How Paralyzed Veterans of America Helps Veterans with Disabilities

Paralyzed Veterans of America: Mission, Programs, and How to Get Involved

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a congressionally chartered veterans service organization founded in 1946 by World War II veterans who returned home with spinal cord injuries. PVA’s mission is to empower veterans with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) to live independent, healthy, and productive lives. The organization provides free benefits assistance, adaptive sports, career support, advocacy, and research funding.

Quick Facts

What Is Paralyzed Veterans of America?

Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely to serving veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

PVA was founded in 1946 by a band of service members who came home from World War II with spinal cord injuries. They returned to a grateful nation but also to a world with few solutions to the major challenges they faced. These wounded heroes made a decision not just to live, but to live with dignity as contributors to society. They created Paralyzed Veterans of America, an organization dedicated to serving veterans—and to medical research, advocacy and civil rights for all people with disabilities.

More than 300,000 people live with a spinal cord injury in the U.S. Approximately 42,000 of them are veterans. PVA provides services to veterans free of charge, representing all ages, all branches, and across all conflicts.

Why PVA Matters

PVA fills critical gaps that government programs alone cannot address. The organization:

• Helps veterans secure earned VA benefits they may not know they qualify for

• Provides adaptive sports and recreation that improve physical and mental health

• Offers career support to help veterans re-enter the workforce

• Advocates for legislation that protects and expands veterans’ rights

• Funds medical research to treat and cure paralysis

PVA’s Core Mission Areas

PVA focuses on the whole veteran—their physical health, financial security, societal needs, and mental well-being. The organization’s work falls into four primary pillars:

1. Advocacy — Fighting for the rights of paralyzed veterans and all people with disabilities at the federal level

2. Benefits Assistance — Helping veterans file VA claims and obtain earned benefits

3. Programs and Services — Providing adaptive sports, career support, and scholarships

4. Research — Funding medical research to treat and cure spinal cord injuries and diseases

PVA Membership: Eligibility and How to Join

PVA membership is free and open to U.S. citizen veterans with spinal cord injury or disease whose discharge was other than dishonorable.

Who Qualifies for PVA Membership

To be eligible for PVA membership, you must meet all three of the following criteria:

1. Citizenship — You are a citizen of the United States or its territories

2. Military Service — You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces with a discharge other than dishonorable

3. Medical Condition — You have a spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D)

Qualifying Conditions

PVA membership covers a range of spinal cord conditions, including:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — All veterans with ALS qualify

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) — All veterans with MS qualify (PVA expanded membership in 2022 to include all veterans with MS)

• Cauda equina syndrome

• Poliomyelitis

• Spina bifida

• Spinal cord tumor

• Severe spinal stenosis (causing neurological impairment)

• Syringomyelia

• Transverse myelitis

PVA welcomes veterans with both service-connected and non-service-connected disabilities. If your condition is not listed, contact members@pva.org for clarification.

Benefits of PVA Membership

Joining PVA provides access to a comprehensive network of support:

• VA benefits assistance — Help filing claims and appeals

• Employment and higher education support — Career counseling and job placement

• Sports and recreation opportunities — Adaptive sports events and programs

• Membership in one of 33 chapters — Local social and sporting events

• Monthly e-newsletter — Updates on programs, advocacy, and events

• Complimentary magazine subscriptions — PN magazine and Sports ‘N Spokes magazine

• College scholarships — Financial aid for higher education

• Access to member-only Facebook groups — Including a group specifically for women veterans

How to Apply for PVA Membership

Step 1: Complete the online membership form at pva.org/membership.

