Paralyzed Veterans of America

As a Veteran Family, we have contributed every year since 2000. Our appreciation to your organization for all you do for our veterans. We will never forget how much you helped us and other Vets. We are delighted to continue our investment in your Mission.

I am happy to give to PVA, as they do great work for our veterans. I have been involved with them for 6 years, and I appreciate the work they do with spinal cord research, advocacy, and career services.

I've been donating to PVA for a few years now. Initially thought they just helped paralyzed vets, but there's more to it. My uncle, a Vietnam vet (not paralyzed), had trouble with his VA claim. PVA helped him out. Got it sorted. That's when I realized they do more than I thought. They help vets find jobs too. Good ones. That matters. I had to use a wheelchair briefly last year after surgery. It made me appreciate why accessibility is important. PVA works on that stuff. They're always responsive when I have questions. The bottom line is that PVA helps every kind of vet and people with disabilities. They're doing good work. If you're considering donating, it's a solid choice.

As a supporter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, I am always impressed by the incredible work this organization does. After I made my first donation, I felt a connection to their mission and the veterans they serve. Contributing to PVA's mission has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, especially knowing that my gifts help empower veterans to overcome challenges and live a more fulfilling life.

I have had the opportunity to meet some wonderful donors and incredible Paralyzed Veterans. I have been so impressed with the resilience and strength of these injured patriots. I am so proud to help out on occasion and feel the spirit of the mission, the members, the devoted leadership and remarkable services of this great organization.

BBC

I proudly support PVA. I am impressed by the services they offer to service members, their families and caretakers. I've done my research on several veterans organizations and have found that PVA operates well within industry financial guidelines. Their mission is solid!

During the past year I have been in touch with several members of PVA that were more than helpful with a personal matter. I requested some assistance with a family member who is a retired Navy Seal and is now dealing with a handful of issues. Each of the individuals who I was connected with were most courteous and helpful; they took the time to hear my/his story and reached out directly. Needless to say, I was very impressed with their responses and the direction the led us! Thank you PVA!

As a Navy family and Air Force family we appreciate all you do for us and other Veterans. We are honored to continue our investments in your Mission!

We are delighted to continue our 20 year tradition of supporting our Veterans You recently helped our neighbor with an issue he had with the VA. Nearby proof our investments are working! Please keep up the great work!!!

I am so grateful to your National Service Officers who helped us during my husband's final illness. You were there for us. We will never forget your thoughtful help and compassion.
Thank you!!!

As a donor and client, I am very familiar with PVA and their great work. I am proud to support their mission.

Thank you PVA!!!

We have invested in your mission for over two decades. Please keep up the great work!!!

As a donor to Paralyzed Veterans of America for several years now, I can confidently say that this organization truly makes a difference in the lives of disabled veterans. Their commitment to providing critical services and support to veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases is commendable. I appreciate that my donations go towards funding research for cures, supporting veterans with home modifications, wheelchairs, and assistive technology, and advocating for disabled veterans. I highly recommend supporting PVA to anyone who wants to give back to those who have served our country selflessly.

As a Navy family we know how much you do for our Vets. We are proud to contribute!

My family worked for decades with our Veterans. We know that the best way to make sure our Vets were receiving all of their benefits was continued involvement and support of PVA. I am proud to continue our family's legacy of supporting PVA.

Thank you for all that you accomplish for our Vets

I have now had the pleasure of dealing with PVA, Paralyzed Veterans of America for the past 3 years. I am extremely impressed with their care and commitment to "all" veterans, their families and friends who are living with some form of spinal injury or disease.
PVA is clearly one of the most solid organizations of its kind... leadership is wonderful, research is second to none and their advocacy for veterans' health care, benefits and social needs is outstanding!
Well done!!!

As a Vietnam vet I choose to support PVA because they represent ALL veterans. You don't have to be from the Gulf War, the Vietnam War or the Korean War. You could be any veteran and PVA will take care of you. I like that my donations help ANY veteran who needs it.

I was a US Marine Vetran and I wish to pass on my good fortune a blessings to all that have served plus’s my prayers for all my fellow Marines !!!

After learning more about PVA's programs and services, I was amazed by the scope of services PVA provides to help Veterans. As President and CEO of my own corporation, I particularly became interested in their Vocational Rehab Program to help Veterans reenter the workplace so they can live successful and fulfilling lives.

Paralyzed Veterans of America is a wonderful organization and I have recently made contributions to support their education and research in spinal-cord injury. I have such a huge respect for armed forces and am glad that we are able to provide support for those that transition out of the military.

Melinda Torres, thank you so much for your excellent customer service! I decided to donate to PVA after some research and was in need to 60 totes for a Navy reunion. After leaving many e-mails and phone messages i got a call from Milinda. Milinda saw my e-mail message from Oct 2021 and immediately called me in Jan 2022 and in 12 days i received the totes.
Melinda Torres job well done!!
karon dawson

As a blue star family, we are proud to support PVA. Our son continues 3 generations of service. We know if he needs help, PVA will be there for him.

We support all Veterans and so does PVA! We personally know Vets who have been helped by your expert team of National Service Officers. I am pleased to increase my support. Best in 2022 as your continue your important mission for all Veterans.

We are greatly impressed by PVA. One of our recent mailing high lighted their extensive employment program for severely injured Vets. We are proud to invest in PVA

We have contributed for years. We are motivated by PVA's work with Veterans and others facing challenges. Keep up the great work!!!

We are so grateful for your help and support of all of our veterans. As donors since 1999, we truly appreciate the wise use of our investments in your mission.
Thank you PVA!!!

