James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center: Services, Hours, and How to Apply

Veterans Affairs in Johnstown-Altoona, PA: Local Contact Guide

Veterans in the Johnstown-Altoona area access VA healthcare through the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona and the Johnstown VA Clinic in Cambria County. Free counseling is available through the Johnstown Vet Center and the Altoona Vet Center. County Veterans Service Officers in Cambria and Blair counties provide free claims assistance.

Quick Facts

VA Healthcare in Johnstown-Altoona

James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center

The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center is a full-service hospital that provides primary care, specialty health services, and emergency care for veterans in a 14-county area of central Pennsylvania.

Location and Contact:

• Address: 2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona, PA 16602-4305

• Main Phone: 814-943-8164

• Toll-Free: 877-626-2500

• Hours: 24/7

• Emergency Services: Available 24/7

Recognition:

The James E. Van Zandt VAMC is one of only 11 hospitals nationwide and the only VA healthcare facility in Pennsylvania to receive a 5-star experience rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It serves more than 87,000 veterans living in a 14-county area.

Services Offered:

• Primary care

• Mental health care (including PTSD treatment, depression counseling, and substance use care)

• Cardiology

• Oncology

• Women’s health

• Audiology

• Pharmacy services

• Laboratory services

• Emergency medicine

• Surgical services

• Rehabilitation services

• Geriatrics

• Homeless Veteran care

• Caregiver support

How to Enroll:

Complete VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benefits). You can apply:

1. Online: VA.gov/health-care/apply

2. By Phone: 877-222-8387 (VETS)

3. In Person: At the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center

Documents to Bring:

• DD-214 or other discharge documents

• VA disability award letters (if applicable)

• Income information from the previous year (if 0% rating or non-service-connected)

• Current health insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or private)

Johnstown VA Clinic

The Johnstown VA Clinic is a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) operated by the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center. It provides general medical care for veterans in Cambria County and surrounding areas.

Location and Contact:

• Address: 598 Galleria Drive, Johnstown, PA 15904

• Main Phone: 814-943-8164

• Toll-Free: 877-626-2500 ext. 35014

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Services Offered:

• Primary care

• Behavioral health

• Laboratory services

• Nutrition services

• Smoking and tobacco cessation

• Mental health individual counseling

• Substance use disorder treatment

• Women’s health

Wait Times at Johnstown VA Clinic (2026):

Data Source: VA Access to Care

Enrollment:

The enrollment process is the same as the medical center. Complete VA Form 10-10EZ online, by phone at 877-222-8387, or in person at the Johnstown VA Clinic.

Other VA Clinics in the Region

The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center operates five community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) in addition to the Johnstown location:

Johnstown Vet Center

The Johnstown Vet Center provides confidential counseling and support services in a non-medical setting. You do not need to be enrolled in VA healthcare or have a service-connected disability rating to use Vet Center services.

Location and Contact:

• Location: A Vet Center counselor is on site every Monday at Hiram G. Andrews Center, 727 Goucher St., Upper Yoder Township

• Phone: 814-372-2095

• 24/7 Call Center: 877-927-8387

Location Note:

The Vet Center does not have any geographic boundary, so any veteran or current military personnel can reach out for assistance by calling 814-372-2095.

Services Offered:

• Individual counseling

• Couples and family counseling

• Group counseling

• Grief and bereavement counseling

• PTSD treatment

• Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling

• Depression counseling

• Readjustment counseling

• Medical referrals

• Assistance in applying for VA benefits

• Employment and career counseling

• Alcohol and drug assessments

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans

• Active-duty service members

• National Guard and Reserve members

• Family members of veterans

What to Bring on First Visit:

• Discharge documents (such as a DD-214)

• Receipt of certain awards

• Deployment orders

• Other documents that show qualifying military service

Cambria County Veterans Service Office

The Cambria County Veterans Service Office provides free assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining federal, state, and local benefits.

