Paralyzed Veterans of America Releases Statement to Members Ahead of Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs Hearing About VA Benefits

Paralyzed Veterans of America Releases Statement to Members Ahead of Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs Hearing About VA Benefits

WASHINGTON, DC (October 27, 2025) - Paralyzed Veterans of America National President and Chairman of the Board Robert Thomas and Chief Executive Officer Carl Blake release statement to members.

"As the leadership team of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), we are concerned about how the ongoing government shutdown may be impacting you and your families. While health care services should continue to be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and earned benefits should continue to be paid, there are key aspects of VA that continue to be impacted. Additionally, we know that many of you are still dealing with the high cost of everyday necessities. We call on Congress to end the shutdown now.

While our members and their families and caregivers contend with the disruptions of the shutdown and those high costs, a surprising attack has taken place on veterans' benefits. The Washington Post has initiated a series of articles based on an investigation it conducted suggesting fraud and abuse was a major problem in the VA benefits system and questioning the fundamental purpose of the system, including the conditions that should qualify for service connection. Many of you may have seen responses to or read about these articles. The crux of the investigation is discussed in the first Washington Post article described here.

PVA quickly condemned the Washington Post's false narrative. Simply put, we are disgusted by the narrative that the authors of this series have chosen without context beyond the story that they want to tell. We will not deny that there are veterans who have abused and taken advantage of the VA benefits system. But to suggest that large sums of money are being wasted simply because veterans receive earned benefits for legitimate service-connected conditions that the authors disagree with does not mean that those veterans have done anything wrong.

The Post's stories perpetuate a narrative that has been swirling for decades-not all service-connected veterans are worthy of VA benefits. This narrative fundamentally fails to acknowledge the sacrifice of all honorable military service. It has also emboldened those who have long sought to restrict what should constitute a service-connected condition and what veterans should be eligible for disability compensation. Given the focus on reducing government expenditures and specifically entitlement spending, some may see an opportunity to fundamentally change how veterans and their service is viewed, and what if any benefits and health care services they should be entitled to due to their service. PVA's position has always been that a veteran who has acquired an injury or illness because of their service should be taken care of by a grateful nation. We oppose efforts to divide the veterans' community based on the false notion that some veterans are not worthy of such support.

PVA will continue to fight to ensure that the service and sacrifice of veterans, particularly those with catastrophic disabilities, is not minimized. Benefits paid for service-connection should not be the well that policy makers come to when they need to reduce government spending. It is even more disappointing when veterans choose to take up this fight with one another. Honorable service is honorable service, whether the individual engaged in direct combat or supported the military while having never been deployed. Veterans should not be criticized for seeking benefits that they have rightfully earned when they become injured or ill as a result of their service.

The debate over this subject will get public attention when the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs conducts a hearing on October 29, at 4:00 PM ET. The hearing will investigate whether the current VA benefits system supports veterans as intended. We encourage all members to watch this hearing.

We do not expect this debate to go away. In fact, we believe that the extremely divided and confrontational environment that has developed in this country creates the perfect opportunity to push changes that will undoubtedly have serious consequences for many veterans and their families. Rest assured that PVA will continue the fight to ensure that all catastrophic disabled veterans receive the benefits and care that they have earned and deserve."

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About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitors their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funds research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, PVA also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at PVA.org.