Publications

Publications for PVA Members

As part of our mission, the Paralyzed Veterans produce a wide range of publications. Presented here is a complete list of all the materials we offer to our members either as printed version or as downloadable electronic documents. This list is intended for use only by PVA chapters, members, and national service offices.

Please note: Not all documents are available in both formats. Check individual listings for this information.

To order a publication as an electronic download in PDF format, just click where indicated. All downloads are free. To view publications in PDF format, you must first have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.

Download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

To order a printed version of a publication, please download the PDF order form.

For those materials that are not free, the member price is indicated. The order form must be mailed or faxed to Kelly Sanders at the National Office. The PVA Distribution Center DOES NOT handle orders for members.

Guidelines for Ordering Publications

* Published by PVA on behalf of the Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Spinal Cord Injury

Bladder Management for Adults with Spinal Cord Injury: A Clinical Practice Guideline for Health-Care Professionals.
This evidence-based guideline was developed to describe the various methods of bladder management in adults with spinal cord injury.*
#2900-182—Price to be determined.
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Preservation of Upper Limb Function Following Spinal Cord Injury
This guideline is designed to educate health-care professionals and persons with spinal cord injury on the risk of upper limb pain and injury, including recommendations for assessment, management, and monitoring.*
#2900-178—Free printed version
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Respiratory Management Following Spinal Cord Injury
This guideline is designed to meet the needs of persons with recent onset spinal cord injury who are in or potentially in respiratory distress, including recommendations for assessment, management, monitoring and education.*
#2900-179—Free printed version
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Depression Following SCI
This guideline covers the full range of diagnostic and treatment processes for depression. Recommendations are provided on general risk factors for depression; on the signs and symptoms of depression; and on the biological, psychological, and social factors that cause or contribute to depression. Other recommendations focus on the use of psychopharmacological agents, on the selection of psychological interventions for specific problems, and on treatment strategies.*
#2900-89—Free printed version
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Neurogenic Bowel Management in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury
This guide provides recommendations on the development, modification, and maintenance of bowel management programs for individuals with neurogenic bowel following a spinal cord injury.* 
#2900-114—Free printed version
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Outcomes Following Traumatic SCI
This guideline provides the best available answer to the question “What functional and psychosocial outcomes can be expected after SCI?” based on evidence in the literature, information from large SCI databases, and consensus opinions of experts. In addition, the guideline makes recommendations regarding the management of outcomes through appropriate assessment, goal setting, and documentation. Published by PVA on behalf of the Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine.
#2900-137—Free printed version
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Acute Management of Autonomic Dysreflexia: Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury Presenting to Health-Care Facilities, 2nd edition
This clinical practice guideline summarizes treatment recommendations for the potentially life-threatening condition of autonomic dysreflexia, a medical complication that often occurs in individuals with spinal cord injury at the level of T6 or above, but with which many health-care practitioners may be unfamiliar. Published by PVA on behalf of the Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine.
#2900-154—Free printed version
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment Following Spinal Cord Injury
This guideline describes effective strategies for identifying risk and reducing the incidence, prevalence, and recurrence of pressure ulcers, a lifelong complication of SCI. The recommendations cover a broad spectrum of issues: prevention, risk factors, risk assessment, and risk assessment tools; nutrition; assessment of the individual and the ulcer itself; nonsurgical and surgical treatments and their complications; and support surfaces and positioning for managing tissue loads. The guideline is designed to be used by physicians in a number of specialties, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists, and people with SCI and their families. Published by PVA on behalf of the Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine.
#2900-145—Free printed version
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Prevention of Thromboembolism in Spinal Cord Injury, 2nd edition
This guideline summarizes treatment recommendations for prevention of thromboembolism (also called deep vein thrombosis), a condition that often occurs soon after spinal cord injury. Published by PVA on behalf of the Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine.
#2900-72—Free printed version
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Clinical Practice Guidelines CD-ROM: Professional Guidelines
This CD-ROM is a collection of PDFs of all eight professional guidelines.
#2900-180—$30.00
Only available in this format.

Autonomic Dysreflexia Poster
This poster illustrates the most common warning signs of autonomic dysreflexia and provides an algorithm showing the treatment path. This poster contains three posters in one: the first is 22" by 33" or reverse the poster and cut in half to have two 15" x 22" posters. Highly recommended for emergency rooms, doctors’ offices, treatment centers, and rehabilitation centers.
#2900-105 (English)—Free
#2900-106 (Spanish)—Free
Not available electronically.

