Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders System of Care

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

VA is open and we are here for you. If you have a health concern, please do not hesitate to contact your provider; your health and safety are our top priority.

To get answers to questions you have about coronavirus and how VA is responding, visit VA’s Coronavirus FAQs page, VA's public health response, and VA's COVID-19 vaccine page.

If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath, call your VA medical center or the closest SCI/D Center before going to a clinic, urgent care center, or emergency room. Calling first helps us protect you, medical staff, and other patients.

For the latest information about coronavirus (COVID-19), visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Use Virtual Health Care Options to Communicate with your Health Care Team

Contact your healthcare team to learn more about what telehealth services are be available for you.

If you have an appointment, consider making it a telehealth appointment. Many medical and mental health care appointments can be conducted from the safety and comfort of your home using VA Video Connect (VVC) and your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Many Veterans with SCI/D enjoy using VA Video Connect. If you do not have a computer, smartphone or tablet, contact your healthcare team to learn about a program that offers eligible Veterans a tablet for VA telehealth.

You may be able to order prescription refills, schedule appointments and send messages to your healthcare team using My HealtheVet and Secure Messaging. Using these tools you can ask health related questions, update your health care team on a health condition, request VA referrals and medication renewals, manage appointments, and ask routine administrative questions.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Veterans with a Spinal Cord Injury or Disorder (SCI/D)

Having an SCI/D means you’re likely at higher-risk for severe complications related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). This is also true if you’re older, have chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or are using a respirator.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) also affects your respiratory function. If you are currently using a ventilator, you are at much greater risk of severe infection and increased mortality if you acquire the coronavirus. All Veterans with an SCI/D are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines on how to protect yourself and others.

Observe a minimum of 6 feet of distance from others in social interactions. Follow State and/or local guidelines regarding face coverings. CDC offers information on cloth face coverings, including tutorials and cleaning instructions.

Stock up on important supplies (food, personal care products, household supplies, etc.)

Make sure you can get medications and medical supplies in a timely manner. Consider using My HealtheVet or the call-in number, (877)-327-0022, for prescription renewals.

Establish a plan for emergency preparedness. Visit Emergency Preparedness for SCI/D for additional tips.

Download a Tips Sheet on COVID-19 for Veterans with SCI/D.

Veterans with a Spinal Cord Injury or Disorder and a Caregiver

Learn how you can protect, prepare, and support yourself and your caregiver during these challenging times with tips for Caregiving during COVID-19 and VA's Coronavirus FAQ page. 

Ensure you have backup caregivers in case your caregiver cannot work or is sick.

Have your caregiver wash his or her hands or use hand sanitizer prior to caring for you, and regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

Ask your caregiver to wear a face covering while caring for you.

Contact Us

Email VA's Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders National Office for more information or if you are unable to reach your SCI/D provider. In order to protect your privacy, we cannot respond by email. Please give us a phone number that we can use to reach you and use caution entering personal information because the security of regular email cannot be guaranteed.