Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs

Berks County Veterans Services

County government through its Department of Veterans Affairs serves an important role in the life of our military veterans, surviving spouses and dependent children by partnering in the development of claims for veterans benefits, graves registry and assisting with referrals to health and human service programs. Efficient and effective, Berks County works hard to ensure the best quality of life for its residents.

Useful Phone Numbers for Veterans

• Lebanon VA Medical Center Receptionist 800-409-8771
• Berks County VA Clinic Receptionist 484-220-2572
• VA Compensation & Pension Benefits 800-827-1000
• VA Pension Recipients 877-294-6380
• VA Health Care 877-222-8387
• VA Education Benefits 888-442-4551
• Meds by Mail 888-385-0235 or 866-229-7389
• Special Issues 800-749-8387
• Headstones & Markers 800-697-6947
• Telecommunication Device Deaf 800-574-2838
• PA Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Adjutant General 800-547-2838
• Veterans Multi-Service Center 610-314-4741

Berks County's Services for Veterans

• United States Benefit Programs - Our primary mission is to provide a claimant with the most expeditious and accountable help in developing claims for consideration at the US Department of Veterans Affairs. www.va.gov
• Pennsylvania Benefit Programs - As a key service, our staff assists in the development of claims for benefits to be considered at the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. www.dmva.state.pa.us
• Referrals for Health & Human Services - Persons requiring a social worker-type of assistance are referred appropriately to make those arrangements for support. Common referrals include the Lebanon VA Medical Center for health care questions and Berks County non-profits for financial assistance, supports, etc.
• County Benefit Program - There is only one Berks County benefit program specifically for military veteran families. There is availability of a monetary benefit for burial or memorial assistance.
• US Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care - Berks County VA does not have the ability to look into a veteran's health care services. Please contact your VA medical center directly.
• Veterans Transportation Network - Berks County VA, in coordination with the Pennsylvania Disabled American Veterans, provides courtesy transportation for veterans to go to and from the VA medical center appointments. Transportation scheduling 484-650-7932. Call Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 12:00pm.
• Aging Agency Liaison - 610-487-6500
• Veterans Court Liaison 610-478-3400
• Death Registration - All deaths are recorded for military veterans.
• Flag Drop Box - Used flags can be dropped at the AG Center located at 1238 County Road in Bern Township

Claims pertaining to the following can be prepared by the Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs:

• Service connected compensation
• Non-service connected pension
• Burial allowances
• Vocational and rehabilitation training
• Insurance
• Tax exemptions
• Emergency assistance
• Paralyzed and blind veteran's pension
• Flag holders and headstones

It may be necessary to refer a claimant directly to the US Department of Veterans Affairs for assistance with some applications. The Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs is not a federal or state agency, and therefore does not have direct access to all information that is managed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs or the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. We can assist you with your search for information from these departments at any time, but we can only advocate on behalf of your claim when you enter into a limited power of attorney with us.

Real Estate Tax Exemption

The program provides real estate tax exemption for any honorably discharged veteran who is 100% disabled, a resident of the Commonwealth and has a financial need.