Veteran Service Organizations Unite to Address Critical VA Budget Shortfalls
On September 11, leaders from Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) joined representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), The American Legion, and other prominent veterans organizations at a press conference to address urgent concerns regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget.
The coalition highlighted a nearly $3 billion shortfall in VA’s benefits budget, which, if left unresolved by September 20, could result in delayed veterans’ benefits starting October 1. PVA National President Robert Thomas emphasized the critical importance of VA benefits for catastrophically disabled veterans during his address.
President Thomas also drew attention to a projected $12 billion shortfall for the Veterans Health Administration in fiscal year 2025. He expressed concerns about ongoing budgetary constraints causing staffing shortages and service reductions within the spinal cord injuries and disorders system of care.
Following the press event, PVA announced the release of a joint letter, signed by nearly 20 veterans organizations, urging Congress to take immediate action on these funding shortfalls.
Recent developments indicate that the House and Senate have reached a compromise that may allow Congress to address the benefits shortfall before the September 20 deadline. PVA and its partners will continue to advocate for:
1. Final passage of the benefits funding bill
2. Addressing shortfalls in the VA health care system