Step 2: Submit supporting documents:

• DD-214 (military discharge document)

• Medical evidence of SCI/D (your physician can complete PVA’s Physician’s Statement Form)

• Proof of U.S. or U.S. Territorial Citizenship

Step 3: If you prefer a paper application, download the printable membership application and send it by email or mail to membership@pva.org.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing documentation — Ensure you have your DD-214 and medical evidence ready before applying

• Assuming you don’t qualify — PVA accepts both service-connected and non-service-connected conditions

• Waiting to apply — PVA services are free, and you can join at any time

• Not updating your address — Keep your contact information current to receive benefits and publications

PVA Programs and Services

PVA offers a comprehensive suite of programs designed to meet the needs of veterans with SCI/D at every stage of their journey.

Veterans Benefits Assistance

PVA’s National Service Officers (NSOs) help veterans file VA claims, monitor hospital activity, and obtain legal aid for claims and appeals. NSOs are veterans themselves and receive continued education to stay current on VA offerings.

What PVA benefits assistance covers:

• Disability compensation claims

• VA health care enrollment

• Home modification grants

• Automobile adaptive equipment grants

• VA pension and survivor benefits

• Aid and Attendance benefits

• Life insurance benefits

• Assisted reproductive technologies

Impact: PVA has secured more than $230.5 million in new annual and retroactive payments to veterans and their families, with over 23,000 new claims filed annually.

How to access: Contact the PVA Veterans Benefits Helpline at 1-866-734-0857 or connect with an NSO at PVA.org/NSO.

Adaptive Sports and Recreation

PVA offers over 60 free year-round adaptive sporting and recreational opportunities, benefiting thousands of veterans and athletes with disabilities nationwide. Programs include both virtual and in-person events.

Adaptive sports offered:

• Wheelchair rugby

• Bass fishing

• Paracycling (off-road, road, recreational, and online)

• Boccia

• Bowling

• Pickleball

• Wheelchair basketball

• Trap shooting

• Air guns

• Archery

• Billiards

• Yoga

• Whitewater rafting

• Kayaking

• Paddleboarding

• Adaptive hiking

• Horseback riding

National Veterans Wheelchair Games: Co-presented by PVA and the Department of Veterans Affairs, this is the world’s largest annual wheelchair sports and rehabilitation event solely for military veterans. The Games feature approximately 20 different events and have been held annually since 1981.

Online Fitness + Wellness Program: PVA launched a free virtual adaptive fitness and wellness program powered by Warrior Strong, designed exclusively for veterans facing mobility challenges.

Veterans Career Program

PVA’s Veterans Career Program (formerly known as PAVE) provides free employment support and vocational counseling assistance to all veterans, transitioning service members, spouses, and caregivers.

Services include:

• One-on-one vocational counseling

• Resume and cover letter assistance

• Interview and communication training

• Job placement support

• Education and training guidance

• Volunteer opportunity matching

Eligibility: Open to all veterans, with a focus on PVA members and veterans with disabilities (service-connected and non-service-connected).

Impact: The program has helped more than 5,000 veterans, military spouses, and caregivers find meaningful work. More than 80% of clients stay in their position for more than a year, and veterans placed by PVA earn an average salary of nearly $70,000—35% above the national average for veterans.

How to access: Visit PVA.org/careers or contact the Veterans Career Program directly.

Educational Scholarship Program

PVA’s Educational Scholarship Program assists PVA members and their immediate family members by providing scholarship funds for post-secondary education.

Award amounts:

• $2,500 — Full-time students

• $1,000 — Part-time students

Eligibility:

• Must be a PVA member, spouse, or unmarried dependent child under age 24

• Must be a U.S. citizen

Application: Applications become available in March. The PVA Scholarship Review Committee selects recipients based on application completion, personal statement, and academic transcript.

Research Foundation

PVA established its Research Foundation in 1974 to improve the care and treatment of spinal cord injury and disorders. The foundation supports innovative research and fellowships that improve the lives of those with SCI/D.

Funding categories:

• Basic Science

• Clinical Applications

• Design and Development/Assistive Technology

• Post-doctoral Fellowships

Grants: Funded up to $200,000 for 2 or 3 years.

Impact: Since its inception, PVA has invested 644 grants for a total of $54,109,999 in research funding.

