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July 2024
Department of Veterans Affairs: Veteran Townhall Broadcast & Claims Clinic
In partnership with the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, the Pittsburgh VBA Regional Office hosted a virtual Veteran Townhall Broadcast and In-Person VA Claims Clinic on April 30, 2024.
Prior to the event, questions were submitted through an online platform and to the USAG Stuttgart Retirement Services Office (RSO). Responses to those questions were uploaded to the Retirement Services website which you can find here. Questions that were specific to the submitter have been edited to create a general question that is not specific to one Veteran or Servicemember. Similar questions were combined into one comprehensive question. The Department of Veterans Affairs is unable to provide answers for other agencies. However, representatives from the State Department and the Internal Revenue Service did provide resource links that can be found at the end of the Q&A responses.
If you have a question specifically about your VA claim, you may submit that question at AskVA.
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PACT Act Toxic Exposure Screening for Veterans Living Overseas
Developed as part of the 2022 PACT Act, toxic exposure screening launched in November 2022 at VA medical centers and clinics across the U.S. Veterans enrolled in VA health care receive the screening at least once every five years. The toxic exposure screening identifies and documents Veterans’ reports of potential exposure to toxins during military service, including open burn pits and airborne hazards, Gulf War-related exposures, Agent Orange, radiation, Camp Lejeune contaminated water, and others. The toxic exposure screening is not part of the VA disability claims process and does not impact VA health care eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Veterans living overseas receive the toxic exposure screening?
A: Not at this time. The VA Electronic Health Record (EHR) captures the toxic exposure screening. Most overseas Veterans receive care from community providers, who cannot access the VA EHR and, therefore, are unable to conduct the screening. The screening is not a clinical exam and has no bearing on a Veteran’s VA disability rating, disability compensation, or eligibility for health care. The purpose of the screening is to provide a record of self-reported exposures to inform Veterans’ care, allowing VA to provide them with exposure-informed care across their lifetimes.
Q: What about Veterans living overseas who regularly return to the United States?
A: Veterans living overseas who are enrolled in VA health care and have care established at a U.S.-based VA medical center or clinic may receive the screening if and when they are in the United States, on a periodic or permanent basis.
However, the most important reason for receiving the toxic exposure screening is to ensure any future symptoms or clinical evaluations are considered alongside the Veteran’s exposure history, allowing VA medical staff to provide exposure-informed care. If a Veteran does not have care established at a VA medical center or clinic, receiving the screening on a one-time visit would not allow for the screening to serve its full purpose. Instead, VA recommends the Veteran communicate their exposure concerns with a VA or community provider they see regularly.
Q: Does this mean Veterans living overseas are not eligible to receive PACT Act benefits?
A: No. Regardless of their place of residence, Veterans may be eligible for benefits through the PACT Act or other authorities. Veterans living overseas can still file PACT Act-related disability claims. The toxic exposure screening is not part of the VA benefits claims process and does not impact eligibility. To learn more about presumptive conditions established under the PACT Act and to file a claim, please visit VA.gov/PACT.
Q: Are there plans to allow Veterans living overseas to receive the toxic exposure screening?
A: Implementing the toxic exposure screening is ongoing, and we continue to explore potential solutions for screening overseas Veterans.
Q: How can I learn more about the toxic exposure screening?
A: Please view the following resources:
 To view the PACT Act Exposure map online, please visit:
PACT Act Exposure Map V6.21.2023 1030hrs.pdf (va.gov)
VA extends presumptions of service connection for three new cancer types
VA has added three new cancer types in the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to military environmental exposure under the PACT Act:
- Male breast cancer
- Urethral cancer
- Cancer of the paraurethral glands
This change impacts eligible Gulf War and post-9/11 Veterans who deployed to Afghanistan, Somalia, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Uzbekistan, and the entire Southwest Asia theater of operations, which includes Iraq. Presumptive service connection means VA automatically assumes service connection for the disease and provides benefits to eligible Veterans who have submitted claims with evidence of a diagnosis.
If an eligible Veteran has or previously had one of the listed cancers at any time during military service or after separation, he or she may be entitled to disability compensation benefits dated back to Aug. 10, 2022, the date the PACT Act was signed into law. VA will review all claims from impacted Veterans and survivors who previously filed and were denied for these three conditions on or after Aug. 10, 2022, to determine if benefits can now be granted.
If you have not yet filed a claim, please don’t wait.
