Veteran Medical Care: How Much Has Spending Increased?

The White House says more than 80% since 2001. Via Mark Thoma comes Paul Krugman saying only 45%. That’s a 45% nominal increase which is more like a 25% increase in real terms. I don’t have the data but what do wish to bet that the number of patients has increased by more than 25%. Does this White House insist on lying about everything?