PVA Member Guidance
The spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D) population is one of VA’s most susceptible populations to the novel corona virus. All VA SCI/D Centers will adopt a “no visitor” stance, meaning no outside visitors will be permitted to see inpatients. Exceptions will be when veterans are in their last stages of life or any other extenuating circumstance.
Routine SCI/D admissions including annual examinations and respite will be rescheduled. If you are experiencing difficulty gaining access to your SCI/D team or need acute admission and are denied, please contact one of our service officers near you.
Outpatient clinics are only accepting urgent appointments. Non-urgent, routine appointments are being rescheduled to a later date or scheduled as a telehealth appointment when feasible.
Guidance on COVID-19 - Whether you're feeling sick or in need of supplies, our decision trees can help you navigate your options.
UPDATE: View the latest PVA Member Survey - over 500 respondents revealed the impact COVID-19 is having on their health, finances, and their lifestyles as some communities begin lifting stay at home orders.
View Survey #1 or
View Survey #2 or View Survey #3
Important Member Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
- What do I do if I get sick and need to be admitted into an SCI/D Center?
If you believe you need admission to an SCI/D Center, contact your SCI/D care team by calling them or sending a secure message through MyHealtheVet. If you experience a medical emergency, call 911.
- What do I do if I get sick?
Contact your SCI/D care team by calling them or sending a secure message through MyHealtheVet.
- What do I do if I think I might have the corona virus?
If you have a fever, cough, flu-like symptoms, or think you may have come in contact with the corona virus, contact your local VA Medical Center or doctor's office prior to visiting.
- What do I do if the SCI/D Center says that they won't admit me as a patient?
At this time, SCI/D Centers are limiting admission to new injuries and emergent care. Telehealth appointments are offered as an alternative when appropriate. If you feel telehealth is inadequate in meeting your care needs, contact your local PVA Service Officer.
- What do I do if I can't get urgent care in my community?
Visit one of the nearest VA hospitals, clinics, or community-based outpatient clinics.
If you have a specific question, please contact us at 1-800-424-8200 or reach out to your local PVA Service Officer.
For more answers to FAQs from the VA, visit:
https://www.va.gov/coronavirus-veteran-frequently-asked-questions/
Combatting Feelings of Isolation and Loneliness During COVID-19
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) wants our veterans and their caregivers to overcome loneliness during this time of social distancing.
While sheltering in place helps us stop the spread of COVID-19, the decreased social engagement and lessening of medical visits can lead to feelings of helplessness, isolation, and loneliness. For those living with mental health issues and chronic diseases, we may see a worsening of symptoms. There are things we can do to take care of ourselves and help
#BeThere for others. If you are able, try to spend a little
time outdoors each day, even if just for a few minutes on your front porch, as there are many benefits to being outside. Keep your mind occupied and take a break from the news by working on
free coursework, listening to
audiobooks, watching
virtual concerts, plays, & tours of museums, or calling or writing friends and loved ones. Don’t have internet access? Until June 30, 2021, Comcast is providing
free internet service for disabled veterans.
If you do find yourself struggling with increased anxiety, depression or other psychological symptoms, you can call or text mental health professionals at
Psychological Health Center of Excellence Psychological Recourse Center, call or chat with peers at
Veterans 4 Warriors, or use some of the
self-help strategies at Make the Connection. If you need help right away, we encourage you to call the
Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, and press "1" if you are a veteran, texting 838255, or chatting via their
website.
You can also view the VA's latest on information on maintaining your mental health here: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/coronavirus/