Pittsburgh Pulse

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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Pittsburgh Pulse


How to File a Claim QR Code

The PACT Act and your VA benefits

The PACT Act is a historic new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans who were exposed to toxic fumes and other hazards while fighting for our country. 

Family members or dependents of deceased Veterans may qualify for various VA benefits.

The VA is committed to ensuring all Veterans and their family members receive the benefits and care they have earned.

Next steps for Veterans and dependents:

  • Apply now for PACT Act benefits by filing a claim
  • If you have not yet enrolled in VA for health care, learn how to apply.

Scan the QR code above to learn more about how to file a claim. 

Learn more: visit The PACT Act or call 1-800-MyVA411.

Avoid PACT Act ScamsPACT Act FAQs

G.I. Jobs Virtual Franchise Fair

When: Friday, December 1 | 12-1 pm (ET) 

Cost: Free

Event Details: Hear from veterans who own franchises and get the inside track on how they became their own boss. Attend the Franchising Bootcamp to learn the basics and benefits of franchising. If you like what you learn, schedule a 10-minute chat with a franchise coach to determine if franchising is right for you.

Registration: Virtual Franchise Fair 12/1


Military Friendly Virtual Job Fair

When: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022 | 12-4 pm (ET)

Cost: Free

Event Details: Don’t miss the event of the year! The Military Friendly® Virtual Job Fair is your opportunity to talk with recruiters from Military Friendly Employers of all sizes. If you're looking for employment by those who know the value of veterans and military spouses, you'll want to come to this free event.

Attending is easy:

  • Create your profile.
  • Learn of employment opportunities available from participating organizations. 
  • Sign into the event and talk or text with recruiters about positions you’re interested in.

Recruiters are looking at profiles ahead of the event. So sign up and complete your profile today!

Registration: Military Friendly Virtual Job Fair 12/7


FPOW Symposium

Click Here to Join the Virtual FPOW Symposium


VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System Medical Center Outreach

Day: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month

Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Frequency: Each Month

Location: VAPHS University Drive, Main building, 1st floor (Room 1N144)

Expected Audience: All Veterans


VBA Telebenefits Opportunities at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Facilities

Details: Veterans can meet with a representative from the Pittsburgh VA Regional via video conferencing at select VHA facilities.

Day: Select Fridays

Time: 8 A.M. to 12 P.M.

Location: Butler VA Medical Center (Report to the Lobby; Offices for the Telebenefits Site are to the left of the main lobby area with the VAMC Social Workers)

Upcoming Dates for Butler VA Medical Center:

  • December 2, 2022

Please call the Butler VA Medical Center at 878.271.6119 or 878.271.6120 to schedule an appointment. If you are interested in attending a Tele-benefits appointment with the Pittsburgh RO, but are unable to attend during one of the regularly scheduled days, alternative dates can be scheduled by appointment.

Location: Johnstown VA Outpatient Clinic 598 Galleria Drive, Johnstown, PA 15904

Upcoming Dates for Johnstown VA Outpatient Clinic:

  • December 16, 2022

Time: 8 A.M. to 12 P.M.

Please contact the Johnstown VA Outpatient Clinic Patient Advocate at 814-943-8164 ext 14785 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also accepted.


VBA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors at H.J. Heinz VA Medical Center- Aspinwall

Date and Time: Mondays | 7 A.M to 3:30 P.M.

Location: 1010 Delafield Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 | Building 69, Veterans Recovery Center | Vocational Services

Details: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRC) from the Pittsburgh VA Regional Office will be available to provide assistance regarding Veteran Readiness and Employment Services. Veterans interested in meeting with a VRC should visit the Welcome Desk in Building 69.

Expected Participants: Veterans


VBA Representatives at the Westmoreland County VA Clinic

Location: 5274 Route 30, Suite 10 | Greensburg, PA 15601-7833

VBA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Date and Time: Every other Tuesday | 9 A.M. to 3 P.M.

Details: A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) from the Pittsburgh VA Regional Office will be available to meet with Veterans at the Westmoreland County VA Clinic every other Tuesday, beginning August 16, 2022. Veterans should visit the reception desk and ask for VR&E services.

VBA Claims Representative

Date and Time: Last Friday of the Month | 8 A.M. to 3 P.M.

Details: An expert from the Veterans Benefits Administration Pittsburgh VA Regional Office will be available to provide resource information regarding service-connected compensation, including on-the-spot assistance with individual questions and concerns. Please contact the Westmoreland County VA Clinic to schedule an appointment to meet with the VBA representative.


VBA Rep at Veterans Helping Veterans

Date and Time: Third Thursday of each month | 9:30a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: 210 E. 7th Avenue | Homestead, PA 15120

Event: On the third Thursday of each month, local non-profit organization, Veterans Helping Veterans (VHV) will be hosting an expert from the Veterans Benefits Administration Pittsburgh VA Regional Office to provide resource information regarding service-connected compensation, Veteran Readiness & Employment Services, and more, including on-the-spot assistance with individual questions and concerns. VHV provides a safe harbor and listening ear where Veterans can connect with other Veterans, learn about resources and services to improve their well-being, and build personal resilience. VHV will be conducting their normal operations to include new Veteran registration, coffee, breakfast, and lunch.


VERA

Pittsburgh VA Regional Office Operating Status

The Pittsburgh VBA RO is open for services 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday. To schedule an appointment for in person or virtual services:

Veterans and stakeholders may now also utilize the new, online Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA) self-service portal to schedule virtual or in-person appointments with your VA Regional Office.  You can use the camera on your smartphone to capture the QR code above to schedule an appointment.  

Veterans can continue to get information about benefits or file a claim by visiting www.va.gov.  Veterans are also encouraged to continue with their appointed Veterans Service Officers.

For future updates, please check our website: 

Pittsburgh VA Regional Office Home (va.gov)


Upcoming Virtual Events

 There are a number of VA virtual outreach events being held nationwide. Visit the link below to view the full list of virtual offerings:

Outreach & Events | Outreach Events | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)


Help Us Serve You!

If you are interested in having a VA representative from the Pittsburgh RO attend an upcoming virtual event, participate in a virtual speaking engagement, or provide a benefits briefing to your team, please let us know! 

Request a VA Representative Attend a Virtual Event


VA Welcome Kit

Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.

Federal Benefits

VA Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, & Survivors contains a wealth of information about the broad range of benefits and services available, including pertinent phone numbers, websites, basic eligibility requirements, and more! 

The Veterans Benefits Guide  highlights VA benefits and services available for transitioning Service members and their families.

Veterans Benefits Guide

988

 

If you’re a Veteran having thoughts of suicide or concerned about one, reach 24/7 crisis support through the new Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) number: Dial 988, then Press 1.


The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Veterans Affairs of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized VA activities, the Department does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided with the intent of meeting the mission of the Department. Please let us know about existing external links which you believe are inappropriate.