We have been involved with PVA for the past two years and I must say it is simply the most solid organization of its kind. What a wonderful mission and the people are outstanding. Take the time and review their accomplishments over the years and you'll be amazed at how how much they do for those critically injured with spinal cords, our vets and their families... you'll be more than impressed. John & Patty

Our son is deployed in the Middle East, we appreciate and support
PVA's mission to support our troops and veterans.

This year I will be 90 and I expect to continue to contribute every year. Your work with ALS veterans and others is tremendous. Thank you!

As a child born during WWII in Napoli (Italy) suffered of proper medical care.Got ill as many
other children being taken in humid recovers every time the alarm went on when bombers flying around. I was then taken to the American field hospital where I was seen by a doctor.
I was then given some medication and vitamins, for my eyes affected by conjunctivitis.
I was told by my mother later in the years the ordeal we went trough, and always thinking
of the generosity and gratitude of the American Army.Living now in the USA, I feel is my part
to help the PVA.

My husband and I have contributed to Paralyzed Veterans of America for 21 years. We have witnessed their mission and action in our hometown and through our friends who are veterans. Keep up the great work. Freedom is never free!

I have been associated with Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) as a volunteer and donor for over 20 years. This is an outstanding organization that is much broader that its name. The PVA provides services beyond those with spinal cord injuries and disease, than advocate for all people with disabilities.

I also have attended events and have met Board members and staff. Unlike other organizations, PVA's Board is comprised of actual Paralyzed Veterans. Who better to understand the needs of people with spinal chord injuries than actual people who suffer from it.

I also receive regular information and contact from the Individual Giving office, letting me know how my contributions are being used.

Great organization.

As we approach the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, I am honored to be part of your mission. Thank you for all you do for Veterans.

So grateful that PVA keeps me in the loop. My donations at work--advocacy, benefits,jobs,research,education and much more. For every Veteran. Pleased to continue to give when we can.

As a Vietnam Veteran and frequent donor, I am happy to contribute to support a great mission which helps all Veterans. A few of my friends have been helped in their final days by the great and compassionate work you are doing with ALS. Keep up the great work!

I am a vet & find their tactics deplorable!! Trying to put donors on a guilt trip sending crap for donations is awful. I have written the President of this group twice without a response. How unfair to vets that need help!!!!! DISGUSTING!

I view my annual gift as an investment in our veterans and our collaboration to help fulfill your mission. Please continue with your important work and I will continue to invest and pray for your success.

My Mom worked for decades with our Veterans in CA, VA, IL and DC. She knew that the best way to make sure our Vets were receiving all of their benefits and ensuring high levels of care was continued involvement and support of PVA. I am proud to continue our family's legacy of supporting PVA.

Thank you for all that you accomplish for our Vets.

My heart goes out to our Veterans and those that help them out. Blessings on all of the work you do for those who have Served our Nation.

I mailed a check yesterday in memory of a family member. I am so grateful to your National Service Officers who helped us during his final illness. You were there for us. We will never forget your thoughtful help and compassion.
Thank you!!!

I am a Vet and continue to struggle with ALS. Your Bay Area service officers have been very helpful as I battle this disease. Please accept our thanks for your patient help as my family and I fight for my benefits and assistance.

The Paralyzed Veterans is the only organization to which I donate. Let's not ever forget our young men and women who suffered serving our country. Their lives have dramatically changed. I cannot afford to donate much, as I am on a fixed income, but I will give when I can. Thank you for being there for our injured veterans.

I donate to several charities each year, ranging from total donations of $1,000.00, all the way down to $25.00. And each one always sends an annual giving receipt. For instance, this year, I donated $25.00 to Toys For Tots, and I received an annual giving receipt. I donated $60.00 to the American Red Cross, and I received an annual giving receipt. I donated $100.00 this year to Paralyzed Veterans of America. I received a letter, dated 31 January, 2019, thanking me for donating "$0.00" in 2018. I called the charity on 12 Feb, and spoke to a woman named Denise. She apologized for the mix up and said she would have an accurate annual giving summary emailed to me in 48 to 72 hours. That meant Friday, 15 Feb, or, at the very latest, Monday, 18 Feb. (What takes a charity 72 hours to generate an email in the first place?) On Monday, 18 Feb, I still had not received an annual receipt, so I called again. This time, I spoke to a young woman named Sierra. I explained the situation to her, and said I needed the receipt because I had an appointment with my tax accountant on Thursday, 21 Feb. She spoke offline to a Supervisor, who assured her that he could see by my computer file that the email was "being prepared for release that day." I asked her to confirm that I would receive the email by close of business, and she did so. I did not receive an email. I called back on 19 Feb. This time a woman named Jasmine answered, and I immediately asked to speak to a supervisor. She asked the reason and I told her. She went offline for a moment, came back, and told me that no supervisors were available, because they were all in a meeting. I asked her is she could see my file. She said yes. I asked her to email me a copy and she refused, saying that she didn't have authorization. I said, "Yes you do, the authorization was granted to send the email last night." She refused to send me a copy of my annual giving receipt, saying that she would have a supervisor call me back.

I am a Veteran myself. I have lost friends, and a brother in the service of this country. I had hoped that Paralyzed Veterans of America lived up to their mission, but sadly, I must say that they have the poorest donor services, and the shoddiest bookkeeping practices I have ever seen. I will not be giving any more of my money to PVA, and I fully plan to file a complaint with the US Attorney General about their poor bookkeeping. I will also negatively rate them at every opportunity I have.

