RALEIGH - With over 800,000 veterans in North Carolina, the government shutdown could mean many in the state won't have access to VA benefits. However, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has developed contingency plans to continue providing counseling and claims assistance to veterans and their families at no cost.

Joe Violante  - the National Legislative Director for Disabled American Veterans- details what the DAV does,

"We're a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering ill and injured veterans to lead high quality lives with respect and dignity. we provide free services to any veterans. They don't have to be a member of the DAV. They don't have to be disabled at the time. We will assist them with their claims or appeals before VA."

For more information go to DAV.org