Blinded Veterans Association

I was discharged from the navy as Honorable/disabled in 1965, but for some unknown reason they rated my disability as a 0% I had suffered a brain injury. Due to the way they wrote up my discharge, I was denied all VA benefits. However, The Blinded Veterans took up my case a few years ago and today I am rated at 95% disabled an have full medical and disability funding! They took my case even though it was very complicated and has taken many claims and claim reviews.. in fact they are still working to get me at !00%
This is special because every other lawyer and group had refused to help me due to the complexity of my case. In addition, because of their efforts my spouse will be better cared for if I die. they are awesome.

They step up and advocate for veterans who are blind or have low vision. Assist in beneficial laws and rules. Sponsor training and workshops. Investigate new devices for the blind to see if they would be beneficial or not. Just a great group

Well I'm fairly new to this group so I'm still learning what it can do for me and I've not been disappointed!!

Keep up with the great service that you provide to those veterans needing to be pointed in the right direction with the right information!!

The Blinded Veterans Association was a beacon of hope when I was losing my vision. They guided me through one of the most difficult times in my life. They taught me how to advocate for myself, which resources are available to me (and where to find them), that I am not alone in this and their are others that are/have going/gone through this life-changing event. With peer support and direction I was able to go outside into the public with my head held high and feeling proud. Through their various groups I was able to learn how to apply for a guide-dog, and what to expect throughout the process. They hold various activities that get the members involved an doing things some people think would be impossible to do without sight. They teach you about the various blind rehabilitation centers, and which ones might suit your needs best.

They are like the family that you truly like!

I am a blind veteran and eventually discovered the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), and I am incredibly impressed by their work. As the only congressionally chartered nonprofit focused on blind and low vision veterans, BVA’s commitment is truly inspiring.

From the very start, it’s clear that BVA is devoted to representing and supporting our veterans. Their advocacy and outreach efforts are unmatched, ensuring that the needs and rights of blinded veterans are always a top priority.

Initially, I had some concerns about the percentage of donations that go toward administrative costs. However, those worries quickly vanished once I learned more about their operations. Many of the critical services they provide fall under administrative costs, and their actual administrative expenses are far below the national average for nonprofits. This level of transparency and efficiency is truly admirable.

The team at BVA is incredibly diverse, coming from all walks of life, and many are blind veterans themselves. Their firsthand experience and deep understanding of the challenges faced by blinded veterans make their work even more impactful. Their dedication to serving and honoring these veterans is evident in everything they do.

I urge everyone to support the Blinded Veterans Association. Their unwavering commitment and exceptional service make them a standout organization in the veteran community. Join me in supporting BVA and sharing their mission so we can ensure they continue to thrive and make a difference in the lives of our blinded veterans. Let's spread the word and make a real impact together!

The BVA is an outstanding non-profit that really help veterans with visual impairments. In 2011 the BVA helped me get 100% PT that was denied to me since 1999.

The BVA has helped me tremendously through the years. It’s a great nonprofit organization

I have met a lot of members at different events. I finally decided to join after a few years. The webinars are very useful. They keep me updated about the different technology and how to get it from the VA. Good organization

Great professional people. I used them to file a claim and they got me my backpay. They know what they are doing. I lost my sight a couple of years ago from a disease after I got out of the air force. They looked at all my records and were able to get it service connected. They keep you informed.

This organization helped me with my very complex VA claim. I got everything I deserved within months after fighting for years with other service officers. I got years of back pay. Great people.

BVA was there to provide support and mentorship when I was most vulnerable and in need. As a combat veteran, I was in dire need of the type of service and programs that BVA provides. They will always be one of an elite few Veteran Organizations that have a place in my heart.

I lost my sight, as well as my hearing on March 31, 2019, at the age of 23. At that point, I thought my life was over and that I’d spend the rest of my days living in a nursing home. A few months later, while I was attending blind rehab, I was fortunate enough to cross paths with some of the BVA’s Operation Peer Support members, who spread awareness for the VA and organize adaptive sports events, as well as secure funding for those events. It was at this time that I discovered some of the incredible things I’d be able to do again, like snowboarding, rock climbing, whitewater kayaking and rafting, and so much more. Having been extremely active before I lost my sight, this meant the world to me, and restored my sense of hope.

Y December of the same year, I was back on the slopes in Colorado, learning how to snowboard, getting the chance to spend time with other blinded veterans, feeling independent once again, and feeling a sense of overwhelming joy I hadn’t felt in a long time. I was blown away by how much the trip brought to my life. I went there expecting snowboarding to be the most valuable part of the trip, but the time spent with the other veterans before and after our time on the slopes was so incredibly healing. They understood what I was going through, taught me how to process it all, and to be open about what happened to me, because that in itself if is very healing.