One of the signs of how a charity effectively uses the money donated to it is how efficiently it tracks and receipts its donors. Since PVA fails so miserably at the later, I have to assume that they are equally inept at the former. If I could rate this charity lower than one star, I would.

It is a privilege to donate to something or someone I know really appreciates it, and in return, I have received a wonderful thank you letter outlining their important work. Thank you all so very much!

Your service in support of ALL Veterans is reliable and dependable. Your leadership and staff are diligent and appreciated making our lives easier and rewarding. Thank you!

We stand with you in solidarity and deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by our veteran heroes. Thank you for your continuing work.

Both of us have contributed for years investing in your mission to help all veterans. Thank you for all of your services and hard work on behalf of those who protect our Freedom.

My mother, a World War II Navy Nurse, is a big fan of all of the work you do! She worked in the Washington State Naval Hospital caring for our troops returning from the Pacific. When the War ended she married, raised her family and continued to work as a R.N. She is a life-long contributor and believer is your efforts on behalf of all of our Veterans. Thank you PVA.

My prayers are with all Veterans and this is my favorite charity. I personally know Vets who have been helped by your expert team of National Service Officers. I am pleased to increase my support. Keep is going!

This charity spends almost as much money on fund-raising as it does on programs for the vets they supposedly serve. NOT a 4 or 5-star charity.

My husband was proud of his military service. He suffered from ALS and PVA assisted him with making a claim and obtaining benefits during his illness. It was through PVA's expert guidance that we were able to receive the assistance. PVA has also been very helpful to me in receiving survivor's benefits after my husband's death. The staff and their recommendations were kind and compassionate and of a very positive nature when so many challenges presented themselves. We are most grateful to PVA and their diligent efforts.

ALS, MS, Sports, Research, Education, Advocacy and more....Paralyzed Veterans is there for all of our Vets! Thank you for all you do.

God bless you and the work you do! We have been investors in your mission for nearly 20 years.

Thanks for all your good work to help our Vets. My gift is for those who made the ultimate scarafice for our country.

I am pleased to continue to support Paralyzed Veterans of America and our Vets.

Continued success in your efforts.

Thank you, Paralyzed Veterans of America, for all the support from your staff. Many veterans are served well due to your professionalism. Again, thanks to you from myself and all other vets you serve so well.

Please forgive my long delay in recognizing your great work with our Veterans. I am a proud support of Paralyzed Veterans of America and your mission to serve all Vets.

If you want facts please visit guidestar.org where Paralyzed Veterans of America has the highest level of transparency, etc. Their financials are there too.

I mailed a check yesterday in memory of my husband. I am so grateful to your National Service Officers who helped us during my husband's final illness. You were there for us. We will never forget your thoughtful help and compassion.
Thank you!!!

My husband was so proud of his service and served his country with great pride and dignity. While serving his country, he received great recognition but his main goal was to help keep his country free from harm. He developed severe Parkinson's and it was during this time I reached out to your extraordinary organization. You staff guided me through all the channels in getting my husband the care that he needed. PVA was there to assist me. I am so grateful and certainly appreciate PVA's willingness to go the extra mile. I do hope this donation can provide the much needed care for our veterans. They deserve the very best. Thank you for all you do!

I am proud to send in another contribution. Thank you for all you do for our nation's veterans.

I am grateful that Paralyzed Veterans of America exists to advocate on behalf of our brave veterans, especially those who have been so seriously injured and paralyzed while defending our freedom.

We are pleased to add our names and approval to this great mission. Please keep up the great work on behalf of our Vets.

Jose C. Santos, Jr. > I am humble to introduce my name: Fmr Bishop and Temple Minister / There is war In Heaven and Michael the Archangel - and his armies fought: 1/3 of the host were cast out - and followed Lucifer, son of the morning, who is Satan the Devil ...no flesh and bone but all in spirit - other host of Heaven were on the side line just watching . . . And now those armies were sent down again to defend the New Jerusalem which the Americas: And they will continue to defend the cause of freedom - before the end of the Meridian of Time or Second Coming of Jesus Christ - all his disciples will come out from the grave - and Transformation of their Physical Body - enjoy life in the Millennium: A 1k years of Peace and Abundance - before the end of a 1k yrs. Satan will let loose again to test the people: And war will occur and Michael the Archangel will gather again all his Immortal Veteran Armies even the Host of Heaven to battle the War of God: I solemnly testifies that all our
Veterans ( Paralyzed & able) went to battle twice and the third is before the end of 1k yrs: War of Armageddon or War of God. . . I humbly offer my Love.Prayers.Blessings unto all through my PH. . .I so testify in His Holy Name . . .

I have been a faithful donor to this organization for the past 10 yrs.. My stepfather was a Disabled Veteran and I have witnessed the great deeds of this organizations. I commend you...continue the good works.

Your National Service team in Sacramento helped our Dad with his battle with ALS. These benefits made all of the difference to our family.

The sacrifices you made for our country are greatly appreciated by my family and me. We are honored to invest in your mission.

Thank you!!!

Your work with ALS patients is another tribute to your efforts on behalf of ALL Veterans!!!

No better place to invest your gifts. Thank you PVA!!!

God Bless you and all you do especially for those who are injured. We are please to see our small investments in PVA working 24/7!

We cannot say enough about the important work this organization does for our Veterans! Thank you PVA!!!

We cannot thank you enough for your patient work with our Veterans! Our small donations are paying big returns!!!

I am honored to support this great organization. Many thanks to our Veterans, their families and PVA!

ALS outreach program in the Bay Area has helped many Veterans. Their help, guidance and support has been of tremendous assistance to our neighbor. Thank you!!!

