On March 7, VA medical center directors throughout the nation were directed by R. James Nicholson, U.S. secretary of Veterans Affairs, to submit reports on deficiencies in the physical environments of their facilities.

A spokesman for the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System said its facilities on University Drive in Oakland, Highland Drive in Lincoln-Lemington, and in O'Hara undergo upgrades all year long.

"VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System staff regularly review patient care and office environments," said a statement that will be sent to the VA's central office, according to spokesman Dave Cowgill.

"All facilities at VAPHS are clean and well-maintained," the statement continued. "VAPHS has invested roughly $13.6 million to upgrade the environment of care over the past year, and $33.6 million over the past three years. There are several additional areas that are scheduled for renovation to include such things as painting and new furniture."

Mr. Cowgill said new areas opening up include an eye clinic and emergency room space, catheterization lab and business center at the Oakland location.

VA Pittsburgh's current $200 million project includes a residential living facility and an administration building under construction in O'Hara.