I took job in VA while family remained in NY in our home. I rented apt. and was given set amount by company and had to pay tax on amount as it was on W-2 line 1. Job was geared to last more than a year but it did not. Can I claim employee business expense on 2106? If not, what can I claim?

Yes, you CAN claim your daily living expenses (rent, food, miscellaneous costs, local transporation), because the job was temporary as defined by the IRS.