Your National Service Officers are top-notch. The Sacramento team help our neighbor with his battle with ALS. These benefits made all of the difference for this veteran and his family.

Extremely proud to see my investments at work for our Veterans. Thank you!!!

Dad was a strong PVA supporter, then after he was treated for a ALS, I noticed how much support veterans were getting from the PVA. Now I give to them because I want to support their mission.

As the grandchild of a combat veteran, I am honored to support their great work. A tribute to those who have served!
Thank you!!!

I had the great honor to serve as a volunteer for the Paralyzed Veterans of America from 1997 - 2007. Over that time I had the occasion to meet Board members, donors and staff. Each and every person was dedicated to the mission of the organization. It was humbling to interact and meet the many men and women who served our nation with pride and who suffer from spinal cord injury and disease.

There is nothing better than giving back to those who so very much deserve it.

From 1964 through 1966 I served with the Marine Corps. A little over a year ago, I was diagnosed with ALS. The ALS clinic in Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania, recommended that as a veteran I communicate with Paralyzed Veterans of America. I followed the clinic's advice and contacted the Philadelphia office.

The result was extraordinary because I met an extraordinary women, Violet, who serves paralyzed veterans in this region. Within, it seems, days, she had maneuvered my ALS claim through the VA system securing for me all of the benefits associated with this new presumptive service-connected disease.

Since that time, Violet has managed all of my VA administrative details efficiently, yes, but more importantly, with great compassion and concern for my well-being. Recently, I referred to Violet a fellow Marine colleague of mine who was just himself diagnosed with ALS to see if she could get him pointed in the right direction. He lives in North Carolina, and within minutes, Violet had referred him to the Winston-Salem office for assistance.

Thank you to all the Violets who make up the PVA. We veterans are indeed fortunate to have you at our side.

Semper Fidelis,
Phil A.

As a World War II veteran with AlS, I am extremely grateful to Bill, a NSO, for his outstanding help in processing my request for VA benefits. He was efficient, productive and gracious and one of my great pleasures is remaining in touch with him and with PVA. I donate to express my gratitude and give my support to a wonderful organization.

From one of our donors: "When my husband needed help after he became disabled, PVA's National Service Officer stepped forward and advised us on the steps to take to ensure he got his benefits. We had the best help from people who had experience with the disabled. With all of the charitable organizations, none comes more to the top of the list than PVA."

We never realized ALL that they do until we attended on of the Wheel Chair Games. That was the beginning of seeing our donations at work helping our Veterans through research, education, sports and much more. Thank you PVA!

I feel blessed to have two brothers and a husband who served in the military and made it home alive and unharmed. I want to help the other brave men and women who served our country and were less fortunate. I support PVA for the simple reason that they really help our veterans.

I always have donated to them, but question, how they can send, greeting cards, calculators, pens, pad of paper and all the other stuff they mail out. This has to be costing them money. St Jude doesn't send anything out. Are they legit?

I have donated to PVA throughout the years. They have been very faithful to me in promising to take care of our disabled Vets. I'm glad PVA is there. This organization is very near and dear to my heart.

I’m proud to give what I can to PVA in thanks for all of the help they have given me throughout the years in making sure that my disability claims were properly addressed by the VA. Many of us veterans who were drafted to serve our country years ago had no thought as to the consequences of that service. We proceeded out of love for our country. When the consequences started to emerge, we were stunned, confused, and in shock because no one told us about the downhill spiral that our medical health would be taking. In my eyes PVA has always been there, that one ray of hope or shining light that you see off in the distance and run to embrace because it will help you immensely in getting your health, life and family back on track. Of all the veteran service organizations out there, PVA is by far the best and most sincere organization in regards to the veteran.

We have been proud donors to Paralyzed Veterans of America since 2005. The impact of its programs and services (veterans benefits, spinal cord injury education programs, wheelchair sports) has had a profound impact on our son's ability to experience his community and has made life easier for our entire family. We continue to believe that the cutting edge research sponsored by PVA will yield medical treatments that will help our son and others affected by paralysis.

Dad was a strong PVA supporter, then after I was treated for a TBI, I noticed how much support veterans were getting from the PVA. Now I give to them because I want to support my fellow vets.

I am a combat veteran, trained as an analyst by the army.

I looked up this organization, 62% of income goes for fund raising, "Charity Navigator" gives them a no start rating. Like in diving into unknown waters "look before you leap".

I am not happy with organizations feeding off the veterans.

One organization or one government can't support the entire veteran population in the way that they need. Supporting our troops is a community responsibility. There are hundreds of non-governmental agencies that provide various veterans services, and all can use contributions of time, money or goods. I choose to support Paralyzed Veterans of America because they are a mature organization nearly 70 years old, and they seem to have a greater understanding of the needs of the general disabled veterans community and the individual needs of service members and their families. They provide a wide variety of programs and services that meet as many needs as they can. A very fine organization.

What i like about this organization is their willingness to network for the good of their clients; their excellent outreach programs for veterans; and their high-quality publications (PN, Sports 'n Spokes, etc.).

My son is an Iraqi War Veteran who became paralyzed, and thanks to the PVA he was able to receive all the support possible and the process was very smooth. He received career training from one of their vocational rehabilitation centers at the VA which has the best staff in the world. Without the help from this excellent organization my son would still be in depression and have no quality of life.

As a young girl I was stricken with encephalitis which has left me in a wheelchair. I had to learn to do everything all over again. Because I know what it's like to live with a disability and because I believe we all need to support our veterans 100% I know my contributions to PVA is the best way to do that.

