Advocating for Veterans: Essential Care and Support Needs
Non-profit VSO leader presented real-life challenges faced by veterans and revealed PVA's future goals.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) National President Robert Thomas recently joined forces with several Veterans Service Organizations to present an urgent case for the enhancement of specialized VA health care during a pivotal annual testimony on Capitol Hill. In his impactful address, Thomas emphasized the essential need for improved funding and staffing for VA’s specialized care services.
"For many veterans enduring spinal cord injuries and illnesses, the VA serves not just as a healthcare provider but as the backbone of their health and wellbeing," said Thomas. He articulated the integral role the VA’s Spinal Cord Injury/Disease (SCI/D) system plays in offering consistent, long-term care that is often elusive in community healthcare settings. Thomas pointed out that insufficient staffing and funding can force veterans to seek care outside the VA, stripping them of the freedom to choose their healthcare options.
Throughout his testimony, Thomas highlighted several key policy priorities of PVA aimed at improving veterans' lives, including significant concerns like widespread shortages in VA staffing, insufficiencies in VA infrastructure, and the urgent need for more long-term care facilities dedicated to aging veterans with SCI/D.
Thomas didn’t shy away from sharing poignant stories from veterans directly affected by these systemic issues. He referenced Rick Evans, a U.S. Army Veteran, and PVA member from Georgia, who faced prolonged challenges in receiving adequate care in the private sector for eight years before finally turning to the VA. Evans has credited the VA with not just saving his life, but with fundamentally changing his quality of life. Thomas also brought attention to U.S. Army Veteran and PVA National Vice President Anne Robinson from Texas, who has faced similar hurdles as she and her husband navigate workforce shortages in direct care.
"Access to quality care and comprehensive medical support is not a privilege; it is a promise owed to disabled veterans for their dedicated service," Thomas stated emphatically. He called upon Congress to honor this commitment through increased investment in VA resources and robust legislation aimed at ensuring that veterans can live with dignity and independence.
PVA’s 2025 Policy Priorities reflect a holistic approach to veteran care, advocating for their physical, financial, mental, and societal well-being. These priorities encompass five major categories: 1) Prioritizing VA's Specialized Health Care Services; 2) Expanding Access to Long-Term Services and Supports for Veterans with SCI/D; 3) Enhancing Financial Security for Veterans; 4) Improving Access to Health Care Services for Veterans with SCI/D; and 5) Protecting the Rights and Freedoms of Veterans with Disabilities.
In conclusion, Thomas reaffirmed PVA’s commitment to serving veterans – especially those coping with severe injuries and conditions. He stressed that ensuring they receive timely access to specialized and high-quality healthcare, along with the comprehensive benefits they deserve, remains a vital mission of the organization.
To access a full transcript of PVA's testimony, veterans and their supporters can visit the PVA website for more information and to send messages to their congressional representatives. Engaging in advocacy through important petitions and joining the PVAction Force to receive legislative alerts is also encouraged.
About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is a non-profit organization dedicated to representing and supporting veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases. As a congressionally chartered entity, PVA works tirelessly to ensure that veterans receive the benefits they have rightfully earned, while also overseeing their care in VA spinal cord injury units and funding vital research aimed at improving care and seeking cures for paralysis.
With a deep-seated commitment to advocacy, PVA not only champions the rights of veterans but also strives to ensure accessibility in public spaces and offers training and career services. With over 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America provides support to veterans, their families, and caregivers across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Contact: Kristina Packard 703-282-8121
