The 'alternative documents' were a problem in the recent past, but I managed to circumvent some problems with some lower-level agencies with two important facts:
First, the VA card can not be issued to anyone who was not in the military, therefore it is not a Civilian ID card but a Military ID card, issued by a legal Federal Agency. Active Duty or Inactive, it is still a valid Military ID.
Second, the International Motorist's Certification photo ID has no expiration date on it -because one could not be legally established for it. Different countries have different times between when their nation's licenses must be renewed. Three, Four, Seven years -all countries had their own standards. All your Certification established was that you had met the minimum standards established between nations to recognize the basic traffic laws and signs for the signatory nations. You would at the most be required to pass a 'brush-up' exam now and then, however, depending upon the time frame involved.
Have you considered Northern Nevada-—Carson Valley area?
It is probably worth a try then. There’s a fairly heavy concentration of military people in SW Pennsylvania, so most of the Penndot people working behind the counter will at least be respectful.