FAIRFIELD — For 30 years, Steve Wright has been trying to get compensation for a spinal chord injury he suffered on a military base.

The 56-year-old Fairfield man filed a claim for benefits in 1978, but was rejected.

“I was told they were going to take care of me. But the reality is that wasn’t true,” he said.

Wright, who is now pursuing a disability claim, was one of nearly 30 people who attended a veterans benefit information session Wednesday, Nov. 12 at Workforce One of Butler County, 4631 Dixie Hwy.

The three-hour session was sponsored by the Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio, an advocate for low-income residents.

Legal Aid officials said the session was meant to help veterans like Wright — and social services agencies in the region who serve them — navigate the complex process of applying for disability benefits.

“We’ve discovered that Ohio is low on the totem pole on the benefits veterans are getting,” said Lori K. Elliott, managing attorney for Legal Aid. “It’s a complicated process and we want to do what we can to help them find out what benefits are available to them.”

Legal Aid and Cincinnati Veterans Affairs officials gave presentations on the new Military Injury Relief Fund, Department of Veterans Affairs Disability benefits and benefits available to family members of veterans.

Officials also discussed post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.

Wright, who is now “totally disabled” and lives on Social Security, said the session helped.

He said he’s currently working with doctors and other officials to get veterans benefits and believes he is on the right track this time.

“God willing, I hope I get something.”

For more information about veterans benefits, call Legal Aid at (513) 241-9400.