I'm a blinded veteran, and I like to get things done. Since 2011 I have actively held all Post/Locale positions in the American Legion and the 40&8 Society, and as a District Finance Officer. Nobody complained. Hey, I'm still a Post Commander and may be a 40&8 Chef de Gare next year.
I love the companionship, and the comfort of familiarity. However, I'm still somewhat alone. The Blinded Veterans Organization completes my needs. I'm not yet as active as I could be, but that will change after I know that my Legion Post and 40&8 Voiture Locale are secure after the pandemic. The future with and for the BVA matters. It's important. It's special.
Respectfully,
Michael Paul Beetham
Phoenix, AZ

They assisted me in service connecting my vision loss with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs; which allows me to live independently and continue working. Their specialization in assisting Veterans with vison loss is unrivaled anywhere in the US.

The Blinded Veterans Association has helped me in so many ways. I feel more confident in my ability to reach out and interact with others. The feeling of belonging and purpose could not have happened without the support and encouragement of this association.

My name is Doie Langston. I served in the United States Army until 1997. I am legally blind and have faced many challenges in my transition from a sighted world to the unsighted one. The Blind Veteran’s Association has been profoundly instrumental in helping me adjust to the unsighted world. The BVA has given me access to numerous resources such as connection with other blinded veterans as well as many community resources that provide assistance and services that support the visually impaired. I am truly grateful for the support of this wonderful organization.

I was the first blind person I ever knew. After being diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease and leaving the army, I tried to focus on getting and keeping a job (hard to do when you can't drive and all your work experience is in combat arms). It was difficult losing my independence and the support system that was the army. Four years after leaving the army I found BVA and it changed my life. Finally, I had true peers; people who understood my struggle and would be there for me when I just needed to talk to someone who I knew would understand. They have introduced me to opportunities to not only grow personally and professionally, but have shown me how to give back to my fellow blinded veterans. To say "they saved my life" sounds cliché' and probably corny, but I'm not sure its not true. I had never been more depressed than I was before I went to my first BVA convention. Since then, I've been to the VA Blind Rehab Center in Tucson, went with a delegation to the BVA United Kingdom in Wales, snowboarded for the first time in 16 years, learned to kayak in white water and hiked 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail with other blinded vets and a dozen of the best volunteer warriors a man could be around. Best of all, I applied for and received my guide dog from Guide Dogs for the Blind; Dervish...he's the best! I currently serve as the BVA National Sergeant-at-Arms and the Chairman for Operation Peer Support. I can only hope to give back half as much as they've given me.

Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) goes above and beyond for all those they serve. I was blinded during combat operations in Iraq and representatives of BVA visited me at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. They introduced me to the various programs available within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Blind Rehabilitation Services and helped me process all of the forms necessary to receive my VA benefits. This took a tremendous burden off of my family and I as I struggled to transition from military service to the civilian sector as a severely disabled veteran. BVA has remained a constant presence in our lives ever since. They've offered opportunities to participate in adaptive sports, connect with fellow blinded veterans, advocate for blinded veterans, and travel to England as part of Project Gemini (a program connecting US blinded veterans with UK blinded veterans). The organization provides hope to those experiencing devastating disabilities, all FREE of charge. BVA continues to be a blessing for the more than 130,000 blinded veterans in the US, and others across the globe. I hope those that are able will continue to fund this organization as they are totally dependent on donations (receiving no government funding). Thank you BVA for allowing me to be a part of your great organization!

As a member of the Blinded Veterans Association, I have regained my confidence in myself. I became active with individuals experiencing the lost of their sight. The Association centers on providing guidance, leadership, advocacy and overall comaraderie. We have never loss our sight for helping others blind individuals.
There are many benefits in joining. Committees are formed in various areas to ensure all members concerns are addressed and developed. In Operation Peer Support, I attended a Turkey Shoot in Sullivan Indiana. Never before would I have ventured out to hunt and shoot a turkey. I did! It was awesome experience. Yes, I have fired weapons while on active duty but the experience to fire a weapon with limited vision is fulfilling. I had the privileged to attend a Soccer Camp at Clemson University and upon completion I achieved a Coaching License (E & F)to coach children under the age of 12. Women Veterans Group focuses on the awareness of woman's health issues. This is one area commonly untouched. The term veteran depicts the male gender. Women veterans exist and have health issues not experienced by men.
Through the Blind Rehabilitation Center, we learn to adapt in mobility, daily living skills, computers and other activities we thought we could not handle anymore. The Association promotes training and seeks to provide us with devices to enable us to a better way of life. Life is good once confidence is restored within oneself.
Currently I hold 3 leadership positions and seek to recruit/advocate and promote blind awareness to our community. We are no different than anyone else, we learned to adjust our life accordingly. Every year we walk to support the March of Dimes. We hold luncheons/dinner functions at local restaurants to be seen as a normal person.
The Blinded Veteran Association has broaden my perspective on a new way of living. I highly recommend to a blinded veteran to join for a new adventure in life. Everything is possible. The only thing holding you back is yourself.
Thank you
Elizabeth Holmes

