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Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence

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Paralyzed Veterans of America: A Champion for Veterans with Multiple Sclerosis

Since World War II, the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has helped Veterans with paralysis live healthier, more independent lives. PVA works to make sure Veterans with multiple sclerosis (MS) get timely benefits, quality healthcare, civil rights, and equal opportunities.

PVA logo of person in wheelchair

Benefits

Many Veterans with MS don’t know they can get VA disability payments. Veterans may qualify for benefits if their military or medical records show a possible MS symptom within 7 years after leaving active service honorably. Even if doctors thought a Veteran’s symptoms were something else at the time, they could still qualify for benefits. For example, blurry vision or weak arms and legs that weren’t diagnosed as MS at the time might still count.

PVA’s service officers are experts who review all your military and health records. They look for symptoms within that 7-year window and get a doctor’s opinion connecting those symptoms to MS.

Healthcare

For over 30 years, PVA has checked the quality of care at VA Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI/D) Centers across the country and Puerto Rico. Teams of nurses, doctors, architects, and paralyzed Veterans visit each center every year to make sure they meet VA standards. These SCI/D Centers are known for excellent care for Veterans with spinal cord injuries and problems. Since MS can cause similar effects as spinal cord injury (like trouble walking, bladder problems, and chronic pain), PVA and the VA worked together to allow Veterans with MS to get care at these centers.

Civil Rights

PVA is unique because it fights for both Veterans and all people with disabilities. Since MS can affect anyone, when PVA makes buildings and places more accessible for Veterans, it helps everyone with disabilities too.
PVA’s team of architects helps make sure public buildings, private businesses, and government buildings are accessible. This helps people with disabilities be more independent and participate more in society. PVA also supports the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which helps 650 million people worldwide living with disabilities, including 2.3 million with MS.

Equal Opportunity

PVA created the PAVE Program (Paving Access for Veterans Employment) to help disabled Veterans find jobs and support themselves financially. The program helps Veterans overcome barriers like:

  • Low confidence
  • Employer prejudice
  • Health problems
  • Not knowing about VA benefits

PAVE’s job counselors and employment experts work with benefits specialists and healthcare advocates to address all the issues that make it hard for disabled Veterans to compete for jobs. They also educate employers.

Making a Difference

Research shows that MS affects military Veterans at a higher rate than other people. About 22,000 Veterans with MS get healthcare at the VA. PVA’s programs and services help these Veterans live full lives despite MS. For Veterans, family members, and caregivers who need assistance or want to learn more,

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