Paralyzed Veterans of America Releases Statement Following the Department of Veterans Affairs' Newly Released Plan to Cut More Than 80k Staff

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --Paralyzed Veterans of AmericaChief Executive Officer Carl Blake releases statement following the leak of an internal memorevealing the Department of Veterans Affairs' plan to reduce its overall staffing of the department to FY 2019 levels - a decrease of more than 80,000 positions from the current staffing level.

"Although there is a great deal of context and detail not yet available, the VA's plans to reduce its workforce by tens of thousands is a frightening proposition for catastrophically disabled veterans. While PVA believes that there is an opportunity to streamline some operations within the VA, it also feels it is vital to understand that the delivery of critical health care and earned benefits requires some degree of administrative support to function successfully. Staff cuts for the sake of cuts are unacceptable. We have already seen the consequences of previous arbitrary decisions across the VA and the dire impact they have on veterans.

PVA's greatest concern is the impact that such a massive reduction could have on the timely delivery of life-saving, life-sustaining health care and benefits earned through honorable service, particularly for our members - veterans with spinal cord injuries or diseases, like ALS and MS. The VA's SCI/D system of care is unique and specialized in a way unmatched in the private sector. This system must NOT be compromised by any further reduction efforts and all previous reductions impacting the system should be reversed - the lives and well-being of our nation's veterans are at stake."

About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitors their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funds research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities,PVA also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at PVA.org.

Contact: Oname Thompson
703-864-5980 cell
[emailprotected]

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America