Returning warriors in need of help may be no match for the Social Security Administration. The Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV), with seven offices, is looking to level the playing field and make it less of a battlefield.
The nonprofit LSHV was recently recognized for its advocacy work by the Warrior Transition Unit at West Point.
The command staff of the Warrior Transition Unit presented LSHV”™s “Veterans and Military Families Advocacy Project” with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of LSHV”™s representation of soldiers in Social Security disability benefits appeals.
The Warrior Transition Unit  helps wounded and traumatized soldiers and manages their care until they transition back to active duty or civilian status.
“These benefits are critical to ensuring that soldiers separated from the Army as a result of their injuries are able to transition back to civilian life without disrupting their medical care,” said Virginia Foulkrod, staff attorney for the advocacy project. Her work on behalf of veterans and members of the military resulted in back awards and ongoing benefits, LSHV reported.
Said Barbara Finkelstein, CEO, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley: “The goal of the project is to provide free legal advice and direct representation to veterans in civil legal matters. Together with our partners, we are part of a comprehensive network of providers who address the unique challenges that veterans and their families confront. We are constantly seeking to expand this network and enhance our programming in order to better serve those who have served our country.”
Services include counseling and advocacy for veterans and their families affected by traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder, housing, employment assistance, healthcare benefits, benefit case management, counseling for military sexual trauma and domestic violence, child care resources, shelter, addiction and substance abuse counseling.
The LSHV”™s offices are at 90 Maple Ave., White Plains; 30 S. Broadway, Yonkers; 100 E. First St., Mount Vernon; 137 N. Division St., Peekskill; 147 Union St., Poughkeepsie; 101 Hurley Ave., Kingston; and 1 Corwin Court, Newburgh.