I needed help and fast. These folks delivered extraordinary service and support on both counts. I was looking for assistance with filing a VA claim. The response came quickly. The person with whom I worked on my claim was the consummate professional and very knowledgeable. When I was anxious about the details of the claim her calm demeanor helped to reassure me I was in good hands. Indeed, I was.

I was a heavy equipment mechanic and truck driver when I started having real bad eye problems that was preventing me from working and as a result lost my job and career without a formal education I didn't have insurance that covered extensive ophthalmology and retina specialist visits and testing . As a result I lost everything including my home . The BVA joined with the Lions club and I was able to get a diagnosis of an inherited retinal disease known as Retinitis Pigmentosa and the BVA's part of solving the problem was to get me enrolled and attending a blind rehab clinic and while I was attending one of the field service officers, after finding out I was homeless cut me a check for $300.00 to assist me in finding a place to stay when I was scheduled to complete the training . Due to the Generosity of the BVA I was able to focus on new career training skills like going back to school and getting employment . I would hate to think where I may have ended being un-employed and rapidly losing my eyesight and with the disease that has no known cure

My experience with BVA was life changing. Start to finish my VA Compensation Claim case was completed in less than four months. Big KUDOS to Ms. Claudia Perry and Ms. Cecilia Montenegro from BVA. They were kind, very helpful, sharp, professional, understanding, and well in-depth knowledge of VA and RP.

The organization, which is one of a kind in its support of blinded veterans, has many positive aspects. Firstly, the FSP Program and the Legislative Affairs Department and their advocacy for the rights of blinded veterans are outstanding. Where the organization lacks is in the areas of funding and leadership. It is unfortunate that many of the members do not "step up to the plate" and get involved, and this includes many within the ranks of the elected Board members. It is a “Good Ole Boy network and is highly nepotistic, to put it mildly. The Board members, by the By-Laws of the organization, have to come from the ranks of the membership. Although this may be a great idea since the Officers of the organization have a firm commitment to the goals and mission of the organization, this severely limits those who can serve in leadership positions. This has resulted in a limitation of those with sound business or non-profit experience serving in key decision making positions within the organization. Additionally, the key funding source for the organization remains Direct Mail solicitations. This is a financial resource drain and the Return on Investment (ROI) for this type of funding source is less than optimal. On another note, the membership will soon be facing a major crisis, since the majority of members are from the WWII era, and the lack of recruitment of “younger” members to keep the organization a relevant voice for blinded veterans will be in jeopardy when the membership “dies out”. Lastly, when you look at the IRS I-990 reporting form, the majority of funds do not go to direct veteran services. It can be argued that the reporting is skewed and that some of the funds are not counted correctly in the direct service area, but it is still the fact that this needs to change in order to be considered or ranked higher as an organization that people want to donate to in order to provide services to blinded veterans. It is quite difficult to give to an organization with a 0 or 1 star rating when it comes to non-profits. Although the BVA is a BBB accredited organization their non-profit ranking by all of those organizations who rate non-profits, such as Great Non-profits and Charity Navigator, have the BVA ranked in the 0 or 1 star rating category. So when you look for an organization to donate to, Caveat Emptor should be the final word on where your money should go.

By far the best nonprofit organization for blind veterans. Big kudos to Ms. Claudia Perry and her staff.