Advocacy and Legislation

PVA has been behind some of the nation’s most important disability civil rights legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Air Carrier Access Act.

2025 Policy Priorities:

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 Veterans’ Access to Care and Benefits

5. Supporting Research and Education

PVA testifies before Congress regularly to inform legislators and shape policy priorities that improve the lives of PVA members, their families, caregivers, and survivors.

How to Get Involved with PVA

There are three primary ways to support PVA’s mission: becoming a member, volunteering, and donating.

Become a Member

PVA membership is free and open to qualifying veterans. As a member, you become part of a family of more than 16,000 men and women united to make the world better for veterans and all people with disabilities.

Membership benefits recap:

• VA benefits assistance

• Career and education support

• Adaptive sports and recreation

• Chapter membership (33 chapters nationwide)

• Monthly e-newsletter

• PN magazine and Sports ‘N Spokes subscriptions

• Scholarship opportunities

• Member-only Facebook groups

Volunteer Your Time

Each PVA chapter offers its own volunteer program with a variety of opportunities. You can commit to as many hours as you choose.

Volunteer opportunities may include:

• Assisting at adaptive sports events

• Supporting chapter activities

• Helping with fundraising events

• Providing administrative support

• Participating in advocacy efforts

Volunteering can be a life-changing experience—not only for you, but for the paralyzed veteran whose life you are helping to improve.

Donate

PVA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that neither seeks nor receives government funds. All programs and services are provided free of charge because of donor support.

Ways to give:

• One-time donation — Visit pva.org/donate

• Monthly giving (Heroes Circle) — Automated recurring donations that ensure PVA can meet every veteran in need

• Vehicle donation — Donate cars, trucks, boats, RVs, motorcycles, and even airplanes. Call 877-900-VETS (877-900-8387) or visit pva.careasy.org.

• IRA contributions — Tax-deductible contributions from individual retirement accounts

Vehicle donation details:

• Free pickup within 24-48 hours

• Tax-deductible

• PVA receives 70% of net proceeds

• Accepts vehicles running or not

• IRS Form 1098-C provided for tax purposes

PVA Chapters: Local Support Nationwide

PVA operates 33 chapters across the United States and Puerto Rico. Chapters deliver high-touch services to local members, their families, and caregivers.

What Chapters Provide

• Local social events and community building

• Adaptive sports and recreation activities

• Benefits assistance through local service officers

• Advocacy at the state and local level

• Volunteer opportunities

• Connection to national PVA programs and resources

Finding Your Chapter

Visit PVA.org/chapters to find the chapter nearest you. You can transfer your membership to another chapter if you move.

How Chapters Support Veterans

Chapters magnify PVA’s national efforts by delivering personalized, local support. As PVA National President Robert Thomas noted, “Our chapters are the backbone of our organization, providing direct support to veterans in their communities.”

PVA and VA Benefits: What Veterans Should Know

PVA helps veterans navigate the complex VA benefits system. Here’s what you need to know about key benefit programs.

VA Disability Compensation

VA disability compensation is a monthly tax-free payment for veterans who became ill or injured during military service or whose existing condition worsened due to service.

How PVA helps: NSOs assist with filing initial claims, appeals, and claims for increased ratings. They can submit claims on behalf of the veteran, input evidence, track the claims process, and review files.

Key forms:

• VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation)

• VA Form 21-0996 (Appeal to Board of Veterans’ Appeals)

VA Health Care

Veterans with SCI/D may qualify for specialized VA health care, including the VA’s SCI/D system of care.

What PVA does: PVA’s Medical Services Department oversees the quality of care at VA hospitals. National Service Officers stationed within VA hospitals across the country meet veterans from day one of their injury or illness.

How PVA helps: PVA monitors hospital activity, advocates for quality care, and helps veterans access specialized services.

Home Modification and Vehicle Grants

Veterans with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for grants to modify their homes for wheelchair accessibility and to adapt vehicles for their needs.