There is no charge to file a claim with VA. For further assistance with the disability claims process, Veterans are encouraged to work with a VA-accredited representative.
VA posted a final rule amending the regulations regarding character of discharge determinations, expanding access to VA care and benefits for some former service members discharged under other than honorable conditions or by special court-martial by:
- Eliminating the regulatory bar for “homosexual acts involving aggravating circumstances or other factors affecting the performance of duty” as a bar to benefits.
- Creating a “compelling circumstances exception” for certain former service members
- Opening the door for previously denied service members to reapply
VA encourages former service members with other than honorable discharges and bad conduct discharges (adjudged at special court-martial) to apply for VA benefits today.
For more information, visit: https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-rule-amending-regulations-discharge-determinations/
VA MythBusting
Myth: If a Veteran files for an increase claim, the VA may reduce their benefits
This widespread myth creates unnecessary worry among Veterans considering filing for an increase claim. While the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does have the authority to review and adjust disability ratings, the system is designed to be fair and supportive of Veterans.
When and How Benefits Might Be Reduced
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Reduction Based on Routine Future Examinations (RFEs) Result: The VA has largely eliminated RFEs, which were once routinely used to reassess disability ratings. This means Veterans can now feel more secure about their current ratings without the constant concern of mandatory reevaluations.
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Requirement for Sustained Improvement: For the VA to reduce a disability rating, there must be clear evidence of sustained improvement in the Veteran’s condition. Temporary or short-term improvements are insufficient for a reduction. The VA looks for long-term stability and improvement in the condition before considering a reduction to the rating.
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Specific Conditions for Reduction: Reductions are based on objective medical evidence. If a Veteran’s medical records and evaluations consistently show a significant and sustained improvement, the VA may consider a reduction. This process is transparent, and Veterans can present additional evidence and appeal decisions if they disagree instead.
Special Considerations for Mental Health Issues
For mental health conditions, the criteria for reducing evaluations are stringent due to their fluctuating nature. The VA recognizes that mental health can vary significantly over time, making it challenging to establish sustained improvement.
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Stability in Mental Health: The VA requires evidence of stability before considering a reduction in benefits for mental health conditions. Even if a Veteran shows improvement over a short period, the VA looks for consistent, stable progress over a longer duration before considering any reduction.
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Protection Against Unnecessary Reductions: Veterans with mental health conditions are protected against reductions resulting from temporary improvements. This ensures that they continue to receive the support they need without fear of losing benefits due to short-term changes in their condition.
Reducing Evaluations for Cancer in Remission and Prosthetic Replacement
The Veterans Benefits Administration requires periodic reassessment of evaluations for cancer once it enters remission, especially following radiation therapy, cessation of surgical, X-ray, antineoplastic chemotherapy, or other therapeutic procedures. Initially, a temporary 100 percent evaluation may be assigned for active cancer. As treatment progresses and if remission stabilizes, evaluations may be reduced from 100 percent to reflect the Veteran's improved health status accurately. Veterans undergo routine future exams, typically scheduled six months after treatment cessation, to monitor their condition and ensure benefits align with their current health needs post-radiation therapy.
Furthermore, in the case of prosthetic replacement, such as the shoulder joint or elbow replacement, it's important to note that a temporary 100 percent evaluation is assigned for one year following the implantation of the prosthesis. After this period, appropriate schedular evaluations will be assigned, ensuring a fair and accurate reflection of the Veteran's health status. The total rating will be followed by an open rating reflecting the appropriate schedular evaluation; where the evidence is inadequate to assign the schedular evaluation, a physical examination will be scheduled prior to the end of the total rating period.
Veterans are encouraged to file for the benefits they deserve. VA is here to ensure all Veterans receive the benefits to which they are entitled.
VR&E Employment-Focused Mentoring Program Event
If you are graduating or completing training by the end of December 2024, please consider registering for this panel discussion on mentoring programs: If you attended the event in March 2024, this will be similar, therefore there is no need to attend.
VR&E is hosting a three-part discussion on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 2:30-4:00 PM EST regarding employment-focused mentoring programs. This event will be offered to all VR&E participants, Active-Duty Service members, transitioning Service members, Veterans, and military spouses. The purpose of this event is to educate participants on mentoring programs and provide participants with resources/knowledge to equip themselves for their next career. Registration is capped at 10,000 registrants and only the first 3,000 attendees will be able to enter the event.