To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to acknowledge how helpful and supportive the Blinded Veterans Association has been to me as a blinded veteran. They have helped me directly to get training and helped me deal with the emotional issues surrounding blindness and put me in contact with other veterans in similar situations. They have been instrumental in the training that the VA provides at their various blind centers throughout the country. The support they have provided in understanding my benefits has improved my ability to deal with my blindness. Their local chapters provide an avenue of meeting other veterans in the community in which I live with similar conditions. I would strongly recommend that if you are a blinded veteran that you contact the BVA regarding benefits that you may be qualified to receive.
Best Regards,
James P. Huber

What can I say about the BVA? First I would like to say thank you to Claudia Perry and her staff @ the DC VA. They are a tremendous help to me in answering any questions I may have about my benefits and rights as a veteran. I use to be a member if another organization and every time I called for help with my claim itvwas always something and it would take forever to get a call back. It got to the point where I was all ready to give up about filling my claim. The day I meet Claudia and her staff was a blessing. For the first time I truly felt like I had someone in my corner helping me through the VA process. Again THANK YOU BVA!!!! My life is alittle bit more manageable because of your staff @ the DC VA.

MT

BVA has had, and continues to make a major impact on my life. As millions of blinded Americans stay at home and out of the way of the sighted community, the BVA encourages and promotes independence and awareness of those blinded in military service. The organization has deep roots to the post-WWII renaissance and the GI Bill to send returning veterans to college. The national advocacy is amazing and can be felt at the lowest levels in my own community out west in Tucson. A good example: flip a $20 bill over and look at the large, high contrast "20" there. BVA is the only organization I know of who was smart enough to understand that the current leadership running it will have a difficult time handing it over the the youngest generation when they can no longer get out of their houses, due to age and poor health. In that same breath, the current generation doesn't want to merely evolve. So, the BVA created a separate track for the young blinded veterans to assimilate and associate, learn the traditions of the organization, and do things that are relevant to this generation's needs, while respecting the older generation's work. BVA is definitely an extended family that has been there whenever I've needed them, and I've been able to contribute to those who are very new to their injuries.

I am a gulf war and OIF/OEF vet. The Blinded Veterans Associations, BVA . as done more for me that all the others combined.. WWP, VA ect.. I cant say enough about them GREAT. they have been a main source of info , support , training, ect. the OPS group the BVA set up is a huge help, interaction with fellow blind vets is best. what can i say... Thank you BVA. your the best.

Losing ones' vision ranks as one of the hardest disabilities to overcome. Reasons for this includes isolation due to ones ability to independently travel, difficulties finding peers coping with similar issues, and a multitude of other issues.

Now imagine your are a twenty something year old Soldier with a wife and family back at home. Your day to day activities while deployed involves conducting patrols and other combat operations in Iraq. Additionally, you possess a general idea and some personal and professional goals for you and your family for when you return. Now imagine that you just sustained an injury that renders you visually impaired. Who can you turn to for peer support... Where can you turn to for help...

Well This is a story that I and others in the Blinded Veterans Association were ffaced with and lived through. In my particular story, I continued to serve in the Army for seven years following my injury. While this alone may be an awesome accomplishment, those seven years were very difficult, as I would not be introduced to the Blinded Veterans Association until my final year in. For those six other years, my wife and I felt very isolated, as we did not have anyone to turn to that would understand many of the issues visual impairments present. I struggled with depression and anger, as I tried my hardest to live life as I intended to prior to my injury. Many kind hearted people expressed their sympathies, but what we really needed was a peer support group living with similar issues.

My adventures with the Blinded Veterans Association started in 2011, when my wife and I attended their national convention. For the first time, my wife and I were surrounded by other visually impaired Service Members, Veterans, and their families. We learned for the first time that we were not alone in our daily struggles, and even how to overcome many of them.

Since attending the convention, I participate with a faction of the BVA known as Operation Peer Support. This group comprises of Service Members and Veterans who sustained a visual impairment as the result of actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. I also assist other visually impaired Veterans in my community through the local regional group. Additionally, I recently received the opportunity to travel with the BVA to meet with visually impaired Veterans from the UK, through Project Gemini.

My family and I cannot express our gratitude towards the BVA enough for showing us that hope is out there. The BVA made my transition process from the Army to the civilian world very easy, along with assisting with creating my new set of personal and professional goals.For the first time in a long time, my family and I are comfortable with who we are and what we desire to become.

The Blinded Veterans Administration have done so much for so many and I'm so thankful and honored to be part of this great organized family and support group.I have been places and done things with the BVA / Operation Peer Support group that has diffidently changed my life.This great Organization and family has helped me and so many other blinded vets to see there are no limits in the things I can do.So I give my up most love and support to my fellow blind veterans and the support team, of the US and the UK (Project Gemini).

