/EINPresswire.com/ -- WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - April 29, 2016) - Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) is offering strong support for bi-partisan legislation that was introduced in the House of Representatives and Senate that will ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) maintains adequate capacity to provide specialized services to catastrophically disabled veterans, particularly those with spinal cord injury or disease. Yesterday, Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) introduced S. 2883, the "Appropriate Care for Disabled Veterans Act," and Representatives Jeff Denham (R-CA) and Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY) introduced the companion bill-H.R. 5091. 

"This legislation has been a top priority for Paralyzed Veterans for many years," emphasized Sherman Gillums, Jr., acting executive director of Paralyzed Veterans. "VA delivers the best comprehensive specialty-care services to the most vulnerable veteran population, and the supply must meet the demand. We thank Senators Brown and Toomey, and Congressmen Denham and Maloney, as well as the other members of the Senate and House who have joined on as cosponsors of this legislation, for their commitment to ensuring veterans with catastrophic disabilities are able to access the care that they need."

This critically important legislation reinstates the requirement for the VA to report on its capacity to provide specialized services, to include spinal cord injury or disease, blinded care, mental health care, and long-term care. The original reporting requirement expired in 2008. Since that time, there have been continuous reports of bed closures, staffing shortages, and denied access to care. This bill will ensure that VA can be held accountable for its mandated responsibility to care for those veterans with the most severe disabilities.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America:

Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For nearly 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. (pva.org)

Lani Poblete
202-416-7667   

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