Location and Contact:

• Address: 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931

• Main Phone: 814-472-1590

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Appointments: Call 814-472-1590 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to schedule an appointment

Services Offered:

• VA disability compensation claims

• Non-service-connected pension benefits

• Burial benefits

• Healthcare enrollment

• Education benefits

• Survivor benefits

• Appeals assistance

• DD-214 requests

• Assistance for surviving spouses and dependents

Why It Matters:

County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) provide the expertise and advocacy that veterans need to optimize access to benefit programs. Veterans who work with VSOs have higher success rates on claims. The Cambria County office also assists veterans’ surviving spouses and dependents in providing information and completing forms and documents when applying for benefits.

Additional Location:

Cambria County Office – 3rd Tuesday of the month at 999 Eisenhower Blvd, Suite E, Johnstown. Call 814-266-2277 for an appointment.

Blair County Veterans Service Office

The Blair County Veterans Service Office provides free assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining federal, state, and local benefits.

Location and Contact:

• Address: 423 Allegheny Street, Suite 027, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648

• Main Phone: 814-693-3100

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Staff:

• Eric Kay, Director

• Email: ekay@blairco.org

Services Offered:

• VA disability compensation claims

• Healthcare enrollment

• Education and training benefits

• State of Pennsylvania veterans’ benefits

• Employment resources

• DD-214 requests

• Survivor benefits

• Appeals and decision reviews

Why It Matters:

The Blair County office is located on the first floor of the Blair County Courthouse. Veterans seeking help are encouraged to make an appointment. The office assists veterans filing compensation requests, pension benefits, burial benefits, and more.

Philadelphia VA Regional Benefit Office

The Philadelphia VA Regional Benefit Office is the federal benefits administration office that serves veterans in Pennsylvania. It handles disability compensation claims, pension benefits, education benefits, and vocational rehabilitation.

Location and Contact:

• Address: 5000 Wissahickon Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19101

• Main Phone: 1-800-827-1000

Services Offered:

• Disability compensation claims processing

• VA pension

• Education benefits (GI Bill)

• Vocational rehabilitation (VR&E)

• Home loan guaranty

• Insurance claims

• Survivor benefits

• VA accredited representatives

Appointments:

Visitors are encouraged to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment using the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA). VERA allows visitors to schedule, reschedule, and cancel appointments online.

What to Bring:

• Current, unexpired photo ID

• DD-214 or discharge papers

• Social Security number

• Direct deposit information

• Dependent information (dates of birth, Social Security numbers)

Pennsylvania State Veterans Benefits

Pennsylvania Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption

Pennsylvania offers a real estate tax exemption for veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating.

2026 Eligibility Requirements:

Key Details:

• Veterans with annual income of $114,637 or less are given a presumption of need for the exemption

• Applicants with gross annual income exceeding $114,637 may still qualify if allowable monthly expenses exceed monthly household income

• The surviving spouse of an eligible veteran may also qualify until they remarry

• On January 1, 2025, the State Veterans’ Commission adjusted the presumptive need level upward to $114,637

How to Apply:

Contact your County Director of Veterans Affairs in the county you reside to apply for this program. In Cambria County, call 814-472-1590. In Blair County, call 814-693-3100. For questions, contact the DMVA at Ra-retx@pa.gov.

Pennsylvania Educational Gratuity Program

The Pennsylvania Educational Gratuity Program provides financial assistance to children of honorably discharged wartime veterans who have a service-connected total and permanent disability or who died in service during a period of war.

2026 Benefit Details:

Who Qualifies:

• Children of honorably discharged wartime veterans with service-connected total and permanent disabilities

• Children of veterans who died in service during a period of war or armed conflict

• Applicants must be between certain age limits

How to Apply:

Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs or the Cambria County Veterans Service Office for application information.

Pennsylvania Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension

The Pennsylvania Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension provides an additional monthly payment to eligible Pennsylvania veterans.

2026 Benefit Details:

Who Qualifies:

• Pennsylvania veterans

• Must have a service-connected disability rating of 40% or higher in each of two or more extremities

• Or veterans with paraplegia

How to Apply:

Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs or the Cambria County Veterans Service Office for application information.

