PVA is known for our focus on serving Veterans with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 1 in 4 of our members lives with MS. We help them navigate the ins and outs of living with the disease. We are are skilled in securing unique MS benefits for our Veterans from the VA and are adept at navigating the VA to get our members quality care for their condition. We also connect members with MS to resources outside of PVA. We have strong partnerships with prominent MS organizations such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the VA's Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence. Beyond connecting them to the resources they need, we offer Veterans with MS a warm welcome to a community of Veterans, caregivers, and families going through similar struggles. Through community support, Veterans can get back to living their lives to the fullest.

If you are a Veteran with MS looking for help navigating the VA benefits process, get in touch with our experts.

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PVA MS STORIES

About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system, and is the most common neurolgical disorder in young adults. It is a chronic disease that is often disabling, but isn’t fatal. Most people with MS live productive lives and learn to cope with their symptoms and limitations.

Cause

Although the exact cause is unknown, current medical opinion is that it is an abnormal response of the body’s immune system, causing it to attack itself—also known as an autoimmune disease. When the body’s myelin (a rich layer of special fatty substances around each nerve fiber) repairs itself, it is scarred—this destruction of myelin is called demyelination. Demyelination can cause nerves to signal each other abnormally, which produces the symptoms of MS.

Symptoms

MS symptoms can include loss of balance and coordination, blurred vision or blindness, problems speaking, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, memory loss and difficulty concentrating, paralysis and more. Symptoms vary from person to person, and people with MS can experience one of four courses of the disease. The National MS Society website outlines each of the four courses:

Treatment

Scientists are working to develop therapies to alter the loss of myelin. While there is no known cure at this time, there are ways to treat and manage symptoms, including medication, rehabilitation and lifestyle changes.

One way to treat relapsing forms of MS is through disease-modifying drugs. You can also treat exacerbations using high-dose corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Rehabilitation, such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, can help you improve overall physical and mental health and strengthen functional abilities. The National MS Society website has more detailed information about treatment options.

Learn more

LISTEN TO THE ELITE WARRIOR PODCAST

Featured Episode: Dysphagia and Swallowing Challenges in MS

With PVA Associate Director of Medical Services, Juliet Pierce, and host Ashley Lee 

National MS Society's Ask an MS Expert : MS Risk, Prevalence, and Service Connection