I am a female veteran who served honorably from 1974-77. In 1990 I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. Over the years, my vision has worsened and I have been declared legally blind. Even though we have a wonderful VA Hospital where I live, I didn’t understand that I could utilize their services. I didn’t know that I could submit claim(s) for service connection. Through a friend who works there, I found out that I could use the VA’s low vision clinic. I called and met with the staff. While talking to their social worker, I found out about the BVA. Since then, I have contacted the BVA office a number of times and have come away Very pleased. My calls & emails have always been returned promptly and respectfully. It is obvious that the staff cares and is willing to help in any way. I have no doubt that I will stay in touch with this organization who do so much for those of us who didn’t know we had a voice.

I'm a blinded/visually impaired Navy Corpsman who was injured in 2005 At Haditha Iraq. BVA was given my name and contacted me. Since then I've testified for BVA at 2 seperate Senate Hearings. This group has been a life saver to me.

I am a soldier who return from Iraq, blinded and afraid of the hopeless life that I thought only existed for a blind person.
Two years after my injury I got a phone call that changed my life. The BVA had found me and wanted to invite me to a program that gathered new blinded vets together with older blinded vets.
At no cost I flew from the seclusion of the Appalachian mountains to a convention in New Mexico where I met others like me, learned about financial and educational benefits, and about access technology!
I have since moved to California where I am studying Computer Science so that I can help contribute to the access technology that I discovered there!

Thehorrible review below disturbed me so I have performed some research.
The numbers that the annonomous reviewer posted below are no where to be found in the 990 !
http://www.bva.org/form990.pdf

This organization is an organization of Blinded Veterans helping other Blinded Veterans for over 65 years. It is not likely that such numbers could exist when a group of voting board members, all blinded vets, cycles annually and votes on such matters.
In addition to other programs, the BVA payes, at the moment, 8 Blinded Veterans to provide services for Blinded Veterans in their region. The pay of one of these employees alone dramatically contradicts "abcdef's" suggestion that only $15,000 goes to service programs.
This organization has provided me inspiration, guidance, friends, and so much more!

BVA is a wonderful organization, the staff truly care about what they do. Its rare to find people motivated and concerned about the welfare of others, with BVA, they do. Thanks for doing all you guys do.

My father is a Korean War Veteran who became blind and thanks to BVA in Puerto Rico he was able to receive all the support possible and the process was very smooth. He received training from Blind Rehabilitation Center in Puerto Rico Veteran Hospital which has the best staff in the world. Come and visit and experience for yourself. Without the help from this excellent organization my father would still be in depression and no quality of life.

IN MEMORY OF HANK BLOOMBURG!! I left the service after Desert Shield and Storm in the early 90's with a photophobia. By 2001, I was blind. I left my job as a retail store manager and did not work for seven years because I felt there was nothing out there for a blind person. In 2006, I met a fellow blinded veteran, Hank. Hank being a blind veteran himself understood what I was going through and was passionate about The Blinded Veterans Association. As a volunteer, he showed me what being a blinded veteran meant, and how important it is for blinded veterans to help other blinded veterans. Hank inspired me and continued to help blinded veterans until the day he passed on in 2008. Hank inspired me to go to blind rehab and showed me life does not end with blindness. Today I am a strong advocate of The Blinded Veterans Association and a veteran service officer helping other blinded veterans like myself get the help and benefits to succeed. THANKS HANK, YOU GAVE YOUR LIFE WHILE SAVING MINE!

My personal experience with the BVA If I could sum it all up in one word that word would be fenominal. As a lifetime member and a totally blind Vet, the BVA have gone above and beyond the call of duty and i will forever be in their debt. May the father in heaven bless america and the BVA. Breckenridge

Out of all of the Blinded Veterans Associations, BVA was the first. It came out of the first several groups of blinded veterans needing rehabilitation before I was born. They decided that they, could help in three ways. One was to be an advocate for the needs of Blinded Veterans. The second was to ensure that the needs of blinded veterans didn't get lost in the Veterans Affairs "maze of issues", hence they testify before Congress each year. The third is to support individual needs of Blinded Veterans by providing guidance and information through the process of VIST, BROS, Blind Rehabiloitation Centers and their own Field Directors. The BVA doesn't just support individuals. They also support the regional and local organizations for Blinded Veterans in many ways. No other Blinded Veterans Organization has the tenure that they have nor can do what they accomplish each year for Blinded Veterans.

I have known about the BVA for about 9 months now and I Need to give Ed Eckroth alot of credit he had a claim of mins moved from the pittsburgh va to the BVA in Phildelphia and it has moved quite well untill it comes time to get the check out but Ed has helped me file for service connected disability as well the BVA is a wonderful orgnazation