Pennsylvania Veterans Temporary Assistance Program

The Pennsylvania Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program provides temporary financial assistance to eligible veterans and their beneficiaries who reside in Pennsylvania.

2026 Benefit Details:

Who Qualifies:

• Pennsylvania veterans

• Must be experiencing a temporary financial hardship

How to Apply:

Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs or the Cambria County Veterans Service Office for application information.

Other Pennsylvania State Benefits

Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses:

Pennsylvania offers free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans with certain disability ratings. Contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission or the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for details.

State Employment Preference:

Pennsylvania provides employment preference to veterans and their family members in state government positions.

Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption:

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating may be exempt from vehicle registration fees.

Pennsylvania Veterans’ Homes:

Pennsylvania operates six veterans’ homes across the state that provide long-term care and domiciliary care to veterans and their spouses. Contact the DMVA for application information.

Pennsylvania Veterans’ Cemeteries:

Pennsylvania operates state veterans’ cemeteries that provide interment opportunities for veterans and their eligible dependents. Contact the DMVA for pre-application information.

VA Disability Compensation for Johnstown-Altoona Veterans

VA Disability Compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans who became sick or injured during military service, or whose existing condition worsened because of service.

2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates (Veteran Alone):

Veterans with dependents receive higher rates. For example, a veteran with a 100% rating and a spouse receives $4,085.43 per month. A veteran with a 30% disability rating and a dependent spouse (no children) receives $617.47 per month.

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans who served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training

• Must have an honorable or general discharge

• Must have a condition that began during or was worsened by military service

• National Guard and Reserve members may qualify for conditions that began during active duty for training

How to Apply:

File VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits) with the VA. You can submit this online through VA.gov, by mail, or in person at the Cambria County Veterans Service Office or Blair County Veterans Service Office for assistance.

PACT Act Benefits for Johnstown-Altoona Veterans

The PACT Act of 2022 expanded VA healthcare and disability benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazards.

What the PACT Act Covers:

• Adds more than 20 presumptive conditions for toxic exposure

• Expands VA healthcare eligibility for toxic-exposed veterans

• Requires VA to provide toxic exposure screenings for all enrolled veterans

• Allows veterans to become eligible for VA healthcare up to eight years earlier than previously prescribed

Who Qualifies:

Veterans who served in locations and time periods associated with toxic exposure, including:

• Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, or Guam (Agent Orange)

• Southwest Asia (Gulf War)

• Afghanistan, Iraq, and other post-9/11 locations (burn pits)

Deadline Note:

Veterans who filed PACT Act claims by August 9, 2023 may be eligible for backdated benefits. Claims can still be filed after that date, but they will not be retroactive.

How to Apply:

File a claim online at VA.gov or contact the Cambria County Veterans Service Office at 814-472-1590 or the Blair County Veterans Service Office at 814-693-3100 for free assistance.

VA Education Benefits for Johnstown-Altoona Veterans

GI Bill Benefits

The GI Bill provides tuition assistance, housing stipends, and other financial support for eligible veterans pursuing higher education, vocational training, or certification programs.

Post-9/11 GI Bill:

• Covers up to 100% of tuition and fees at public schools

• Provides monthly housing allowance

• Includes stipend for books and supplies

• Can transfer benefits to dependents in some cases

Montgomery GI Bill:

• Monthly education benefit for eligible veterans

• Can be used for college, technical school, or apprenticeship programs

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate active-duty service after September 10, 2001

• Veterans discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days of continuous service

How to Apply:

Apply online at VA.gov or complete VA Form 22-1990. For assistance, call the GI Bill Hotline at 888-442-4551.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

VR&E services help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment.

Services Include:

• Career counseling

• Education and training

• Job placement assistance

• Resume development

• Small business development

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%

• Veterans with a memorandum rating of 20% or more

• Must have an employment handicap related to the disability

How to Apply:

Apply online at VA.gov or contact the Philadelphia VA Regional Benefit Office.

VA Home Loan Benefits in Johnstown-Altoona

VA home loans help veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses buy, build, or improve a home with no down payment.

