The appeals process for Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) benefits claims has been under scrutiny for lengthy wait times and inaccurate decisions. In hopes of streamlining and improving the process, the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 was introduced and subsequently signed into law in August 2017 (Public Law 115-55). The requirements in […]
Paralyzed Veterans of America Blog
Update on the Status of VA Appeals Reform
Improvements in Air Travel Improvements for People with Disabilities
Changes to the air travel experience of people with disabilities are on the horizon following the signing of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018 in October. The FAA Reauthorization included several provisions explicitly targeted at improving the air travel process, including security screening, for passengers with disabilities. PVA worked with many stakeholders […]
When to Connect with Members of Congress
Traditionally, August signals a long recess work period for members of Congress. It is during this time that Senators and Representatives devote extra time and attention to meeting with their constituents, touring important facilities in their states and districts, and otherwise reconnecting with the citizens and communities they serve. Both members of the House and […]
Protecting the ADA Remains a Top Focus for PVA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. It is the most comprehensive disability rights legislation ever enacted. The ADA prohibits discrimination against a person with a disability in employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications.
VA MISSION Act Provides New Health Care Options for Vets
On May 23, the United States Senate voted 92-5 for the VA MISSION Act. The bill is now headed to President Trump’s desk for signature. The House of Representatives passed the bill on May 16, by a vote of 347-70. This historic legislation will reform care in the community, assess VA’s infrastructure, and finally, correct […]
Advocating for a Comprehensive VA Caregiver Program
Eight years ago, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) started a program that was the first of its kind in the United States. Recognizing the degree of injury endured by service members returning home from recent conflicts, and the burden shouldered by their caregivers, Congress took bold action to enable VA to meet their needs […]
Help us stop H.R. 620 and save the ADA – take action now!
H.R. 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017, also known as the “ADA Notification” bill, will be voted on by the House this Thursday, February 15. Please contact your Representatives now and ask them to vote ‘NO’ on H.R. 620. This bill would weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and make it harder for people with disabilities to participate […]
Trying To Plan Ahead Doesn’t Always Mean Success
In March 2015 we made the decision to fly to the National Paralyzed Veterans of America convention in San Diego. I am a quadraplegic and have not flown in almost fifteen years so I decided to contact Delta airlines by phone for a flight from Augusta, GA to Atlanta, GA. I had scheduled a connecting […]
Future of VA: Interview with ED Sherman Gillums & KSEV Houston
Listen to the interview with Ed Sherman Gillums Jr., chief strategy officer of American Veterans on the future of veterans.
DC VA Director Fire-Rehire Tests New VA Accountability Law
The phone rings after my call is transferred by the executive assistant to the hospital director’s direct line. The director picks up: “Hello.” I speak: “Hello, Mr. Hawkins. I’m hoping to get your help with a problem that I’m having with the DC Prosthetic Office. I had a wheelchair ordered over seven months ago, and apparently […]