You can register for the mentoring program/event at: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/weblink/register/r079a185487c783a7cda4632d6a0af4b3
**WebEx event holds only 3,000 participants**”
Veterans interested in employment & residing OCONUS
Today’s job market is continually changing and challenging. Living overseas and not being fluent in the local language as well as the other obstacles Veterans encounter adds to the complexity of this. There are some great employment resources for Veterans who are not multi-lingual but are searching for employment located overseas. Check out these helpful resources:
Do you live outside the U.S? Verify with ID.me at VA
If you are accessing your VA.gov account from a foreign country (expatriate, dual citizen, or overseas resident), you will likely need to verify via a video call with an ID.me Trusted Referee based in the United States.
Once you’re done, you’ll be able to access your VA.gov account as well as hundreds of other websites that offer ID.me as a login option. These include Social Security, healthcare platforms, and commercial brands.
You can find more information, including what you’ll need and how to link your ID.me account to your VA.gov account at the following links:
Verifying if you live outside of the United States – ID.me Help Center
Veterans Affairs and ID.me – ID.me Help Center
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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.
Overseas Military Service Coordinators
VA Overseas Military Coordinators (OMSCs) are available to assist transitioning Service Members, U.S. Veterans living or working overseas, and their families and dependents with all VA Benefits.
For contact information for the OMSCs, please visit:
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How to submit VA correspondence
Documents may be submitted by mail, in person at a VA regional office or electronically. However, submitting correspondence electronically is the fastest method of receipt.
VA provides several tools to assist in electronic submission:
Mailing address:
Department of Veterans Affairs Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 54537-4444
Foreign Medical Program (FMP)
The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care reimbursement program for U.S. Veterans living or traveling abroad who have VA-rated, service-connected disabilities. Under FMP, VA provides reimbursement for health care services, medications, and Durable Medical Equipment (DME) for service-connected conditions. FMP only covers treatment for service-connected conditions, even for 100% permanent and total service-connected disabled Veterans. However, VA may also authorize foreign medical services for any condition for Veterans participating in the VA Veterans Readiness and Employment Program (38 U.S.C. 31).
You must register for the program prior to filing a claim, and will receive an FMP benefits authorization letter and handbook after the application is processed.
Key Points of Consideration/Helpful Tips
- Register for FMP before filing a claim. FMP claims may not be processed if a Veteran is not registered in the program.
- 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) disabled Veterans can only be reimbursed for services directly tied to service-connected disabilities.
- FMP cannot authorize reimbursement of medications that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME) claims must include a doctor’s prescription with a statement of medical need and the estimated length of time the equipment will be needed.
- Drugs, supplies, treatments, and descriptions of services performed must clearly show a diagnosis that is linked to a service-connected disability.
- Unclear or questionable treatments are reviewed and adjudicated by a clinical nurse.
- Vague descriptions or omitted information on claims may be rejected.
- FMP cannot pay for any kind of travel costs, including emergency ambulances and travel to Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams.
- FMP claims are currently being processed and adjudicated within 120 days of receipt. The delivery timeframe of payments can vary depending on the overseas destination.
Applications can be downloaded from here FMP Application and submitted by e-mail to hac.fmp@va.gov, fax to 303-331-7803, or mailed to:
VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care
ATTN: FMP
PO Box 469061
Denver, CO 80246-9061
For more information, please visit the following websites:
Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHIC)
Veterans may now obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) online.
You can sign in to AccessVA to request your VHIC. You’ll need a Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC) account. Please note, if you live outside the U.S. and you do not have one of the aforementioned accounts, you'll need to create an ID.me account to verify your identify.
For additional information and instructions, visit:
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Upcoming Virtual Events
VA regularly participates in virtual outreach events . Visit the link below to view the full list of virtual offerings:Outreach & Events
Although the event below is advertised for U.S. States in the Continental region, the Veterans Experience Office has opened these Veterans Experience Action Center events to those Veterans living abroad as well.
Veteran Golfers Association
The Veteran Golfers Association (VGA) enriches the lives of Veterans and their families through the sportsmanship and camaraderie of golf. If you’re looking to make new military friends while also experiencing the thrill of competition, consider joining the VGA.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Veteran Golfers Association, visit Veteran Golfers Association (vgagolf.org).
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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.
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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!
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.
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The Veterans Benefits Guide highlights VA benefits and services available for transitioning Service members and their families.
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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.
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