Passage of Veterans Mobility Safety Act a Big Win for Paralyzed Veterans

H.R. 3471 one of several veterans-related bills passed by House yesterday

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Nov 30, 2016, 04:12 ET

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) applauds the passage of H.R. 3471, the Veterans Mobility Safety Act, which has been a top legislative priority for the organization. The bill will direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a comprehensive policy regarding quality standards for providers who dispense modification services to veterans under the Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program. The bill also authorizes VA to hire and prescribe qualifications for hiring hearing aid specialists. H.R. 3471 now goes to the President for signature.

"Paralyzed Veterans of America is very pleased that quality standards for adaptive automobile equipment providers will finally be set, helping to ensure the safety of veterans who use these services provided through the VA," said Sherman Gillums, Jr., executive director of Paralyzed Veterans.

Several other veterans-related bills were passed by the House yesterday, and now go to the Senate for consideration. These include H.R. 3286, the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2016, requiring the Department of Labor to better recognize employers' efforts to recruit and retain veteran employees and provide community and charitable services to the veteran community; H.R. 5600, as amended, the No Hero Left Untreated Act, requiring the VA to carry out a one-year pilot program to treat veterans with PTSD, TBI, chronic pain, and opioid addiction or who have experienced military sexual trauma with magnetic EEG/EKG-guided resonance therapy, which uses stimulation to help restore proper functioning in the brain; and H.R. 4757, as amended, requiring VA to supply a headstone, marker or medallion for Medal of Honor recipients buried at private cemeteries.

"We are pleased to see veterans' issues being made a top priority by our legislators and look forward to continuing our efforts in 2017 to make sure that all veterans are provided with the resources they need to continue with fulfilling lives after military service," added Gillums.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America