VA OCONUS Connection
August 2026
What's New Overseas!
Overseas Military Service Coordinators Return to Europe and Asia
The Overseas Military Service Coordinator (OMSC) program is once again supporting Veterans and their families overseas, with coordinators located in Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Japan.
OMSCs provide assistance navigating VA benefits, including disability compensation, education inquiries, health care inquiries, home loan inquiries, burials inquiries, and employment benefits. If you require assistance or have a question specific to your region, contact:
OMSCs also provide assistance with change of address requests, direct deposit banking information, and adding or removing a dependent.
VFW Pre-Discharge Claims Assistance Available at Camp Humphreys
Transitioning Servicemembers preparing to file a VA disability claim now have an additional resource available.
A Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Pre-Discharge Claims Representative is available to assist transitioning Servicemembers with the preparation and filing of VA disability claims prior to military separation.
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Location: Building 481, Room 303, Camp Humphreys
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Phone: 010-3959-2687
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Email: wrumbaugh@vfw.org
Preparing To Leave Active Duty?
Benefits Delivery at Discharge Program Overseas
Servicemembers who are separating from active duty and plan to file for disability compensation can file their claim before separation through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program.
The BDD program allows Servicemembers to apply for VA disability compensation benefits between 180 to 90 days prior to separation. This timeframe permits VA to review Service Treatment Records (STRs), schedule needed exams and evaluate the claim before separation. The goal of the program is to deliver a decision within 30 days after separation.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for BDD, Servicemembers must:
- Know their separation date
- File their claim between 180 and 90 days prior to separation
- Provide a copy of their STRs for the current period of service
- Provide a completed Separation Health Assessment - Part A Self-Assessment
- Be available for 45 days from the date the claim is submitted to attend VA exams
Upcoming BDD Workshops
Thinking about filing a BDD claim? Attend an upcoming Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) workshop to learn about VA disability compensation, BDD eligibility and timeliness, and how to electronically submit your claim. In-person filing assistance may also be available.
Korea BDD Workshops
In-Person
Maude Hall, Bldg. 6400, Room W303 • 1400 to 1500
- August 24, 2026
- September 28, 2026
Virtual (Microsoft Teams) • 1400 to 1500
Meeting invite will follow after RSVP is received.
- August 26, 2026
- September 23, 2026
RSVP required (limited seating):Email KoreaBDD.vbapit@va.gov with name, DoD ID, ETS, and desired session. Subject line: BDD Workshop RSVP
Germany BDD Workshops
Hybrid (In-Person & Virtual)
LRMC Campus, Building 3718, Learning Center • 1000 to 1130
Join virtually via Microsoft Teams
- September 2, 2026 (Virtual Only)
- September 16, 2026 (Virtual Only)
Email GermanyBDD.vbapit@va.gov for more information.
Need to Speak With a VA Representative?
Servicemembers who need a virtual or in-person appointment with the Germany or Korea BDD offices may use the VA’s Visitor Engagement Reporting Application to schedule an appointment to speak with a VA Representative from one of Pittsburgh’s affiliated offices:
Korea BDD Intake Site – serving the Asia-Pacific region
Germany BDD Intake Site – serving Europe, Middle East, and Africa
SHPE vs SHA Exams: What’s the Difference?
A Separation History Physical Examination (SHPE) is a Department of War (DoW) single separation examination. SHPEs are scheduled with the MTF or local troop medical clinic.
The VA’s Separation Health Assessment (SHA) is also a single separation examination that supports both the VA’s disability compensation process and DoW’s separation/retirement process.
You may only need one separation medical examination!
How Does It Work?
VA conducts the SHA for Servicemembers applying for disability compensation through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. If your disability compensation claim application and supporting evidence (STRs and SHA Part A) are received with at least 90 days remaining on active duty, your VA SHA examination can replace DoW’s SHPE.
Already a Veteran?
VA Resources are Available Overseas
Foreign Medical Program for Veterans Overseas
If you’re a Veteran who gets medical care outside the U.S. for a service-connected condition, the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) may cover the cost of your care.
For more information about FMP or to register online: Foreign Medical Program
How Can Veterans Overseas Reach VA?
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:
By Phone:
- 1-800-827-1000
- 1-412-395-6272
Scheduling a Virtual Appointment through VERA
- Appointment: Virtual
- State: Pennsylvania
- Office: Pittsburgh
Selecting Pittsburgh routes the appointment to the Regional Office with jurisdiction over overseas claims. Veterans may also submit questions through AskVA.
Quick Links for Veterans Overseas
VA Welcome Kit
A guide to VA benefits and services for Veterans transitioning from service or already in civilian life.
VA Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, & Survivors
Information on VA benefits, services, eligibility requirements, and important contacts.
Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
Employment and rehabilitation services are available to eligible Veterans residing overseas.
Veteran Service Organizations
Accredited VSOs can assist Veterans with VA claims and benefits.
Crisis Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Overseas
If you are or you know a Servicemember or Veteran who is in crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 then press 1.
- On Base: DSN 988, then Press 1
- Off Base:
- Europe: 1-844-702-5495
- SW Asia:1-855-422-7719
- Pacific: 1-844-702-5493
You may also visit www.veteranscrisisline.net to chat online or text 838255 for immediate help.
Stay Connected
We'd like to hear from you. What information would make the VA OCONUS Connection more useful to you? Let us know what topics or overseas VA resources you'd like to see featured in a future edition.
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