The PACT Act & Your VA Benefits
Were you exposed to toxic substances during your military service?
Under a new law called the PACT Act, you may be eligible for expanded benefits and health care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Signed into law on August 10, 2022, the PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans who were exposed to toxic fumes and other hazards while fighting for our country, including Vietnam-era, Gulf War-era, and Post-9/11 Veterans.. Veterans and survivors must file a claim within one year of the bill's enactment – by August 9, 2023 – to preserve this effective date. If Veterans file their PACT Act claim on or after August 10, 2023, their effective date for payment will be the date upon which their claim was filed, rather than the date the law was enacted.
The VA is committed to ensuring all Veterans and their family members receive the benefits and care they have earned. Family members or dependents of deceased Veterans may qualify for various VA benefits.
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.
|
  
How Can Veterans Reach VA?
VA has many avenues in place to help Veterans and their family members residing OCONUS. For Veterans or other VA claimants residing outside of the US, you can contact VA by phone to get a status of your claim or answer general benefits inquiry at 1-800-827-1000 or 412-395-6272.
If you need assistance with filing a claim, status of pending claim or appeal, or any other VA related benefit, you can set up a virtual appointment with the Pittsburgh or Manila Regional Office (RO).
PITTSBURGH RO:
Veterans or claimants wishing to schedule a telephone (virtual) appointment to speak with a representative from the Pittsburgh Regional Office should follow the below steps.
Virtual appointments can be made via the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA): https://vets.force.com/VAVERA/s/
- Select “Schedule Virtual Appointment”
- Select Pennsylvania for state.
- Select Virtual Pittsburgh Regional Office.
- Complete visitor information. Please note, international phone numbers must be input in the “Special Notes/Requests” section with the country code.
- Select desired services regarding what you would like to discuss during your appointment.
- Select a date for your appointment
- Select a time for your appointment. Please note, all appointments are in Eastern Standard Time (EST).
MANILA RO
If Manila time zone is more convenient for you, please use the camera on your smartphone to capture the QR code below to schedule the appointment. You will receive email confirmation of your appointment.
 |
|
For Document Drop-off and telephone appointments, please indicate in "Notes" portion of VERA that the purpose of visit is document drop-off or telephone appointment.
|
Additional Assistance
- Veterans with claims specific or other questions may request information via Ask.VA.gov or by telephone at 1-800-827-1000, or 412-395-6272 for Veterans outside the US.
- For questions related to education benefits:
- Call us at (918) 781-5678 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
- For help related to international direct deposit and currency conversion:
- Call us at (918) 781-7550 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
- Send us an email at DIRECTD.VBAMUS@VA.GOV.
- To speak to a benefits representative at an American embassy or American Consulate:
- To appoint an accredited representative to help you manage and apply for benefits:
For additional information, visit:
WHERE TO SEND VA CORRESPONDENCE:
Documents may be submitted by mail or electronically. However, submitting correspondence electronically is the fastest method of receipt.
VA provides several tools to assist in electronic submission. To learn more about how to submit documents and claims electronically, visit www.va.gov/disability/upload-supporting-evidence. You can also go directly to access.va.gov to digitally upload any correspondence using QuickSubmit.
By visiting www.va.gov you can also check your claim status and learn about other VA benefits.
Using the latest technology at our disposal, the VA provides our Veterans and Service Members with advanced resources that allow them many avenues to connect with us. Be it through in-person or virtual appointments, email, or one of the VA’s self-service portals. Service Members, Veterans, and other Claimants are equipped with the necessary tools to engage with the VA and to apply and receive benefits we offer.
Veteran Service Officers (VSO)
VSOs are another resource available to Veterans, Survivors, and Dependents to help you apply for VA benefits.
What is an accredited representative?
An accredited representative is an individual who has undergone a formal application and training process and is recognized by VA as being capable of assisting claimants with their affairs before VA. Most accredited representatives work for Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), many of which are private non-profit groups that advocate on behalf of Veterans, Service members, dependents and survivors.
What is the role of an accredited representative?
A VSO is trained to help you understand and apply for any VA benefits you may be entitled to including: compensation, education, vocational rehabilitation and employment, home loans, life insurance, pension, health care, and burial benefits. Additionally, your VSO can help you gather any evidence needed and submit a fully developed claim on your behalf. Many VSOs provide their services free-of-charge.
