The people behind every claim.

Meet the trusted medical professionals committed to supporting veterans through every step of their disability claims journey. Our credentialed examiners provide thorough, reliable evaluations with respect and expertise.

Chief Operations & Clinical Education Officer

Merit Rutland, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Merit Rutland is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in clinical practice, healthcare operations, and provider education. A former Associate Clinical Professor at The Ohio State University and recipient of Nursing Preceptor of the Year, she has dedicated her career to developing future healthcare professionals.

As Co-Owner of American Heroes Medical Services, Merit oversees clinical operations and co-developed the AHMS Education curriculum. She is committed to advancing evidence-based education, supporting healthcare providers, and improving outcomes for the veterans AHMS serves.

Chief Operations & Clinical Education Officer

Merit Rutland, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Merit Rutland is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in clinical practice, healthcare operations, and provider education. A former Associate Clinical Professor at The Ohio State University and recipient of Nursing Preceptor of the Year, she has dedicated her career to developing future healthcare professionals.

As Co-Owner of American Heroes Medical Services, Merit oversees clinical operations and co-developed the AHMS Education curriculum. She is committed to advancing evidence-based education, supporting healthcare providers, and improving outcomes for the veterans AHMS serves.

VA/DOD Credentialed C&P Examiner. AGFNP

Alyssa Spence

Alyssa Spence is a Family Nurse Practitioner with specialized training in Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams, credentialed by the Veterans Administration. She has a strong foundation in primary care, with years of experience serving veterans and their families. Her work at American Heroes Medical Services reflects her dedication to helping veterans access the medical documentation they need to support their benefits and claims.

Alyssa’s empathetic and methodical approach makes her a trusted figure for veterans undergoing the VA claims process. She believes in clear communication and transparency, ensuring that each veteran feels informed and supported during their evaluations. Her expertise and commitment to veteran healthcare contribute significantly to the compassionate, high-quality service provided at American Heroes Medical Services.

Chief Academic & Education Officer

Dr. Audra Hanners, DNP, APRN

Dr. Audra Hanners is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and board-certified Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in mental health, clinical education, and veteran disability medicine. As a founding clinical leader at American Heroes Medical Services, she leads the Mental Health Division and co-developed the AHMS Education curriculum.

Dr. Hanners specializes in medical opinions, Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), and evidence-based evaluations while helping educate healthcare professionals on VA disability medicine. Through clinical leadership, media appearances, and provider education, she is committed to improving the quality of medical evidence that helps veterans receive the benefits they have earned.

Chief Academic & Education Officer

Dr. Audra Hanners, DNP, APRN

Dr. Audra Hanners is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and board-certified Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in mental health, clinical education, and veteran disability medicine. As a founding clinical leader at American Heroes Medical Services, she leads the Mental Health Division and co-developed the AHMS Education curriculum.

Dr. Hanners specializes in medical opinions, Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), and evidence-based evaluations while helping educate healthcare professionals on VA disability medicine. Through clinical leadership, media appearances, and provider education, she is committed to improving the quality of medical evidence that helps veterans receive the benefits they have earned.

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Helping Veterans Get What They Earned and Deserve