Freedom and Independence: Basic Veteran Needs

More than 750,000 people in the United States, including veterans, live with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D). The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a key organization dedicated to supporting these veterans. PVA ensures that every veteran living with a spinal cord injury or disease can reclaim what they fought for: their freedom and independence.

At Mission Roll Call, we believe that amplifying veteran voices includes connecting them to valuable resources, especially organizations like PVA that help fill the gaps and restore the freedom so many fought to protect.

PVA supports research, educational programs, and other initiatives that unite people and activities toward a single mission: improved quality of life for everyone with SCI/D. PVA is the only nonprofit Veteran Service Organization dedicated solely to helping veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), and diseases, like MS and ALS.

Founded on Experience

PVA was founded by a group of service members who returned home from World War II in 1946 with spinal cord injuries and few to no solutions to the major challenges they faced. Unable to comfortably live in their homes or get around by public transportation, they found barriers to independence everywhere. 

On a mission to improve accessibility for themselves, their fellow paralyzed veterans, and all people with disabilities, these veterans joined together to form PVA. Today, more than 75 years later, PVA remains a major support system for our nation’s paralyzed and disabled heroes. These wounded heroes made a decision not just to live, but to live with dignity as contributors to society. 

PVA and Mission Roll Call have similar goals in that we both amplify veteran voices through research, resources, and fight for actual change. 

PVA’s Impact by the Numbers:

• PVA’s Impact on Benefits: PVA has secured over $1.2 billion in benefits for veterans and their families. 
• Accessibility Assistance: In 2022 alone, PVA provided over $32.8 million for veterans’ home accessibility modifications and $9.6 million for vehicle adaptations. 
• Research Funding: PVA has invested $49,870,331 in grants through its Research Foundation since its inception in 1976, according to PVA’s 2019 legislative priorities. 
• Employment Support: PVA has helped over 4,100 veterans, military spouses, and caregivers find meaningful employment, according to PVA’s 2019 legislative priorities. 
• Benefits Secured: In 2024, PVA’s General Counsel National Appeals Office and NSOs recovered $7 million for veterans, according to PVA’s 2024 annual report. 
• Favorable Decision Rates: PVA has a 100% favorable decision rating with the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and an 87% favorable decision rating with the Board of Veterans Appeals, according to PVA’s 2024 annual report.

Veterans are Counting on Us

More than 12,000 people in the US, including veterans, sustain a spinal cord injury each year. This often leads to a loss of motor and/or sensory function. While PVA plays a vital role in advocating for and assisting these veterans, there are ways we can all help. 

To give veterans independence, you can support organizations like Paralyzed Veterans of America, volunteer with specific advocacy groups, or offer direct assistance by helping with transportation to appointments or providing emotional support. At Mission Roll Call, we amplify the voices of veterans and their families and connect them with the resources they need to thrive. Every action matters. With your support, paralyzed and disabled veterans can access the programs and services that make a life of dignity and independence possible. With one action, you can help paralyzed and disabled veterans move forward in life by supporting programs and services they rely on to live a life of dignity and independence.