Consumer Guides on Spinal Cord Injury

Autonomic Dysreflexia: What You Should Know
This consumer guide explains in clear language the most common warning signs of autonomic dysreflexia and what steps to follow if you think you are experiencing an episode of this life-threatening condition.  All information has been prepared by a committee of qualified professionals based on scientific and professional knowledge about autonomic dysreflexia, its causes and treatments. Published by PVA on behalf of the Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine.
#2900-142 (English)—OUT OF PRINT
#2900-104 (Spanish)—Free printed version
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Depression: What You Should Know
Mood disorders like depression are common among people who have chronic health conditions, including people with spinal cord injury. This consumer guide offers information on how to spot depression, its causes, how to get help, and treatments available, and much more. Published by PVA on behalf of the Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine.
#2900-141—OUT OF PRINT
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Expected Outcomes: What You Should Know
This series of eight guides describes outcomes according to level of spinal cord injury (C1-3, C4, C5, C6, C7-8, T1-9, T10-L1, and L2-S5). Each guide provides individual guidance on what people with different levels of SCI can reasonably expect for daily functions. This information can help people with SCI and those who care for them to understand the present and plan for the future. Each book explains what a person with SCI can expect to do one year after injury; what help will be needed with daily life tasks at home, at work, and in the community; and what equipment can help make a person with SCI more independent.*

THIS SERIES OF BOOKS IS OUT OF PRINT

Download individual electronic copies:

Expected Outcomes: C1-3 Spinal Injury (PDF)

Expected Outcomes: C4 Spinal Injury (PDF)

Expected Outcomes: C5 Spinal Injury (PDF)

Expected Outcomes: C6 Spinal Injury (PDF)

Expected Outcomes: C7-8 Spinal Injury (PDF)

Expected Outcomes: T1-9 Spinal Injury (PDF)

Expected Outcomes: T10-L1 Spinal Injury (PDF)

Expected Outcomes: L2-S5 Spinal Injury (PDF)

Neurogenic Bowel: What You Should Know
This guideline provides information to help the reader understand how spinal cord injury can affect and change bowel function and ways to deal with the changes. Published by PVA on behalf of the Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine.
#2900-126 (English)—Free printed version
#2900-176 (Spanish)—Free printed version
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Pressure Ulcers: What You Should Know
Anyone who has a compromised ability to move about and feel sensations is a prime candidate for developing a pressure ulcer. This book suggests various strategies to prevent pressure ulcers and provides consumers guidance in making decisions required to restore health, independence, control, and self-esteem.*
#2900-160 (English)—Free printed version plus shipping and handling
#2900-177 (Spanish) —Free printed version plus shipping and handling
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

On the Move: A Financial Guide for Persons with Spinal Cord Injury
This book provides financial guidance for people with spinal cord injury, covering such topics as medical care and equipment, VA benefits, employment, hiring a personal assistant, and adapting your home. Intended for both the newly injured and those with sustained spinal cord injury, the book will help the reader find ways to pay for special care needs, cope with everyday expenses, and plan financially for the future. It includes a helpful resource section.
#5200-171—Free printed version
Not available electronically.

MS Publications

Fatigue and Multiple Sclerosis
Fatigue is now recognized as the most common symptom of MS. This guideline provides an algorithm intended to guide clinicians in the evaluation and treatment of MS-related fatigue.
#2900-119—Free printed version
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Fatigue: What You Should Know, An MS Consumer Guide
Fatigue is the most common symptom of MS. As many as 75% to 95% of all people with MS have fatigue; 50% to 60% say that it's one of their worst problems. In fact, fatigue is one of the major reasons for unemployment among people with MS. No one knows what really causes MS-related fatigue, but we do know some things that can help. This guide, for people with MS, their caregivers, and their families explains some options.
Only available as a free electronic copy (PDF)

Urinary Dysfunction and Multiple Sclerosis
Bladder dysfunction is present in the majority of people with MS. This guideline offers a sequential pathway for management of bladder dysfunction in an office or clinic setting. The guideline is intended to supplement the standard neurological assessment and presupposes prior exclusion of coexisting pelvic floor pathology.
#2900-120—Free printed version
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Disease Modifying Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis
Recently, there has been a considerable increase in the number of agents available for treatment of MS, particularly those designed to prevent or postpone future neurological injury. This guideline is written for health-care professionals to assist them in clinical decision-making. The guideline considers the available evidence for the clinical use of these disease-modifying agents, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and immunosuppressive treatments.
Only available as a free electronic copy (PDF)

Immunizations and Multiple Sclerosis
People with MS come from all walks of life and live with a broad range of disabilities. Their care is provided by many types of health-care professionals in varied settings. For this reason, the guideline has been developed for a range of patients, clinicians, and treatment settings.
Only available as a free electronic copy (PDF)

Multiple Sclerosis: A Self-Care Guide To Wellness, 2nd edition
This book provides up-to-date, practical tips on self-care to promote independence and well being, concentrating on helping people with MS to help themselves. Covers topics related to MS and its implications, such as:
Fatigue and pain management
Maintaining joint flexibility
Managing memory problems
Bladder and bowel management
Skin care
Coping with stress
Sexual changes
Exercise and nutrition

Available from:
Demos Medical Publishing, Inc.
New York, NY

To order:
(800) 532-8663
(212) 683-0118 fax

$19.95 plus shipping & handling
or order from Web site:
www.demosmedpub.com
Orders placed via the Web receive a discounted price of $16.95.

