesday.

McDonald spoke to a few hundred people at the American Veterans national convention in Memphis.

The VA has been shaken by reports that some veterans died while waiting for treatment. Some workers have been accused of covering up scheduling problems. The scandal led to the resignation of former VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and last month's appointment of McDonald, a former West Point graduate, Army Ranger and Procter and Gamble CEO.

In the past two months, the VA has made more than 838,000 referrals for veterans to receive care from private doctors, McDonald told the AMVETS. That's an increase of 166,000 referrals, or about 25 percent, from the same period last year. The statement drew applause from veterans in attendance.

“Until we get systems up to capacity, we're expanding our use of private care and other non-VA health care to improve access for veterans experiencing excessive wait times,” McDonald said. “And we're monitoring non-VA care to ensure veterans receive the best that they deserve.”

He said each referral results in seven medical visits or appointments, on average.

McDonald also addressed hiring practices at VA hospitals, calling them laborious, complicated and time consuming. He said about 1,000 new doctors, nurses and clerks were needed at the Phoenix VA hospital. Another 500 new doctors, nurses and clerks were needed at the VA facility in North Las Vegas.