The second edition of the Washington Update for September
By PVA National Staff
Senate Examines Critical Gaps in VA Spinal Cord Care
Paralyzed Veterans of America National President Robert Thomas testified before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee this month, highlighting serious concerns about the Department of Veterans Affairs’ ability to serve veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders.
Thomas identified three critical issues threatening the system: ongoing staffing vacancies, delayed infrastructure improvements and a shortage of specialty long-term care beds. While VA remains the best health care provider for catastrophically disabled veterans, these gaps demand immediate attention.
Staffing and Infrastructure Shortfalls
Staffing levels outlined in Veterans Health Administration Directive 1176 are based on care standards needed to maintain veterans’ health, yet VA leaders have treated these requirements as optional. The result: VA can only staff a nominal number of beds in some locations.
VA’s SCI/D system comprises 25 acute care centers and six long-term care centers averaging nearly 40 years old. More than a dozen construction projects remain unfunded year after year, despite the system providing specialized care not replicated outside VA.
With fewer than 180 long-term care beds across six facilities, capacity falls far short of serving tens of thousands of veterans with SCI/D.
Elizabeth Dole Act Implementation Key
Thomas urged oversight of the Senator Elizabeth Dole Act implementation, noting that while VA says the Veteran Directed Care program is available at all major facilities, field feedback suggests some exist in name only. The act raises maximum per-veteran expenditure for home and community-based services from 65% to 100% of Community Living Center costs, expanding options for home-based care.
DOJ Sues Uber for Disability Discrimination
The U.S. Department of Justice sued Uber Technologies for discriminating against people with disabilities who use mobility devices and service animals. The complaint alleges Uber and its drivers routinely refuse service, impose cleaning fees for service animals and charge cancellation fees to those denied service.
DOJ seeks a court declaration of ADA violations, policy modifications, mandatory training and $125 million in damages.
DOT May Weaken Wheelchair Protections
The Department of Transportation may amend a December 2024 rule protecting air passengers who use wheelchairs and scooters, with the intent to reduce airline burdens. Regulations on family seating and accessible in-flight entertainment were moved to the long-term agenda with next steps undetermined.
House Passes Veteran Bills
The House approved several veteran-related bills with broad bipartisan support, including measures to expand telemedicine prescribing, improve cancer care coordination, enhance healthcare access in U.S. territories and increase rural veterans’ access to benefits. The bills now move to the Senate.
VA Extends Caregiver Program
VA extended the transition period for legacy participants in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers through September 2028, ensuring time to issue revised program rules.