Adapting: Financial Planning for a Life with Multiple Sclerosis
MS is a complex and unpredictable disease that affects approximately 400,000 in the U.S. Part of navigating MS is managing your money and planning for the future. This book is designed to help you take a clear look at your income, assets, debts, benefits, and other resources.
#5200-174—Free printed version
Not available electronically.

For Your Health

Yes, You Can! A Guide to Self-Care for Persons with Spinal Cord Injury, 3rd edition
This extremely popular guide to self-care for people with spinal cord injury has been updated and expanded. The third edition includes six new chapters on pain, substance abuse, exercise, alternative medicine, equipment, and staying healthy. Written by experts, Yes, You Can! is a guide for both the newly injured patient in the SCI unit and the SCI patient who is out of the hospital. This guide will also serve as a useful resource for family members.
#5200-149 (English)—$8.00
#5200-175 (Spanish)— $8.00
Only available in hard copy from the National Office.

Roll Models: People Who Live Successfully Following Spinal Cord Injury and How They Do It
Written by Richard Holicky, this book examines the question of why some spinal cord injury survivors succeed after injury and others spiral into inactivity and depression. It was produced under a PVA Education Foundation grant.

Available from:
Trafford Publishing
www.trafford.com
(866)-752-6820
$21.95 plus shipping and handling

The Keys to Managed Care: A Guide for People with Physical Disabilities
This guide has been developed to help people with physical disabilities who are already in managed care plans learn how they can get the best health care possible. The information in this guide was collected by talking to people with disabilities. In speaking with these individuals, it became clear that they were all using a small set of specific strategies to get the services they needed from their managed care plans. These strategies are described in this guide as the keys to getting better health care.
#2900-147—Free printed version
Not available electronically.

PVA Guide to Federal Health Programs
This booklet provides a short description of each federal health-care program, its eligibility requirements, the benefits it provides, and sources for more information. Also included is a glossary of terms.
Only available as a free electronic copy (PDF)

An Introduction to Spinal Cord Injury: Understanding the Changes, 4th edition
This booklet provides basic information about spinal cord injury, suggests additional readings, and has a glossary of terms.
Only available as a free electronic copy (PDF)

Advocacy and Accessibility

The Independent Budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs
A detailed budget collectively formulated by AMVETS, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), PVA, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) designed to meet veterans’ needs through programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies. This book is produced annually.

Free printed version
Also available on the Web site:
www.independentbudget.com

The Independent Budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Executive Summary
An overview addressing the key issues and conclusions of the detailed budget collectively formulated by AMVETS, DAV, PVA, and VFW, designed to meet veterans’ needs through programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies.
This book is produced annually.

Free printed version
Also available on the Web site: www.independentbudget.org

The Americans with Disabilities Act: Your Personal Guide to the Law
An overview of the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this guide provides information on the provisions covering employment regulations, state and local governments, public accommodations, transportation, telecommunications, and tax incentives.
Only available as a free electronic copy (PDF)

Questions and Answers About The Americans with Disabilities Act
This pamphlet responds to the most frequently asked questions concerning the implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Only available as a free electronic copy (PDF)

The ADA: Tax Incentives: Assisting Accessibility
This brochure provides basic information on Sections 44 and 190 of the Internal Revenue Code. This IRS code provides tax incentives for businesses that remodel or in other ways make their premises more accessible to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Only available as a free electronic copy (PDF)

Accessible Home Design: Architectural Solutions for the Wheelchair User, 2nd edition
This new edition offers innovative yet practical solutions for achieving independence. The authors have collaborated with hundreds of wheelchair users on home modification via their work at the Paralyzed Veterans. They have dealt with many common problems and have developed design solutions that have addressed each client’s accessibility needs. While the book will serve as an ideal resource for homeowners with disabilities and their families, the technical information contained within will provide important insights on home design and construction for builders and architects, as well.
#2500-181—$19.00 plus shipping and handling
Not available electronically.
To order call: (800) 424-8200, ext. 613

The Manual Wheelchair Training Guide
This book can teach wheelchair users and their helpers to access the world with a full range of manual wheelchair skills. Clear instructions accompanied by detailed illustrations of each skill show the readers how to negotiate terrain as mundane as indoor floors and as challenging as escalators.
$20.00 plus shipping and handling
Available from:
Pax Press
P.O. Box 69
Minden, NV 89423-0069
(775) 783-8822
(775) 783-8823 Fax
paxpress @beneficialdesigns.com

