United Spinal's VetsFirst Program Honors Our Nation's Military in Recognition of Veterans Day

NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association's VetsFirst program thanks all generations of America's veterans for serving us proudly by helping them transition back to their families and communities.

Veterans Day is just one day to honor the courageous men and women that have made the sacrifice to protect our freedom. It is also a day to recognize the myriad of challenges many veterans face when they return home.

VetsFirst helps America's disabled veterans, their spouses, dependent family members and survivors receive healthcare, compensation, rehabilitation, and other benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

One way VetsFirst achieves this is through its free call center and online help desk, "Ask VetsFirst," which connects with nearly 2,000 veterans annually and assists with questions on veterans' benefits and health care.

With regard to benefits, the number of questions received by "Ask VetsFirst," has steadily increased since the beginning of the year to approximately 100 questions online per month.

A customer service survey launched in May measures whether users find value in the online service.

The following comments are representative of an abundance of positive feedback that "Ask VetsFirst" has received from the survey:

"Everyone has been very helpful and very quick on getting back to me. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who needs assistance!!!."

"Great website and customer service."

"Thanks! Excellent service, thank you all!"

"Thank you. You provided exactly the information I was wondering about."

Currently, VetsFirst has been heavily involved in writing and advocating for a bill that is part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation is the Housing Assistance for Veterans Act. It would provide grants for housing nonprofits to do modifications and repairs for disabled and/or low-income veterans.

The NDAA is typically one of the few bills that Congress passes every year. But it hasn't moved across the finish line.

"We are hopeful that this bill will remain in the final version of the NDAA," said Heather Ansley, Vice President of VetsFirst.

The VetsFirst website, www.vetsfirst.org, provides veterans and their family members timely news and information, including guides on self-help, employment, separating from the military, as well as exclusive feature stories on VA funding, health care, and compensation.

About VetsFirst
VetsFirst (www.vetsfirst.org) provides disabled veterans and their families with the tools they need to successfully secure needed benefits and health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The program also advocates for the programs, services, and disability rights that help all generations of veterans with disabilities remain independent.

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

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Heather L. Ansley
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SOURCE United Spinal Association

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http://www.unitedspinal.org