VetsFirst Full Membership to All Disabled Veterans, Dependents and Survivors

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VetsFirst Established by United Spinal Association: First and Only Organization to Offer Full Membership to All Disabled Veterans, Their Dependents and Survivors.

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VetsFirst (www.vetsfirst.org), a new national nonprofit organization that will help all of 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, was announced today by United Spinal Association.

VetsFirst membership will embrace all generations of veterans, including those living with post-traumatic stress disorders, traumatic brain injuries, toxic exposures and those who are at increased risk of diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, ALS). It also supplies the veterans' community with guidance on education and employment. In conjunction with United Spinal Association, VetsFirst provides legal representation in VA claims and appeals.

"VetsFirst will offer the same high level of service and personal approach it has become known for, while expanding to provide for the needs of veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Paul J. Tobin, president and CEO of United Spinal Association.

VetsFirst recognizes older era veterans are aging and their health and benefits needs are changing. Advocating and assisting women veterans and their particular health concerns are high priorities of VetsFirst.

"We're serving a very large membership with our holistic approach. When their families are taken care of veterans recover faster. Extending membership to veterans' families and others involved in their lives and well-being, distinguishes VetsFirst from other veterans organizations," said Leonard Selfon, VetsFirst senior vice president.

One of the organization's most unique offerings is 'Ask VetsFirst' (helpdesk.vetsfirst.org), a Web-based service that gives veterans an opportunity to get assistance with benefits-related inquiries on-line. Ask VetsFirst allows visitors to submit questions using an online submission form. A VetsFirst trained national service officer or attorney will then respond with information and resources to help resolve the inquiry.

About VetsFirst - In partnership with United Spinal Association (www.unitedspinal.org), VetsFirst (www.vetsfirst.org) is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization. VetsFirst's network of national veterans service officers and attorneys 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. Membership in VetsFirst is free.