The Powered Wheelchair Training Guide
This book will help powered wheelchair users and their training assistants develop the skills to negotiate commonly encountered environments such as ramps, tight spaces, and curb ramps. Also includes tips on how to use public transportation, traveling in inclement weather, and how to handle emergencies.
$20.00 plus shipping and handling
Available from:
Pax Press
P.O. Box 69
Minden, NV 89423-0069
(775) 783-8822
(775) 783-8823 Fax
paxpress @beneficialdesigns.com

A Guide To Managed Care, For People with Spinal Cord Injury or Disease
What is managed care? How does managed care affect people with spinal cord conditions? What are the unique needs of people with spinal cord conditions in managed care? This brochure will answer these questions and help you better understand how you can choose a plan that will meet your particular health-care needs.
#2900-62 (English)—Free printed version
#2900-80 (Spanish)—Free printed version
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Managing Personal Assistants, A Consumer Guide
This consumer guide features information on recruiting, hiring, training, keeping, and firing personal assistants, as well as on funding sources and taxes. Contains forms that guide the consumer through the process of managing personal assistants.
#2900-143--Free plus shipping and handling
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Accessible Transit and the Law
This booklet outlines the types of transportation facilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (in essence, any system that serves the public except air travel, which is covered by the Air Carrier Access Act), what they must do to become accessible under the law, and the dates by which they must have achieved accessibility.
Only available as a free electronic copy (PDF)

Fair Housing, How to Make the Law Work for You
The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, which became effective in 1989, protects people with disabilities from discrimination in the purchase or rental of housing. PVA has created this publication to explain the rights of all individuals with disabilities when they seek housing and the remedies they can pursue if they encounter discrimination because of their disability.
Only available as a free electronic copy (PDF)

Preventing Discrimination in the Workplace
The Americans with Disabilities Act contains requirements and guidelines for employers to follow in removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities. The goal is to ensure that people with disabilities do not encounter discrimination in the employment process or environment. This brochure provides information useful for both employers and employees concerning measure to ensure accessible, discrimination-free workplaces.
Only available as a free electronic copy (PDF)

Wheelchairs Your Options and Rights: A Guide to Department of Veterans Affairs Eligibility
PVA has published this guide for the benefit of veterans with disabilities who require the use of a wheelchair, to help them understand the requirements for receiving wheelchairs from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The guide explains who is eligible to receive a VA-issued wheelchair and the process for obtaining one. It also describes the kinds of wheelchairs that are available to veterans, depending on their individual entitlement status, and the process for appealing decisions about wheelchair issuance.
Only available as a free electronic copy (PDF)

Veterans Law

The Law of Veterans Benefits: Judicial Interpretation* This is the definitive reference book for attorneys, law students, nonattorney representatives, and others interested in veterans rights. This third edition analyzes the case law of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims through June 30, 2002, and the impact of recent legislative changes, especially the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. It was written by William F. Fox, Jr., a leading expert in administrative law.

*The previous two editions of this book were titled The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims: An Analysis of the Jurisprudence, Organization, and Operation of the Newest Article One Court.
#8150-172—$10.49
Not available electronically.

The United States Board of Veterans’ Appeals: The Unfinished Struggle to Reconcile Speed and Justice during Intra-Agency Review
This study, by a preeminent administrative law scholar with in-depth expertise in veterans law and benefits claims, reviews the history, composition, and workings of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. It compares the board with other intra-agency review bodies and makes recommendations for changes in structure and procedures. This is an invaluable resource for veterans and their representatives and others interested in the structure and function of administrative agencies.
#8150-148—$8.08
Not available electronically.

About PVA

Paralyzed Veterans of America Annual Report
PVA’s annual report covers its mission; provides information on its programs and areas of special focus; reports on PVA’s funding, revenue, and expenses; and lists special donors.
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

PVA Research, Education, and Practice Guidelines Program Annual Report
This PVA program supports research, education, and training programs on spinal cord dysfunction, as well as the development of clinical practice guidelines. These activities are primarily coordinated through the PVA Research Foundation, the PVA Education Foundation and the COnsortium for Spinal Cord Medicine, which is funded and administered by PVA.
PVA is dedicated to enhancing the quality, appropriateness, and cost-effectiveness of care delivered to people with SCI. To achieve this goal, the Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine, with PVA's financial and administrative support develops and disseminates clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) based on scientific evidence and expert consensus, as well as guides for consumers. This annual report provides information on currently funded projects of PVA's foundations, practice guideline development, and other special projects that the program supports.
Download a free electronic copy (PDF)

Printed copies of PVA's annual reports can be obtained from the National Office.