In 1946, the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) was formed by World War II spinal cord injured (SCI) veterans and became a national organization through the unification of several independent organizations of paralyzed veterans throughout the United States of America. In August 1971, PVA received its Congressional Charter as a National Veterans Organization.

In 1947, a small group of paralyzed veterans living in the local area formed the New England Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America (New England PVA). New England PVA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization that represents the interests and concerns of paralyzed veterans and other individuals with disabilities throughout the New England area. The organization currently has over 1,000 members and continues to grow.