2026 VA Loan Limits for Cambria and Blair Counties:

• Cambria County conforming loan limit: $832,750

• Blair County conforming loan limit: $832,750

• Veterans with full entitlement may borrow more

Key Benefits:

• No down payment required

• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

• Competitive interest rates

• Limited closing costs

• Can be reused multiple times

Who Qualifies:

• Veterans with honorable service

• Active-duty service members

• National Guard and Reserve members with qualifying service

• Surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected causes

How to Apply:

Get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through VA.gov or your lender, then work with a VA-approved lender.

Survivor Benefits for Johnstown-Altoona Families

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC is a tax-free monthly payment for surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans who died from service-connected causes.

2026 DIC Rates:

• Surviving spouse base rate: $1,699.36 per month

• Additional allowances for dependent children

• Higher rates for survivors of veterans who were totally disabled for 8+ years

Who Qualifies:

• Surviving spouse who was married to the veteran for at least 1 year

• Unmarried children under 18 (or under 23 if in school)

• Dependent parents with limited income

How to Apply:

Complete VA Form 21P-534EZ (Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits) and submit to the VA. The Cambria County or Blair County Veterans Service Office can provide free assistance with the application.

Survivors Pension

Survivors Pension provides monthly payments to low-income surviving spouses and children of deceased wartime veterans.

Who Qualifies:

• Surviving spouse who was married to the veteran for at least 1 year

• Veteran must have served during a wartime period

• Survivor’s income must be below VA limits

• Net worth must be below VA limits

How to Apply:

Use VA Form 21P-534EZ. The VA will determine whether DIC or Survivors Pension provides the greater benefit.

Transportation for Johnstown-Altoona Veterans

Getting to VA appointments can be challenging. Several options exist:

DAV Volunteer Transportation Network:

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) provides free van rides to VA facilities for veterans who don’t have other transportation options.

Beneficiary Travel:

Beneficiary travel benefits include round-trip transportation from your home to the medical center, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport.

Public Transportation:

The Johnstown area is served by Cambria County Transit Authority (CamTran). The Altoona area is served by AMTRAN.

How to Schedule:

Contact the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center at 814-943-8164 or the Johnstown VA Clinic at 814-943-8164 for transportation assistance.

Common Mistakes That Delay VA Claims

1. Missing the DD-214: Without proof of service, the VA cannot process your claim.

2. Not claiming all conditions: Many veterans only claim their primary condition and miss secondary conditions.

3. Incomplete medical evidence: The VA needs current diagnosis and medical records linking your condition to service.

4. Failing to attend C&P exams: Missing an exam can result in a denial.

5. Not appealing denials: Many veterans give up after a denial when they have options.

6. Missing deadlines: File within one year of a decision to preserve your effective date.

7. Not using a VSO: Veterans who work with VSOs have higher success rates.

8. Providing inaccurate information: Inconsistencies can delay or deny claims.

9. Not keeping contact information updated: The VA may need to reach you.

10. Waiting too long to file: The earlier you file, the earlier your effective date.

VA Appeals Process

If the VA denies your claim or assigns a lower rating than expected, you have options.

Three Decision Review Options:

Important Timeframes:

• File within 1 year of a decision to preserve your effective date

• Supplemental Claims can be filed at any time

• If more than 1 year has passed, your only option is a Supplemental Claim

How to Get Help:

Contact the Cambria County Veterans Service Office at 814-472-1590 or the Blair County Veterans Service Office at 814-693-3100 for free assistance with appeals.

Veterans Crisis Resources

Veterans Crisis Line:

• Call 988 and press 1

• Text 838255

• Chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net

Johnstown Vet Center:

• 727 Goucher Street, Upper Yoder Township, PA

• 814-372-2095

• 877-927-8387 (24/7)

James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center:

• Emergency services available 24/7

• 2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona, PA 16602

• 814-943-8164

Common Questions

1. What is the address of the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center?

The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center is located at 2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona, PA 16602-4305. The main phone number is 814-943-8164 or toll-free at 877-626-2500.

