Virginia offers a range of benefits for veterans that are separate from federal VA benefits. These state-level benefits are not automatic — you must apply through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) using your DD-214 and proof of Virginia residency. Updated for 2026.
1. Property Tax Exemptions
Virginia exempts 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans from property taxes on their primary residence. Partial disability exemptions vary by locality.
| Category | Exemption |
|---|---|
| 100% P&T disabled veteran | Full property tax exemption on primary residence |
| Surviving spouse | Full exemption continues if unremarried and occupying the home |
Apply through your local Commissioner of the Revenue or county assessor. Requires VA disability letter confirming 100% permanent and total rating.
2. Income Tax Benefits
Virginia taxes military retirement pay as regular income, though some partial exemptions or deductions may apply. VA disability compensation is always exempt from state income tax under federal law.
- Military retirement pay: Taxed as regular income (check for partial deductions)
- VA disability compensation: 100% exempt (federal law)
- SBP/DIC payments: Generally not taxed at the state level
- Civilian income: Taxed at normal Virginia state income tax rates
Check with the Virginia Department of Revenue for the latest deductions and exemptions that may apply to military retirement pay.
3. Education Benefits
VMSDEP (Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program)
Virginia provides significant education benefits through VMSDEP and other programs.
- VMSDEP: Provides tuition-free education at Virginia public institutions for dependents and spouses of veterans who died, are permanently disabled, or are MIA/POW due to service
- Virginia National Guard Tuition Assistance: Guard members receive tuition assistance at Virginia public institutions
- In-state tuition: All veterans qualify for in-state tuition at Virginia public universities
- Virginia Military Survivors Program: Additional financial support for education expenses
- Priority enrollment: Most Virginia public universities offer priority course registration for veterans
4. Home Loan Programs
Virginia veterans have access to home loan assistance programs in addition to the federal VA home loan benefit.
- State housing programs: Virginia may offer below-market rate mortgages or down payment assistance for veteran homebuyers through its housing finance agency
- VA home loan: All eligible veterans can use the federal VA home loan with no down payment required, no PMI, and competitive interest rates — available in every state
- First-time buyer assistance: Many Virginia programs offer down payment assistance and closing cost help for qualifying veteran buyers
- Adapted housing grants: The VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grants are available to severely disabled veterans in Virginia
Contact the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) or your local VA Regional Loan Center for details on available programs.
5. Employment Preference
- Virginia Values Veterans (V3): A nationally recognized employer program that trains and certifies Virginia companies in veteran hiring best practices — over 2,000 participating employers
- State hiring preference: Veterans receive preference points on Virginia state job applications
- Military occupational license recognition: Virginia recognizes military training toward state professional licenses
- Virginia Employment Commission: Dedicated veteran employment representatives at workforce centers statewide
- Military spouse employment: Expedited professional license reciprocity for military spouses relocating to Virginia
6. Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Veterans with qualifying VA disability ratings may receive free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Virginia. Requirements vary — check with Virginia's wildlife agency for current eligibility.
Discounted/FreeActive duty military stationed in or residents of Virginia typically receive reduced-rate licenses. Some states offer free licenses for service members on leave.
DiscountVirginia typically designates several free fishing days per year when no license is required for any resident, including veterans.
Free7. State Parks & Recreation
Disabled veterans may qualify for free or reduced-rate entry to Virginia state parks. Check with the Virginia state parks system for veteran-specific passes and discounts.
Discounted/FreeVeterans with a permanent disability can obtain the free America the Beautiful Access Pass for free entry to all national parks and federal recreation areas. Available at any federal recreation site.
FreeMany Virginia state parks offer free or discounted entry for all veterans on Veterans Day and Memorial Day weekend. Bring DD-214 or veteran ID.
Free8. Vehicle Registration & License Plates
Virginia offers specialty veteran license plates including Purple Heart, Disabled Veteran, and branch-specific plates. Fees and availability vary — check with your local DMV or motor vehicle agency.
DV plates typically provide free or discounted registration and may include free metered parking. Available to veterans with qualifying VA disability ratings.
