PHOENIX --

Obama said that while VA Secretary Robert McDonald is "chipping away" at the problem, it was clear there was still more work to do.

"It's important that veterans know that somebody's got their backs, and that if there are problems that we're not being defensive about it, not hiding it," Obama said.

In his first trip to the Phoenix VA hospital whose practices sparked the scandal, Obama announced the creation of an advisory committee to recommend further steps the VA could take to improve veterans' access to health care.

Obama met with veterans, VA employees and elected officials, including Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake, Arizona's two Republican senators. He said lawmakers specifically raised questions about the slow pace of implementing a new law meant to increase health care choices for veterans. Mental health and suicide prevention are also areas of concern, he said.

"Trust is something you can lose real quick," Obama said, promoting the need to restore trust and confidence in the VA system. But, he added, "Every veteran I talked to today said that the actual care they received once in the system was outstanding."

Obama's visit came amid questions from lawmakers who say veterans are still not benefiting from changes in the law that were meant to improve their access to care. A month ago, Obama drew criticism for traveling to Phoenix without stopping at the VA hospital.

McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, blasted the president's visit as a "photo op." He said the foot-dragging in implementing VA reforms showed that Obama's administration had given up on reform before it even started.

"The American people - and veterans in particular - should be as unimpressed by the president's high-profile but empty gesture today as I am," said McCain, who held a news conference outside the VA to respond on-camera to the president's visit.

As Obama flew to Phoenix, the White House defended the VA's actions to correct problems.

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Obama acknowledges weakness in veterans' health care