Durbin wrote part of the "Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act," and President Obama signed it into law earlier in May.
"We're able to take care of our guys and get them the care they need, and then also, get us the care we need, which is support and financial help so we can focus on our heroes," said Aimee Zmysly, caregiver for her disabled husband.
Among other benefits, the new law eliminates co-payments for so-called "catastrophically disabled" veterans, including those in the reserves and National Guard.
The law expands health care coverage and provides monthly stipends to the veterans' caregivers. It also allows the use of hospitals outside the VA network to treat brain injuries.
