Paralyzed Veterans of America

About Paralyzed Veterans of America

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), founded in 1946 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a congressionally chartered Veterans Service Organization (VSO) dedicated solely to supporting military veterans living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including complex conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Operating with the singular mission to help brave men and women regain the freedom and independence they fought for, PVA serves as an indispensable lifelong partner to seriously injured heroes. Through a nationwide network of more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, the organization advocates relentlessly for disability civil rights, equitable access to earned benefits, and world-class specialized health care.

PVA’s highly comprehensive support system spans multiple crucial areas of a disabled veteran's life journey. The organization employs highly trained National Service Officers to help veterans navigate the complex VA claims system, securing vital housing, pension, and disability benefits. Beyond claims assistance, PVA operates a powerful Medical Services team that routinely audits VA spinal cord injury units to ensure maximum accountability and standard-setting care. Furthermore, PVA stands out as the only veterans organization that employs in-house architects to provide specialized accessible design consulting for private homes and public spaces. Their expansive programming also heavily emphasizes vocational rehabilitation, employment support, and over 60 free, year-round adaptive sports and recreation programs—including the massive National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

Currently guided by CEO Carl Blake—a U.S. Army veteran and West Point graduate—and National President Robert Thomas, PVA is actively celebrating its 80th anniversary throughout 2026. Moving through the first half of the year, the organization has aggressively expanded its national footprint and advocacy efforts. In March 2026, PVA hosted its first-ever specialized panels at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin to amplify disability representation and delivered critical testimony before Congress regarding severe VA acute care staffing shortages. Additionally, PVA's profound commitment to advancing medical science was recently highlighted when its longtime research partner, Dr. Stephen Waxman, was awarded the prestigious 2026 Sharpey-Schafer Prize for PVA-funded breakthroughs in non-addictive pain relief. Bolstered by millions of dollars in recent donations from corporate partners like Penske Automotive Group, PVA continues to relentlessly champion the health, independence, and dignity of our nation's disabled veterans.