2. What are the hours of the Johnstown VA Clinic?

The Johnstown VA Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed Saturday and Sunday. The clinic is located at 598 Galleria Drive, Johnstown, PA 15904.

3. How do I contact the Johnstown Vet Center?

Call 814-372-2095. A Vet Center counselor is on site every Monday at Hiram G. Andrews Center, 727 Goucher St., Upper Yoder Township. The 24/7 call center number is 877-927-8387.

4. How do I contact the Cambria County Veterans Service Office?

Call 814-472-1590. The office is at 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931. Hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

5. How do I contact the Blair County Veterans Service Office?

Call 814-693-3100. The office is at 423 Allegheny Street, Suite 027, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

6. How do I apply for VA healthcare in Johnstown-Altoona?

Complete VA Form 10-10EZ online at VA.gov, by phone at 877-222-8387, or in person at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center or Johnstown VA Clinic. Bring your DD-214 and income information.

7. What is the VA disability rate for 2026?

For a veteran alone, rates range from $180.42 per month (10% rating) to $3,291.06 per month (100% rating). Rates increase with dependents.

8. Does Pennsylvania offer property tax relief for disabled veterans?

Yes. Pennsylvania offers a real estate tax exemption for veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating. The 2025 income limit for the presumption of need is $114,637.

9. What is the PACT Act and how does it help Johnstown-Altoona veterans?

The PACT Act expanded VA healthcare and disability benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. It added more than 20 presumptive conditions.

10. Can I get free transportation to VA appointments in Johnstown-Altoona?

Yes. The DAV provides free van rides, and beneficiary travel benefits include mileage reimbursement. Contact the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center at 814-943-8164.

11. How do I appeal a VA decision?

You can file a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new evidence, request a Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996), or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (VA Form 10182).

12. What is the VA home loan limit in Cambria and Blair counties for 2026?

The conforming loan limit for both Cambria and Blair counties is $832,750. Veterans with full entitlement may borrow more.

13. Who is eligible for DIC survivor benefits?

Surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who died from service-connected causes may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.

14. What education benefits are available for Pennsylvania veterans’ dependents?

The Pennsylvania Educational Gratuity Program provides up to $4,000 total ($500 across eight terms or semesters) for children of veterans with service-connected total and permanent disabilities or who died in service during a period of war.

15. What is the Veterans Crisis Line number?

Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.

Key Takeaways

• James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare, including 24/7 emergency services, at 2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona. Call 814-943-8164.

• Johnstown VA Clinic offers outpatient primary care and specialty services at 598 Galleria Drive. Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Johnstown Vet Center offers free, confidential counseling at 727 Goucher Street, Upper Yoder Township. Call 814-372-2095.

• Cambria County Veterans Service Office provides free help with claims at 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg. Call 814-472-1590.

• Blair County Veterans Service Office provides free help with claims at 423 Allegheny Street, Hollidaysburg. Call 814-693-3100.

• VA disability compensation ranges from $180.42 to $3,291.06 per month for veterans alone in 2026.

• Pennsylvania real estate tax exemption provides a full exemption for 100% permanent and total disabled veterans. Income limit: $114,637.

• Pennsylvania Educational Gratuity Program provides up to $4,000 for children of qualifying veterans.

• PA Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension provides $150 per month for eligible veterans.

• Pennsylvania Veterans Temporary Assistance provides up to $1,600 within a 12-month period for eligible veterans.

Official Resources

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: VA.gov

• VA Health Care Enrollment: VA.gov/health-care

• VA Disability Compensation: VA.gov/disability

• VA Education Benefits: VA.gov/education

• VA Home Loans: VA.gov/housing-assistance

• VA Survivor Benefits: VA.gov/family-member-benefits

• Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs: pa.gov/agencies/dmva

• Pennsylvania DMVA Real Estate Tax Exemption: pa.gov/agencies/dmva

• Social Security Administration: SSA.gov

• Medicare: Medicare.gov

• Medicaid: Medicaid.gov

• USA.gov: USA.gov

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