Virginia State Veterans Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide
CCK Law: Our Vital Role in Veterans Law
To support its veterans and their families, the state of Virginia offers a range of benefits and resources to complement those provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
As a law firm dedicated to serving veterans, including Virginia-based veterans, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to the Virginia state benefits that veterans may find most valuable.
Some Virginia veterans benefits may be available only for certain VA ratings. If you are having challenges filing the supplemental claims or appeals you need to get the rating you deserve, consider contacting a VA-accredited advocate to assist you.
What Housing Benefits Are Available to Virginia Veterans?
Virginia provides housing support to veterans through several state-run homes and financial programs.
Virginia Veterans Care Centers
The state operates veterans care centers providing long-term care for veterans who require skilled nursing or rehabilitation. These centers are located in:
To qualify for admission, veterans must:
- Have been an active duty service member and have been honorably discharged
- Be a Virginia resident at the time of admission
- Need skilled nursing care as determined by a physician
These care centers provide veterans with necessary medical and rehabilitative services in a supportive environment.
What Financial Benefits Are Available to Virginia Veterans?
Virginia provides multiple financial benefits for veterans. Understanding these benefits is crucial to ensure that you are getting all to which you are entitled.
Income Tax Exemptions
Military retirement income is tax-free for veterans aged 55 and older. (VA disability compensation is never subject to state income tax.)
Property Tax Exemptions
100 percent disabled veterans can receive property tax relief on their primary residence. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans who do not remarry are also eligible for the property tax exemption.
Vehicle Tax Exemption
Veterans with specially adapted vehicles to accommodate their disabilities are exempt from paying vehicle taxes. This exemption helps reduce the costs associated with vehicle ownership and adaptation.
Virginia Veterans’ Education Benefits
In-State Tuition Rates
Veterans and their dependents are eligible for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities in Virginia. This benefit makes higher education more affordable for veterans and their families.
Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program
The Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program provides education benefits to children and spouses of service members who were killed, are missing in action, or are permanently disabled.
What Employment Benefits Are Available to Virginia Veterans?
Veterans Employment Preference
Veterans, spouses of disabled veterans, and surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected disabilities receive preference for state government jobs.
Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program
The V3 Program assists employers in recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans by providing training and certification to those committed to hiring veterans.
What Recreation Benefits Are Available to Virginia Veterans?
Virginia also offers recreation benefits to veterans, providing them with access to outdoor activities at a reduced cost.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Veterans with a 70 percent or higher disability rating can obtain a discounted hunting and fishing license.
State Park Admissions
Virginia State Park offers free admission to disabled veterans and discounted rates for other veterans.
What Burial Benefits Are Available to Virginia Veterans?
Virginia operates three state veterans’ cemeteries that provide burial benefits.
- Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk
- Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia
- Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin
Eligible veterans and their spouses receive a free burial plot and marker, ensuring that veterans receive a dignified final resting place.
Additional Benefits for Virginia Veterans
Virginia also provides a range of other benefits aimed at supporting veterans in various aspects of life.
Professional Licensing and Certification
Virginia offers expedited licensing and certification for veterans and their spouses in various professions, recognizing military training and experience.
Virginia Veteran and Family Support Program (VVFS)
VVFS provides comprehensive support services, including behavioral health rehabilitation for veterans and their families.
Military Medics and Corpsmen (MMAC) Program
The MMAC Program allows military medics and corpsmen to work under physician supervision in civilian healthcare settings while obtaining the necessary civilian licenses.
How to Get Help with VA Disability Claims in Virginia
Are you a disabled Virginia veteran who has had their claim for VA disability benefits denied? The team at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick may be able to help.
As the largest veterans law firm in the United States and with decades of experience in compelling VA to follow its own rules, our firm has helped thousands of veterans successfully recover over $1 billion in VA disability benefits. Contact us today at (800) 544-9144 for a free case evaluation.
