[January 27, 2015]

Paralyzed Veterans of America Responds to the Announced Realignment of the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) took a major first step toward restructuring itself to achieve greater operational efficiency and be more veteran-centric than ever. Paralyzed Veterans of America joined other veterans service organizations at a briefing yesterday to learn more about and weigh in on the new organizational framework that will use state boundaries to divide the country into five regions and incorporate "veteran experience offices" into the new design.

According to VA officials, these new offices are intended to provide VA Secretary McDonald with additional sets of eyes and ears to monitor the progress of existing and upcoming change initiatives as part of the MyVA initiative launched on September 2, 2014.

"While we are excited by the prospect of finally seeing much-needed change in VA, veterans should not view this as a solution for all the problems that have plagued the department over the last decade, particularly where health care is concerned," said Homer Townsend, executive director of Paralyzed Veterans of America.

"This realignment does remedy some of the internal problems faced by the Veterans Benefits Administration, such as the claims backlog, and the National Cemetery Administration. We address these isues in the annual Independent Budget report, and it seems VA has finally responded. But the concerns we have regarding health care access and how the VA health system is currently structured remain unresolved by the announced realignment. Paralyzed Veterans of America will remain focused on being the lead voice for veterans with the greatest needs as we monitor the ongoing impact of these MyVA initiatives," added Townsend.

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. (www.pva.org)

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