See below for a list of VSOs available internationally to help you apply for VA benefits. For more information on the role of an accredited representative and how to appoint a VSO or Representative, please visit:
Veteran Service Officers Assisting with Federal Benefits for Veterans & Dependents Abroad
American Samoa
- Paogofie, Fiaigoa - Office of Veterans Affairs, American Samoa Government, PO Box 8586 Pago Pago, XX 96799
Australia
Dominican Republic
- Garcia Diez, Adalberto Bolivar- National Association for Black Veterans, Inc., Calle el Tanque, Residencial Sun Tower Apartment A4 Juan Dolio, XX 21004 809-383-5948 nabvets.dr@gmail.com
Europe
- Chung, Robert - American Legion CMR 456 BOX 1809, APO AE, EU 09250
- Dorris, Robert - VFW Unit 28810 Box 98R, APO AE, EU 09264
- Janey, Kevin - American Legion Postfach 1308 97863 Wertheim, Germany, EU (+49)179-4407354 vaclaims@online.de
- Litherland, Timothy - American Legion, USAG Ansbach MPD VSO Unit 28721 Box 6511 APO AE, EU 09177
- Phillips, Francis - American Legion, Neuendettelsauer Str., 15 D-91560 Heilsbronn Germany, EU; +49 1726879915; fdphillips59@gmail.com
- Pope, John Jr. - American Legion PSC 7 Box 328, APO AE, EU 09104
- Williams, Jessie Lynn CMR 422 Box 507 APO AE, EU 09067
- Sherman, Michael - American Legion, Unit 28721 Box 6511 APO, AE 09177 Germany; serviceofficer1982@gmail.com
- Singletary, Christopher—VFW, PSC 808 Box 1939 FPO AE, EU 09618; Covering Europe and Africa; margotttkk@gmail.com
Japan
- Kozlesky, Curtis - American Legion, American Legion Post 28, PSC 557 Box 123 FPO, AP 96379-0123; 080-3703-3988; markfrease@gmail.com
Mexico
- Dana, Jeffry - American Legion 1273 Calle Colombia #203, Puerto Vallarta, MX 48350
- Thompson, Richard - National Association of County Veterans Service; Manuel Lepe Macedo 2050 +1003 Puerto Vallarta, MX 48317
Netherlands
- Traldi, Arthur - American Legion; International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia; Churchillplein 1, Office M-238, Den Haag, FC; 610-428-7179 arthur.traldi@gmail.com
Singapore
- Collison, James - National Association for Black Veterans, Inc; 3 Fraser Street DUO Tower, 17th Floor Singapore, XX 189352; 65-9723-8252 james.collison@mastercard.com
United Kingdom
- De Bari, Matthew- National Association for Black Veterans, Inc; White & Case LLP 5 Old Broad Street London, UK, XX EC2N 1DW +44 7912980208 debarimatthew@gmail.com
- Florio, Marissa - National Association for Black Veterans, Inc; White & Case LLP; 5 Old Broad Street London UK, XX EC2N 1DW; +44-2075321421; marissa.florio@whitecase.com
Yucatan
- Boylan, Thomas - American Legion; 15 #153 e10y14 Fracc.; Monte Cristo Merida, Yucatan , MX 97133
Inspirational Testimonial from an Overseas VR&E Program Participant
An Active Duty service member in Belgium and current VRE program participant shared his inspirational testimonial to showcase to other service members and Veterans the assistance and benefits available to them, and to encourage them to apply now!
In February 2023, the service member applied to the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program (VR&E) and after a period of vocational exploration, his VR&E plan was developed with the goal of obtaining a Program Management Certification, which will enhance his marketability in the civilian workforce and assist him in obtaining suitable employment in his occupational goal in Human Resource Management. Based on his previous work experience, education, and transferable skills, this will help him increase his marketability to obtain employment in a field that matches his skills, interests. and abilities. As the executive leadership positions that this service member will be seeking are extremely competitive, this additional certification will increase his overall marketability and aid him in establishing a fulfilling career.
From the service member:
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my testimonial about VR&E and [my counselor's] support. Initially, I was unsure about VR&E and thought it was just another mandatory step during my transition from the Army. However, [my counselor's] patience and kindness stood out as she took the time to explain the various opportunities available to me for preparing for the civilian workforce.
Despite my skepticism, I decided to give the program a chance. As I progressed through the VR&E tasks, I remained doubtful. However, looking back now, I realize that it was precisely what I needed. VR&E has provided me with the means to pursue certifications that will make me a competitive professional in the civilian world. Surprisingly, even with a terminal degree in hand, I wasn't fully prepared for success as a civilian. VR&E bridges that gap and equips transitioning Veterans with the tools necessary to tackle the challenges of a civilian career.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to VR&E and particularly to [my counselor] for her unwavering support and guidance throughout the process. Her commitment to my success truly made a difference. Thank you, VR&E, and thank you [to my counselor] for sticking with me on this journey.
Foreign Medical Program (FMP)
The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care benefits program for U.S. Veterans who are residing or traveling abroad and have VA-rated, service-connected disabilities. Under FMP, VA assumes payment responsibility for certain necessary health care services received in foreign countries and associated with the treatment of service-connected disabilities, or any disability associated with and held to be aggravating a service-connected condition. Additionally, VA may authorize necessary foreign medical services for any condition for a Veteran participating in the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program (38 U.S.C. 31). For more information, to include submitting claims for reimbursement, please visit here.
Upcoming Virtual Events
VA regularly participates in virtual outreach events . Visit the link below to view the full list of virtual offerings:
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 group, please let us know!
Feedback Requested
We’d love to hear your feedback regarding the VA OCONUS Connection! We want to provide the information you need - please tell us what topics you would like addressed in the future.
Veteran Good News Stories
We want to hear your VA good news stories! Whether you're a Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) participant who found a new career path, a Veteran who applied for and received care and benefits as a result of the PACT Act, or a long time recipient of service-connected compensation who had a great experience with VA, we want to hear from you! These stories may be used by VA Public Affairs in speeches, presentations, and other related media to showcase to Veterans and survivors the care and benefits available to them, and encourage them to apply now.
Please take a moment to provide your contact information through the link below and a representative from the Pittsburgh VA Regional Office will contact you to share your story.
Stay Connected
Please encourage Veterans and separating Service Members that you know residing outside of the US to visit the Pittsburgh VA Regional Office website to sign up to receive this quarterly newsletter, The OCONUS Connection, in which we share information pertinent to Veterans living overseas. Veterans and Service Members can subscribe to this publication by submitting their email address through the link provided on our website.
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.
The Veterans Benefits Guide highlights VA benefits and services available for transitioning Service members and their families. |
|
 |
 |
|
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.
|