The United States of America exists today because of the bravery of countless men and women who have risked everything to protect the freedoms we enjoy. I am proud to say that there are veterans in every branch of my family and many have even laid down their lives for our country. I honor their sacrifice and that of every person in our military. Paralyzed Veterans of America is one of the rare organizations that repays our debt to the men and women of arms. Through the PVA, my family can reach out to those who have lost their hope and help them rebuild their lives. We trust and proudly support this noble organization in its important work.

As a volunteer and a donor, I feel my time and money have been put to good use. I've seen first hand how the PVA and their staff interact with the PVA veterans in their sports program like trapshooting, and handcyclying, fishing, and wheelchair games. It is so important to give these veterans the opportunity to see what they can accomplish, especially after being so catastrophiclly injureded. Some of these vets are just out of Rehab and to see the sense of accomplishment that they expierence is fantastic.

My husband and I have been donating to PVA for over 4 years because we care about injured veterans. We have had the pleasure of visiting the DC office and meet the staff and it's important to note that many of the staff are wheelchair-bound and also veterans-they know and understand the plight of those they serve.

Many of the services PVA provides are not visible to the general public, but they are critical to the injured veterans. The advocacy PVA provides to crafting federal legislation and providing adequate benefits is unparalleled - they ARE the paralyzed veterans' advocate in Congress. And they carry this influence because of their Congressional charter and knowledgeable staff. And in addition to this influence on Capitol Hill, they provide services where there would otherwise be a gap - in legal representation, in career development, in achieving a full life.

I donated last year but when I checked their donations compared to what their expenses are ... For get them! They are talking 99% for expenses. So people check these places out before giving. Google ........the ugly business of stealing money mention for vets,.....by NY Post
.....

My boyfriend is a veteran and I admire what he has done for our country. I also see him in pain from time to time. We try to contribute as much as we can.

I lost a relative in Afghanistan and to honor him, I make donation to the PVA when I can. I have noticed that the organization lives up to its goal.
I'm very proud to make my contributions.

My husband and I contribute to PVA because we like PVA's approach to helping veterans, its work on spinal cord research, and on issues such civil rights for people with disabilities and making sure they get the benefits they deserve.

I want to help those who have difficulty helping themselves. I support PVA for the simple reason that they really help the brave men and women who have given so much to serve our country.

Before I got hurt in Iraq , I used to play alot of sports. I got really depressed when I came home. I had no one to talk or relate to and I felt like I had no purpose anymore. A PVA rep at the hospital told me about PVA and how it helps veterans. I got back into sports because of them and am loving life! Every year I compete at their National Veterans Wheelchair Games in hand cycling. They helped me in more ways than just sports and I they are doing a great job.

The Paralyzed Veterans is the only organization to which I donate. Let's not ever forget our young men who suffered serving our country. Their lives have dramatically changed. I cannot afford to donate much, as I am on a fixed income, but I will give when I can. Thank you for being there for our injured veterans.

I am a veteran myself and I was looking for a non-profit organization that is taking care of our veterans. Over the years I've learned the extent of the programs ( and continue to learn) and how every donation has a positive impact on services veterans receive. I am thankful for the personal contact and response to any query I may have. PVA is one of the best organizations when it comes to donations as the majority goes directly to the programs, which is of utmost importance to me. I am proud to be a PVA supporter and don't hesitate to recommend this organization to ANYONE looking for a worthy cause!

"...to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

No organization does more for our Vets. That's why we support Paralyzed Veterans of America.

We have been investing in PVA since the early 1990s. Little did we know that one of our friends would eventually need the help of their National Service Officer. Great mission and great people.

We are proud of our involvment with PVA!

I had the opportunity to visit the PVA headquarters in Washington DC several years ago. I was extremely
impressed with the staff and management as well as the wide spectrum of services they provide to
our heroes. They understand the challenges that the disabled vet AND his/her family face 20X7 from
dealing with the VA bureaucracy to living a rewarding life. I am proud to be a donor.

I had the pleasure to work with PVA as I donated my car to them. The process was simple and painless as they provided me with clear, concise instructions on what I needed to do. The towing company was able to take my vehicle while I was at work. Once the vehicle was sold, I received the necessary documentation in a timely fashion so that I could provide to my accountant. Overall, a very easy way to help our paralyzed veterans! Since my initial donation, I have remained in contact with this great organization.

My wife and I donate to PVA every year, because we know the impact it has in the real world on our veterans who need it. While we usually make several donations which change annually, PVA is always on the list. Their staff are first rate, and we appreciate the honesty from their members and the community when we meet them at events.

I have, in the past, contributed several times to this organization. But no longer, after reading comments like these...

"What a scam this is. In 2008, they took in 101 million dollars in contributions. They paid out 26 million in salaries and employee benefits, another 4 million for conferences and meetings, and a whopping 59 million for fund raising. So what are the paralyzed veterans getting? "

The defenders say we should just listen to reviews of vets that were helped. That's ridiculous! It's what they do with the totality of the money given them, not just to some isolated individuals. I'm sure they help some, but if the director and employees are getting handsome salaries then its still not right! People who work for charities should be examples of selfless individuals and not in the racket to make money. If they want to do that they should be in another field!

After reading all this I would send their nickel back but it would cost me 50 cents.

63% goes to fundraising and some of their top salaries are in the $100,000+ range with the CFO getting $200,000+. I stopped donating when I found that out and told them I don't want to be on their mailing list, the keep sending stuff. No wonder they spend so much on fundraising.