Programs include:

• Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant

• Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant

• Automobile Allowance and Adaptive Equipment

PVA’s impact: PVA has secured $9.6 million to make veterans’ cars wheelchair-accessible.

VA Pension and Survivor Benefits

PVA assists veterans and surviving spouses with:

• VA Pension for eligible low-income veterans with disabilities

• Survivor benefits for spouses and dependents

• Aid and Attendance benefits for catastrophically disabled veterans

How to Apply for VA Benefits Through PVA

1. Contact PVA — Call the Veterans Benefits Helpline at 1-866-734-0857 or connect with an NSO at PVA.org/NSO

2. Gather documentation — DD-214, medical records, and any prior VA correspondence

3. Meet with an NSO — In person at a VA medical center or by phone

4. File your claim — Your NSO will prepare and submit your claim

5. Track your claim — Your NSO monitors progress and keeps you informed

6. Appeal if denied — PVA provides legal representation for appeals

Common Mistakes Veterans Make with VA Claims

• Filing without evidence — Claims without medical evidence are often denied

• Missing deadlines — Appeals have strict timelines

• Not seeking a secondary condition rating — Conditions caused by your primary disability may qualify for additional compensation

• Failing to request a higher-level review — If you disagree with a decision, you have options

• Not updating your claim — If your condition worsens, you may qualify for an increased rating

PVA Advocacy: Fighting for Veterans’ Rights

PVA’s advocacy efforts span legislation, regulation, and civil rights.

Legislative Priorities

PVA advocates for legislation that affects veterans with SCI/D and all people with disabilities. Key priorities include:

• Protecting and strengthening the VA’s SCI/D system of care

• Improving caregiver support and bowel and bladder care services

• Increasing access to long-term services and supports

• Enhancing veterans’ financial security

• Supporting spinal cord research and education

Recent Legislative Wins

PVA’s advocacy helped pass the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which passed both the House and Senate and was signed into law.

How Veterans Can Support PVA Advocacy

• Join PVA — Your membership strengthens PVA’s voice in Washington

• Contact your representatives — PVA provides tools to help you advocate

• Participate in advocacy events — PVA hosts an Annual Advocacy Legislation Seminar

• Share your story — Personal stories help legislators understand the impact of their decisions

Common Questions

What is Paralyzed Veterans of America?

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a congressionally chartered veterans service organization founded in 1946. It is the only nonprofit veterans service organization dedicated solely to helping veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases (SCI/D), including MS and ALS. PVA provides free benefits assistance, adaptive sports, career support, advocacy, and research funding.

Who is eligible for PVA membership?

PVA membership is open to U.S. citizen veterans with a spinal cord injury or disease whose discharge was other than dishonorable. Qualifying conditions include spinal cord injury, ALS, MS, cauda equina syndrome, poliomyelitis, spina bifida, spinal cord tumors, severe spinal stenosis, syringomyelia, and transverse myelitis.

Is PVA membership free?

Yes, PVA membership is completely free. PVA also does not charge for any of its services, including benefits assistance, career counseling, and adaptive sports programs.

How do I apply for PVA membership?

Complete the online form at pva.org/membership. You will need to submit your DD-214, medical evidence of SCI/D (your physician can complete PVA’s Physician’s Statement Form), and proof of U.S. citizenship. You can also download a printed application and send it by email or mail.

What VA benefits can PVA help me with?

PVA helps veterans with VA disability compensation, health care enrollment, home modification grants, automobile grants, VA pension, survivor benefits, Aid and Attendance benefits, life insurance, and appeals. PVA’s National Service Officers are accredited to represent veterans before the VA.

How much does PVA’s benefits assistance cost?

PVA’s benefits assistance is completely free. PVA does not charge veterans for any services, including claims filing, appeals representation, career counseling, or adaptive sports programs.

What adaptive sports does PVA offer?

