VetsFirst Honors the Sacrifice of Our Nation's Warriors: Helps Thousands of Vets Reintegrate into Their Communities

NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2011  /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- VetsFirst, a program of United Spinal Association, thanks all generations of America's veterans for serving us proudly by helping them transition back to their families and communities.

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

"Sadly, these issues get very little public attention except on national holidays like Veterans Day. Many Americans tend to forget that there are thousands of veterans struggling every day to rediscover themselves and reintegrate back into their communities," said Heather Ansley, director of Veterans Policy at VetsFirst.

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.

"We also understand the important role families and caregivers play in the health and well-being of our veteran community. Including these individuals in the veteran's rehabilitation process is critical," Ansley added.

One way VetsFirst achieves this is through its call center and online help desk, "Ask VetsFirst," which connects with 2,000 veterans annually and assists with questions on military separation, claims appeals, and state benefits.

VetsFirst also offers assistance and representation in claims for benefits and services before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, other Federal and state agencies and legal representation before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

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

About VetsFirst
VetsFirst (www.vetsfirst.org) provides a network of national veterans service officers and attorneys to provide assistance and representation in securing health care, disability compensation, rehabilitation, education and other benefits for its members before the Department of Veterans Affairs' and in the federal courts.  

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
http://www.profnetconnect.com/HeatherL_Ansley

SOURCE United Spinal Association