  1A 0535+262 is a Be X-ray binary pulsar and one of the only galactic pulsar
systems to show radio jet emission. Characterizing the very high energy
emission (VHE, >100 GeV) in these extreme microquasars is critical to
understanding their contribution to the origin of galactic cosmic rays. The
2020 giant outburst of this system, where X-ray fluxes exceeded 12 Crab, marked
a rare opportunity to investigate the gamma-ray and rapid optical variability
of these transient systems while in such an extreme state. This month of
activity marked the brightest flare measured in this system. VERITAS's
developing optical capabilities in tandem with the ability to measure TeV gamma
rays allowed for a unique campaign to be undertaken. VERITAS's observations of
this system during the outburst will be presented in the context of
observations at lower energies and previous observations of this system by
imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes.