PVA offers over 60 free adaptive sports and recreation programs, including wheelchair rugby, bass fishing, paracycling, boccia, bowling, pickleball, wheelchair basketball, trap shooting, archery, yoga, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and more. The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is PVA’s largest annual event.

Does PVA help with employment?

Yes, PVA’s Veterans Career Program provides free employment support and vocational counseling to all veterans, transitioning service members, spouses, and caregivers. Services include resume assistance, interview training, job placement, and education guidance. More than 5,000 veterans have found meaningful work through the program.

How can I donate to PVA?

You can donate online at pva.org/donate, join the Heroes Circle monthly giving program, or donate a vehicle by calling 877-900-VETS (877-900-8387). PVA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Does PVA receive government funding?

No. PVA proudly neither seeks nor receives government funds. All programs and services are funded through donations, grants, and fundraising efforts.

How many PVA chapters are there?

PVA has 33 chapters across the United States and Puerto Rico. Chapters provide local support, including social events, adaptive sports, benefits assistance, and volunteer opportunities.

What is the National Veterans Wheelchair Games?

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the world’s largest annual wheelchair sports and rehabilitation event solely for military veterans. Co-presented by PVA and the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Games feature approximately 20 competitive events and have been held annually since 1981.

Can family members join PVA?

PVA membership is limited to qualifying veterans. However, family members can support PVA by volunteering, donating, or participating in chapter activities. PVA’s scholarship program is open to members’ spouses and dependent children.

How do I find my local PVA chapter?

Visit PVA.org/chapters to find the chapter nearest you. You can also contact PVA’s national office at 1-800-424-8200 for assistance.

What should I do if my VA claim is denied?

Contact PVA immediately. PVA’s National Service Officers and attorneys provide free representation for appeals. You have one year from the date of a VA decision to file an appeal. PVA can help you request a higher-level review, submit new evidence, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

Key Takeaways

• PVA is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely to veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases (SCI/D), including MS and ALS.

• PVA membership is free and open to U.S. citizen veterans with SCI/D and an other than dishonorable discharge.

• PVA provides free benefits assistance through accredited National Service Officers who help file VA claims and appeals. PVA has secured more than $230.5 million in benefits for veterans and families.

• PVA offers over 60 free adaptive sports programs, including the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the world’s largest annual wheelchair sports event for veterans.

• PVA’s Veterans Career Program has helped more than 5,000 veterans, spouses, and caregivers find meaningful employment, with an average salary of nearly $70,000.

• PVA advocates for veterans’ rights at the federal level, supporting legislation that protects VA health care, improves caregiver support, and enhances financial security.

• PVA funds medical research to treat and cure spinal cord injuries and diseases, with 644 grants totaling over $54 million invested since 1974.

• You can support PVA by becoming a member, volunteering, or donating — including vehicle donations, monthly giving through the Heroes Circle, and IRA contributions.

• PVA operates 33 chapters across the United States and Puerto Rico, providing local support, social events, and community connection.

• PVA services are completely free — the organization neither seeks nor receives government funds and relies on donor support.

Official Resources

PVA Resources

• PVA Official Website: https://www.pva.org

• PVA Membership Application: https://pva.org/membership

• PVA Veterans Benefits Helpline: 1-866-734-0857

• PVA Chapter Finder: https://pva.org/chapters

• PVA Vehicle Donation: https://pva.careasy.org or 877-900-VETS (877-900-8387)

• PVA Career Program: https://pva.org/careers

• PVA Scholarship Program: https://pva.org/scholarship-program

Government Resources

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.va.gov

• VA Disability Compensation: https://www.va.gov/disability

• VA Health Care: https://www.va.gov/health

• VA Benefits Forms: https://www.va.gov/find-forms

• Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov

• Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov

• Medicaid: https://www.medicaid.gov

• USA.gov Veterans Services: https://www.usa.gov/veterans

Veterans Service Organizations

• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): https://www.vfw.org

• American Legion: https://www.legion.org

• Disabled American Veterans (DAV): https://www.dav.org

• Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

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