When i tried to get off their mailing list, they were very rude to me.
Then i read what vets were saying about how horrible theis ripoff organization is so maybe i'll let them mail me the stuff and have the post office charge them for return/refused mail.

Wow what a nut I have been. I have been donating to PVA for over 2 years. Have checked out how much my dollar actually goes out to our vets. No more! Im going to find a few local vets and help them! Check it out! Do some research..you will be happy you did!

I have read many reviews here, many of them negative about where the money goes, but you must stop and think about any charity, the Red Cross, the director makes over $600,000.00 a year, the United Way, another big money grab by the directors, want to give to a charity that uses your money the right way, give to the Salvation Army, their director makes $18,000.00 a year.

I too was about to write a check because I have a husband and son-in-laws and many friends that have served our country with honor. I thought "let me see just how much the TRUE veterans are getting and make sure the money goes to THEM. Imagine my shock that the majority of the money goes to FUNDRAISING! In other words the Vet as usual gets little if anything. They bring in over $103,000,000 and when they break down the EXPENSES more than half goes to fundraising and program expenses, so who is helping the Vet? This like everything else smacks our honored men for doing their duty. A veteran in the United States should NEVER EVER GO WITHOUT OR BE HOMELESS!

Well thank god I researched this charity before I sent out a check. I, myself, am a disabled vet and I am very thankful for what I have and would love to help out a fellow vet in need. I'm not giving these crooks my money. Matter of fact, I was going to send them back the nickle they glued to the return form, but I think I'll keep it. Why waste a postage stamp?

This is a great non profit that helps out this veterans that are paralyzed. Most moneys go to helping out veterans with getting wheelchairs, mental and financial troubles. They also have a lot of activities for theses veterans to do like shooting sports and scuba diving.

I wrote out my check and was ready to rip it out of the checkbook and mail it when a little bird on my shoulder said "Check the internet, Google them." So I did. I found this site and what I am reading is sad. I have given for years in the past. I have enough labels to wallpaper a room! My check will be shredded and my money donated elsewhere. I am going to Google the D.A.V., I hope I find better news there!

now these bastards have a box in Topeka, ks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i was curious as to the reputation of Paralyed Veterans of America (NH address). Thank God for Charity Navigator!! i tell my friends to check CN on any charity request before donating. shame on these people for collecting so much and using so little for the veterans!

I have never donated before but as wife of retired military I intended to write a check today after their phone call. Then, I checked the internet! Thank you so much for being there to let us know about these scams - and that's what this outfit it! Shame on them!!!!!

While their 2011 annual report (posted on PVA's website) shows fundraising as about 21 %, I would like to see a breakdown of, at least, the categories of:
Public education
Advocacy, Research
Consumer and Professional Education.

These are popular places to bury major "fundraising" costs.

The leaders get $800,000???? I get lots of stuff from them in the mail, & from now on will say, "Thank you, Lord" & use them. I sent them a few dollars for some address labels they sent recently, but that will be it. No more money from me to pay these fat cats!!! Our veterans deserve better organizations than this one.

Have been donatting to tis orginization for years. I am retired military and feel it is my responsibility to help injured verterans. Was always upset that they would send me cheep stuph that I did not want. I am more upset now that I know so llittle of what they receive goes to veterans.

I couldn't believe that the PVA had such poor reviews. I was just getting ready to throw a check in the mail tomorrow for their 2013 fundraising drive, but thought I would check out Charity Navigator first. I'm really disappointed in what I've seen regarding this charity on this site. I will be researching other charities for our Veterans and donating elsewhere.

My husband (USAF Ret) and I have been donating to Paralyzed Veterans of America for many years. We were going to make another donation when I remembered the Charity Navigator website. After checking facts and figures, we will NOT be donating. Any charity that spends an excessive amount on fundraising should be closely examined. I'm very disappointed and as another poster stated, I feel duped. With the charity's assets, they could, and should, be helping veterans.

The finanacial data presented here certainly paints a bleak picture of the ration of fundraising to total expenses. I wanted to find out more information on this, so I looked at the 2011 annual report posted on PVA's website. Surprise, it shows fundrainsing as about 21 %. So, is the data used here for evaluations that far off? It looks like it, so I'd be a little more cautious before condemning this organization.

Having donated several times before, I frequently receive correspondence via US mail. I recently received a cheap electronic calculator. Wow, I thought, they had to get these for pennies! They cut the costs by getting calculators MADE IN CHINA! The thought that my donations are being sent to China infuriated me! There is no excuse for this. I wanted to learn more and found that they have a whopping 60% expense rate, of which at least some is going to CHINA. No more donations to PVA for me!

I have been giving to the Paralyzed Veterans of America for years. I feel REALLY, REALLY duped after having reviewed the ratings and the fact that nearly no money goes to the Vets at all! But, the CEO makes a damned good salary, as do many of the other employees. I learned my lesson and will be giving no more money to this fake charity, that is just a freefall of money to the already rich. DUPED but now wiser. By, the way, there are some good Charities to give to. Navy- Marine Corps Relief Society received an A+ Will be smarter with money in the future. SadToBeScrewedSoSorryVets

60% on expensence! You will not repeat not get any donation here after. Plese remove my name and address from you mailing with regrets to the vets. A very poor showingt of benefits to the Paralized Vet. But the big guy gets the bucks. Not a penny more....

I also have followed the percentage of donation dollars that go to "fund raising" , administrative salaries, and misc expenses and find that these costs are also out of align with what I feel is fair for the receipant and the donor. I also will send f untrue donations to other more responsible veteran charities.

