Pittsburgh Pulse
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women Veterans and can also affect male Veterans. VA health care offers extensive screening, diagnostic, and treatment services, with special programs for those exposed to toxins during service. Veterans can reach out to their local VA facilities for assistance: Find VA Locations
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
VA processes 3 million disability claims in record time - again
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs processed more than three million disability benefits claims for Veterans in fiscal year 2026 as of Sept. 18, 2026, faster than ever before.
The prior record was in FY 2025, when VA completed a record high 3.001 million claims at the very end of the fiscal year — a record VA has already surpassed this year.
VA processes 3 million benefits claims in record time
VA awards $112M in suicide prevention grants
The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded $111.9 million in grants to 191 community organizations that provide suicide prevention services to Veterans across the country.
The funds are made available through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program and will become available at the start of fiscal year 2027. Grants are accessible to nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, federally recognized tribes and other community-based organizations that have demonstrated a capacity to serve Veterans.
VA awards $112M in suicide prevention grants
Fall Flu Shots
Butler VA Health Care System is now offering flu vaccination clinics to Veterans. A complete listing of flu clinic dates, times and locations is available online at VA Butler Healthcare Events. Flu shots are available to all Veterans. Veterans currently enrolled at the Butler VA Health Care System should present their VA issued health identification card (VHIC).
Veterans not currently enrolled at the Butler VA should present one form of ID and provide a copy of their military discharge (DD214). Non-Veterans, to include spouses and dependents, are not eligible for a flu shot from the Butler VA. Flu shots provided at the Butler VA will be given at the New Castle Road campus located at 325 New Castle Road, Butler, PA. These clinics will be drive through. Signs will be posted. Veterans may receive their flu shot during an upcoming PCP visit or the Walk-in Clinic located at the Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center.
Veterans not currently enrolled in the Butler VA Health Care System should use the occasion of a flu shot to enroll into the Butler VA. Veterans not enrolled should call Enrollment at 878-271-6645 in advance and request an application be mailed. For more information about the flu clinics, Veterans may contact Sharon Boyle at 878-271-6672.
Flu vaccines are also available for eligible enrolled Veterans at the VAMC University Drive, H.J. Heinz III, and most other outpatient clinics.
You can get a flu shot:
- At any scheduled appointment.
- At our walk-in clinic, weekdays (except federal holidays) from 8 a.m.– 4 p.m.:
- University Drive in Outpatient Behavioral Health (Bldg. 29, 1st floor hallway near outpatient clinics)
- H.J. Heinz III in the lobby of Ambulatory Care Bldg. 71 between entrances A & B
- At the University Drive Emergency Department evenings, weekends and federal holidays only.
- At all outpatient clinics. Schedules vary. Call your local clinic for details:
Note: The Beaver Co. CBOC is expected to relocate during this flu season. For updates on this and other important information, please visit our website at www.va.gov/pittsburgh-health-care.
Stand Down Pittsburgh
 Day of FREE services for local Veterans:
Clothing, Haircuts, General Healthcare, Legal Assistance, Employment Resources, etc.
Breakfast and Lunch Provided.
Military Share Food Distribution Dates
Please help VLP spread the word about our upcoming September 2026 food distribution events in Pittsburgh and Central PA!
Pittsburgh Military Share - Monday, October 19th at 10AM - If you are interested in volunteering, please email Trevor at armstrongt@vlpwpa.org
Johnstown Military Share - Friday, October 30th - line up begins at 11AM - If you are interested in volunteering, please email Kim at portserk@vlpwpa.org
Veterans Leadership Program
Free Military Service Recognition Plaque
Together We Served (TWS) is offering free military service recognition plaques carefully created by military experts, with the highest quality graphics and accurate content to deliver the finest presentation of your military service in your choice of an 11" x 8 1/2" or 17" x 13 1/4" plaque you can print out and frame. Makes a beautiful wall display for any Veteran or Family Member of a Veteran.
Claim your plaque here: Together We Served
Restore 22 - More than a Coffee Shop
Restore 22 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a relaxing, informal environment for military veterans to connect with each other and with resources that can enhance their quality of life.
To find out more about what Restore 22 has to offer, how you can help, and to see local events, please visit their website Restore 22.
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What's Brewing Events
What's Brewing is a casual Veteran coffee meetup, a chance to share stories, laughs, and resources. To learn more about these free events, scan the QR code or visit Veteran Advocare
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G.I. Jobs/Military Friendly Virtual Job Fair
When: Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 12 pm-4 pm (EDT)
Cost: Free
Event Details: Talk with dozens of recruiters from companies of all sizes at this online event! These recruiters know the value of hiring Veterans and military spouses, and they're looking for you to join their ranks.
Registration: Virtual Job Fair
Vetrepreneur Franchise Coaching Information Session
When: Friday, October 16, 2026 & Friday, October 30, 2026| 12-1 pm (EDT)
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Details: Curious about becoming a franchise owner? This one-hour virtual session is designed for Veterans and military spouses ready to explore business ownership through franchising. Learn how our proven process helps you find the right franchise and confidently navigate the path to ownership. No experience needed.
Registration: Workshop
Vetrepreneur Franchise Academy Information Session
When: Friday, December 11, 2026 | 12-1 pm (EDT)
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Details: The Vetrepreneur Franchise Academy is a free 10-step, 10-week class that turns veterans and military spouses into business owners. Veteran franchising experts will lead you and your classmates through group and individual sessions to get you into franchise ownership. Applicants for the Academy are encouraged to attend the information session. Limited seats available.
Registration: Workshop
VET TEC 2.0 is Here
Looking to expand your skills and explore new career opportunities? VET TEC 2.0 is a new VA benefit that provides eligible Veterans with short-term training in high-demand technology fields.
Check your VET TEC 2.0 eligibility and apply today
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Pittsburgh VBA 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. Use the camera on your smartphone to capture the QR code above to schedule | | 
