http://www.vetsfirst.org Vetsfirst Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:46:53 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Veterans, their families, and survivors receiving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs saw a 3.6 percent increase in their compensation and pension benefits beginning January 1. “Veterans, their families and their survivors are entitled to benefits that keep pace with the cost of living,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric ... http://www.vetsfirst.org/veterans-and-beneficiaries-receive-2012-cost-of-living-adjustment/ If you are a military veteran who receives healthcare at your local VA Medical Center, and are age 55 and older, there is an annual event that you should know about. It’s called the National Veterans Golden Age Games (NVGAG) and it’s the only national multi-event sports/recreational senior’s competition ... http://www.vetsfirst.org/national-veterans-golden-age-games/ It was a busy and very productive year for United Spinal Association’s VetsFirst program as we continue our fight to ensure America’s veterans and their eligible family members get the benefits they deserve and need. In 2011, our National Service Officers provided advice and support to the brave men and women ... http://www.vetsfirst.org/vetsfirst-2011-year-in-review/ Did you know that the VA provides benefits for guide and service dogs? A new video produced by VA's Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service discusses how service dogs might be a good option for some veterans living with disabilities. VA also provides a Q&A on Guide and Service Dogs that explains ... http://www.vetsfirst.org/va-releases-new-service-dog-psa/ Airline travel for veterans with disabilities, whether you are a wheelchair user or living with other medical conditions, can sometimes be a big hassle. Ok, ok--it is always a big hassle. For most of your average airline customers, the heightened security and screening procedures are no picnic. And if you’re traveling ... http://www.vetsfirst.org/tsa-creates-helpline-for-travelers-with-disabilities-and-medical-conditions/ I lived through an absolutely incredible week recently. Late in the day on Tuesday, December 20th, I received a phone call from my friend and work colleague of more than 31 years, United Spinal Association Senior Vice-President Jim Weisman. He was close to home on his return trip from Albany where ... http://www.vetsfirst.org/paying-it-forward/ As the Holiday season is upon us, I’m reminded of the many joyful family gatherings of years past. For me, most of these celebrations have taken place either in my home or in the homes of my loved ones. But for some veterans out there, finding a suitable place to ... http://www.vetsfirst.org/home-sweet-home/ The economic slump has found many veterans unemployed, of all ages and eras. Recently, Congress passed the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, which was then signed into law by the President of the United States. One of the most beneficial parts of this Act for the ... http://www.vetsfirst.org/veterans-retraining-assistance-program/ The majority of service-connected disabilities are defined by a percentage ranging from 0 to 100 percent to reflect the severity of the condition(s) and the disabling effects they have on the veteran. These percentages are explicitly defined by Federal Regulations under the Schedule for Rating Disabilities and are assigned ... http://www.vetsfirst.org/special-monthly-compensation-ratings-are-you-eligible/ VetsFirst believes that returning to the workforce provides one of the best ways for veterans with disabilities to reintegrate into their communities. Unfortunately, many veterans from the current conflicts face steep barriers to employment. On November 16, VetsFirst, on behalf of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities participated in a hearing ... http://www.vetsfirst.org/employment-helps-disabled-veterans-regain-their-independence/