Paralyzed Veterans of America National President Robert Thomas Calls for Protections for Specialized VA Health Care During Annual Testimony on Capitol Hill

Non-profit VSO leader gave real-life examples of challenges faced by today's veterans and
unveiled PVA's 2025 Policy Priorities

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America National President Robert Thomas joined several Veterans Service Organizations today to testify before the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees. Thomas stressed the importance of restoring VA's specialized care services, which are in dire need of adequate funding and staffing, and the vital role that VA-provided care and life-sustaining research play in shaping his life. Thomas also unveiled PVA's 2025 Policy Priorities, which will guide its advocacy efforts throughout the year.

"For many veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases, like MS and ALS, the VA is the cornerstone of our care," said Thomas. "The VA's SCI/D system of care provides coordinated, life-long services that are challenging to find in community care facilities. Without proper VA staffing and funding, veterans are forced into the community and denied the freedom to choose where they receive their medical care."

In his testimony, Thomas referenced several critical PVA policy priorities, including the need for Congress to address widespread VA staffing shortages, VA infrastructure deficiencies, and the lack of VA SCI/D long-term care facilities available to an aging veteran population. Thomas reinforced this message by referencing real-life challenges faced by PVA members and their caregivers, like U.S. Army Veteran and PVA Member Rick Evans of Georgia, whose needs were not sufficiently met for eight years in the private sector before he was introduced to the VA, which he credits for not only saving his life but transforming it, as well as U.S. Army Veteran/PVA National Vice President Anne Robinson and her husband Harry of Texas, who are routinely impacted by direct care workforce shortages.

"Access to quality care and comprehensive medical support systems is not a privilege – it's a promise owed to disabled veterans for their service and sacrifice," Thomas continued. "Congress has a duty to fulfill that promise by investing in resources and passing legislation that will help them live independently with dignity and purpose."

PVA's 2025 Policy Priorities serve the whole Veteran, fighting for their physical, societal, financial, and mental well-being. The priorities fall into five main categories, to include: 1) Protecting VA's Specialized Health Care Services; 2) Increasing Access to Long-Term Services and Supports for Veterans with SCI/D; 3) Improving Veterans' Financial Security; 4) Enhancing Access to Health Care Services for Veterans with SCI/D; and 5) Defending the Freedoms of Veterans with Disabilities.

Thomas concluded, "PVA remains a resource to ensure veterans – especially those with catastrophic injuries and diseases, like our members – as well as their families and caregivers get timely access to specialized, high quality health care and all the benefits they have earned and deserve."

To view PVA's testimony, click here. To learn more about PVA's 2025 Policy Priorities or send a message to your member of Congress, take part in important petitions, and join PVAction Force to receive PVA legislative alerts, visit PVA.org/PolicyPriorities. To read President Thomas' recent article in POLITICO entitled, "Choose VA: The Hidden and Inevitable Cost of Outsourcing Veteran Health Care," click here.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitors their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funds research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, PVA also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at PVA.org.

Contact: Kristina Packard 703-282-8121 cell
[email protected]

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America