Why is 60% of all funds spent on "Fund Raising"????????

This is an organization whose cause touches me deeply. However, I am shocked to see their statistics: receiving $102 million in contributions, they manage to spend $68.5 million on fundraising--this is outrageously inefficient. Additionally, the organization has four top execs making in or around $200,000. No wonder they get no stars at all. Of the tiny $15 that I was thinking of sending this time, only about $5 will actually help the vets: what a lousy shame!

Ironically, no matter where I move, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) seems to locate me and start sending me return-address mailing labels. I actually kind of appreciate them and usually send them a $5.00 check here and there because I feel guilty otherwise. But now, after reading these reviews--forget that!! I don't want to line their pockets if they treat our Veterans like they're yesterday's meatloaf. I'm so sorry their long history of being an established 501(C)(3) Non-profit seems to somehow make them "appear" more credible, when in actuality, they are not. I feel as though God has been putting it on my heart to help our Veterans get jobs and now, I'm more committed than ever. Take care and God bless. Amy

I am a 100% service connected disabled veteran with a severe spinal disease combined with gun shot wound and reconstructive surgery issues. I was initially represented by the DAV in applying for service connection for my combat injuries and found their service and support to be a self-serv type group. They point you in the right direction but fall short at giving direct assistance. Frustrated, I sought patient advocate care through the PVA Mountain States Chapter. The representative that assisted me was much more helpful in filling out my appeal for the associated issues that accompanied my combat injuries, but the entire process took over 4 years to get 100% permanent rating. The PVA rep told me they provide life long support and care, but after my initial appointment, I ceased hearing from the PVA except for a monthly onslaught of unsolicited junk mail and a monthly magazine oddly just filled with corporate advertising. Their absentee approach didn't cause harm, after all, I am a grown man and shouldn't need an organization to hold my hand through the fog of military processes. It is nice getting any help when you are on 15-20 meds from drooling on the forms. The staff that ran the office I went to were nice people and I was impressed with their level of professionalism. Their rep that talked with me knew more then any other volunteer I had talked to and can say made a great difference on my decision to switch PVA over as my VHA patient representative.

3 years later I got a letter from a PVA 'NSO' who claimed she was my representative and the letter stated they were checking up on me and asked if I needed anything. Surprised, I called her back and told her of my compound needs and her response was - we are just checking in. Zero follow-up and no help was offered or given. Another year passed and I received the same letter. I wrote PVA back so I was clear in expressing my medical needs they said they would help with and again was ignored. Their response or lack of made me think the PVA only helps us initially to get signed up to report to congress and donors they are serving the most injured vets. They sure made me believe in their offers for assistance but I can affirm that I received no additional assistance other then a couple minutes of their time on the phone getting signed up with them and a couple more minutes of answering basic questions to get help filling out my appeal for my service connected injuries.

I recently discovered leaked sensitive what I thought to be private information I only shared with the Mountain States Chapter reps being shared with part time employees at the VA. I found it very inappropriate this info was shared, but apparently I signed away my privacy rights when I made them my VHA rep. That information being with people that had no intent of ever helping me and god knows who else made that the final straw. The PVA was fired in my case for negligence, ignoring my privacy demands, total failure to follow any issue up and for abandoning me, the veteran when I needed help the most. The PVA promised help getting me back to work, they promised help with adaptive sports for physical therapy, they promised help with my spinal disease with access to specialists, they promised help getting adaptive equipment,.. I received zero assistance with vocational therapy, zero adaptive sports involvement, zero help getting to the spinal injury specialists, zero help getting adaptive equipment, zero help in my home - I had to get my wheel chair, crutches, knee braces and adaptive devices directly from the VA on my own. The PVA is full of hot air and promises.

If there was a rating below the F they received by charitywatch and charity navigator I would say they earned well below that. They should be put out of business for fleecing donors, ignoring veterans and pretending to be govt associated using military titles and military nomenclature to fool donors, vets and Congress about their level of service. They put a couple wheelchair bound vets in pictures and a couple positions on their staff to make everyone think they are ran by vets for vets. Nothing could be further from the truth. In what world does a charitable staff need a 200k+ paycheck while offering nothing but a few minutes on the phone to veterans and a yearly party to waste more donor funds? My direct experience with the Paralyzed Veterans of America organization over 8 year period is that they are as close to frauds as you can get in what they appear to offer veterans. A person off the street that gets PVA advertising receives more financial help then veterans do, I hear they get a nickel in the mail each year. This is only my experience with one chapter, but I don't know how donors can put up with organizations that disguise charity expenses with annual trips to expensive resorts claiming to get together to benefit veterans. The PVA is a sham as my advocate. [sham] noun. 1. something that is not what it purports to be; a spurious imitation; fraud or hoax. The volunteer advocates that worked at the VA were more effective patient advocate then the PVA could ever be and they take two months to answer a response with usually a non-responsive answer that makes you scratch your head. Results can vary so greatly though from person to person, many people in the health business have no business being there. Kind of like how business has no place in charity. I couldn't find one thing that the PVA accomplished in Washington DC to justify going there, other then its a great excuse to have an executive salary with paid expenses, or be an attorney and we all know how much DC lobby attorney's are hurting for money.

Their left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. They are soliciting me under the name of another family member who doesn't live with me, and never has. Communicating with this organization has done no good - yet. Money is being wasted that could otherwise be used to help the Veterans they are raising money for.

I just received a letter in the mail from PVA asking for a donation. Since my husband is a disabled vet, I immediately went for my checkbook, but my prudent nature forced me to do a little research first. Yes, I discovered that the CEO makes a bundle, and that this organization spends a decent amount on fundraising, but the testimonies here on this site of the actual vets it helps have convinced me to make out that check. Good job, vets, for telling your story!

I wrote this charity, explaining that I could not contribute in the near future and suggested that they could try again in two years. It had no effect. Well, I tried. If they persist, I will keep any gifts received and throw everything else away.

After reviewing this charity, on charitynavigator. org, I have made my one and only contribution to this organization. From now on, I will keep the nickels they send. I cannot believe that "Paralyzed Veterans of America" would have $111,579,401 in revenues (2010) and expenses totaling $110,639,918 (2010). How much is actually spent on these wonderful men and women who served in our Armed Forces? As the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, I am appalled! Never again will this organization get a dime from me.

PVA keeps sending my wife more junk mail and she does not donate to them. Any one know how to stop their junk mail? I am a disable Veteran and get my support from the VA.

The US Government should put a stop to these people.

This charity does not respect its donors and will flood your mail with solicitations. I wouldn't recommend them to anybody. I've asked to be removed from their mailing list three times in the last six months and am still receiving mail. Also, they give out too many free gifts. (I gave money to them once a year and a half ago and am still receiving all kinds of junk. Last year, they sent me at least two 2012 calendars!) I have no confidence that they actually put my donation to good use. Too much "fundraising"...

The only Issue I have is that only 60% of the funds go to programs for Veterans with around 32% of the funds used for fund raising activities. That leaves 8 or 9% for administration. The concern I have is the fund raising. If this includes the veterans providing the support (in order words Jobs for Veterans) that I am all for this. If not, we and they are spending too much for fund raising.

I have always donated to veteran's organizations who support our troops. PVA sent me nice looking literature and represented their efforts. I sent them a generous donation. I prefer to choose my own charities, so I advised them that I would continue support, but only if my name was not proliferated elsewhere. In case you were not aware, mailing list companies will pay for valid names and addresses. Inconsiderate and greedy charities will collect money from you and then double collect by selling your name and address. About a month after my donation, I was bombarded with non-profit mailings from over a dozen charities per week. One day alone, I received six "gifts" stuffed in my mailbox. A few weeks later, I started getting follow-up letters from these same charities wanting to know where the money was from the "free" gifts that they had sent to me. Also they were reminding me that these "gifts" were costing them money, and I wasn't doing my part in donating to them. I wrote another letter to PVA asking them to stop disseminating my name and address. I continued to be barraged with mailers. So then I had to resort to "Return to sender" on all of the junk mail that I was getting. The mail slowed down, but didn't stop, because they started omitting return addresses on their mailers so I couldn't return them. My latest effort is to write, "Refused. Return to sender or scrap." on the envelope and put it back in the mailbox. We'll see what happens next. Next I will tear up and toss away anything that doesn't have a preferred return address without even looking at it. If this is what you want, then donate to PVA.

Those complaining about the salaries listed need to do some homework on the market. A family doctor averages $186,000. A salary for top executives of a national, million dollar organization at $200,000 is very modest. This is a large organization that has signicant clut at the DC level; like AARP. It's expenses and mission are different than smaller organizations - so it's numbers are different. If you want the most direct contribution, had a vet in need some money. If you want to pool money and have a wider imprint - this organization has good testimonials and impressive transparency. I will continue to donate.

I've looked at CN's overview and read all of the submitted reviews and find it interesting to note that those who have been served by PVA rate it very highly. Yet, those who are potential donors give it a very low rating. In consideration of all this, it appears as though this organization does a good job helping those vets with whom they are in contact. Yet, at the same time, they're helping themselves to some very generous salaries. Administrative and fund-raising costs, if I remember correctly, total over 40% of gross revenue. As a Vietnam veteran and a regular charitable cause donor, I must admit that I believe there are many organizations out there, which would spend a considerably greater portion of my dollars helping needy veterans.

The PVA service representatives have been very helpful assisting me with my claim. If it were not for the PVA I don't know where I would be with my peculiar situation; the Minneapolis/St. Paul office and staff has really come through assisting with my claim. I am a PVA member and have been for over two decades, I donate to the National and South Dakota State organizations twice a year and will continue to do so. Our state North Central Chapter provides numerous outdoor activities for wheelchair-bound veterans like me. They do good work.

I think the PVA has done more for our veterans who have become paralyzed or have MS than any other org. Millions are spent annually on research to find a cure for paralysis, and the funding to assist vets get back in the everyday experiences we all enjoy in amazing. Please be accomodating when someone contacts you to assist them. Thanks.

The PVA help me with my claim. I would never have gotten though the red tape of the VA if it was for the help of the PVA. This is a very fine organiztion. I own the PVA a lot more than words can say.

Our PVA Service Officer helped with claims and promtly seeing that I received the proper medical advice and care after diagnosis on 4 different occasions starting in 1999. Before his actions a 6 to 8 week waitng period before appointments and after his phone calls it was less than 1 week before I saw the doctor. The local Sioux Falls Chapter has provided me with oppurtunities to participate is several outdoor activities that I wouldn't have been able to participate in without their help and organization of the activities. Hats off to the staff at the office for their caring and hard work.

Received slick looking label mailer and decided to research. Very high expenses. Don't like that. I'll give elsewhere.

Disappointed with the ranking for this organization I have been supporting over 20 years. I found this out when I submitted to my corporation this year for the first time to match my funds and found out they were not qualified--because they failed to respond to my corporation reaching out to them for key information needed to include them in their very generous matching program. Wow....time to move on to another organization supporting our veterans.