Benefits VarySome Virginia counties or municipalities offer reduced vehicle registration fees for disabled veterans. Check with your county tax office for local benefits.
9. Professional License Fee Waivers
Virginia supports veterans transitioning to civilian careers by recognizing military training and experience toward professional licenses:
- Military experience credit: Virginia accepts military training toward licensing requirements for many occupations
- Fee waivers or reductions: Many Virginia licensing agencies waive or reduce fees for veterans and active duty service members
- Expedited processing: Veteran and military spouse license applications may be processed on a priority basis
- Reciprocity: Veterans and military spouses with out-of-state licenses may receive a Virginia license without retesting
Contact the Virginia professional licensing board for your specific occupation to learn about veteran fee waivers and military experience credits.
10. Healthcare & Mental Health
- Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) programs: State-funded veteran health and mental health programs available to Virginia veterans
- VA Medical Centers: Virginia is served by VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) providing comprehensive healthcare to eligible veterans
- State veteran homes: Virginia operates state veterans homes providing long-term nursing care, assisted living, and domiciliary care for eligible veterans
- Mental health resources: Community-based mental health programs, peer support, and crisis intervention services for veterans
- County/local veteran service officers: Free assistance with VA healthcare enrollment, claims filing, and benefits navigation throughout Virginia
- Telehealth access: VA facilities offer expanded telehealth options for rural and underserved veterans
11. Business & Entrepreneurship
- Veteran-owned business certification: Virginia may offer certification for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, providing preference in state government contracts
- SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center: Free business counseling, training, and loan packaging assistance available in or near Virginia
- SCORE mentorship: Free business mentoring from retired executives through SCORE chapters in Virginia
- Small business development centers: Free business plan development and startup resources available to veteran entrepreneurs
- Veteran entrepreneurship training: Programs like Boots to Business and V-WISE offer free entrepreneurship training for transitioning service members and veterans
12. Burial & Memorial Benefits
- State veterans cemeteries: Virginia operates state veterans cemeteries providing free or low-cost burial for eligible veterans, spouses, and dependents
- National cemeteries: Federal VA national cemeteries in or near Virginia provide free burial including gravesite, headstone/marker, and perpetual care
- Burial allowance: Federal VA provides burial allowances ($2,000+ for service-connected death, $948 for non-service-connected) in addition to state benefits
- Military funeral honors: Available at any cemetery in Virginia through coordination with the Department of Defense
- Memorial benefits: Headstones, markers, and presidential memorial certificates available at no cost through the VA
13. Legal Protections
- USERRA protections: Federal reemployment rights for Guard and Reserve members returning from active duty — fully applicable in Virginia
- State employment protections: Virginia may provide additional state-level protections for Guard and Reserve members called to state active duty
- Tenant protections: SCRA and state-level protections allow active duty military to break leases without penalty when receiving PCS or deployment orders
- Legal assistance: Free or low-cost legal aid through veteran legal clinics, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), and VA-affiliated legal assistance programs
- Court deferment: Active duty military and recently separated veterans can request deferment of civil court proceedings
14. Dependent & Spouse Benefits
- Dependent education benefits: Children and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans may qualify for state tuition waivers or scholarships in Virginia
- Surviving spouse benefits: Property tax exemptions and other benefits may transfer to surviving spouses of disabled veterans
- Military spouse professional license reciprocity: Expedited licensing for military spouses in nursing, teaching, and dozens of other regulated professions
- Federal dependent benefits: DEA Chapter 35, DIC, and Fry Scholarship available to eligible dependents in all states
- Survivor benefits: State veterans cemeteries provide burial for eligible spouses and dependents
15. Key Contacts & Resources
Main state agency for veteran benefits. Provides claims assistance, employment services, education counseling, and mental health programs.
Website: Search "Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS)" for official website
Local veteran service officers provide free one-on-one assistance with VA claims, benefits enrollment, and navigating available resources throughout Virginia.
Free HelpThe VA regional office serving Virginia handles disability claims, education benefits, home loan certificates, and other federal VA programs.
Virginia's workforce development offices offer dedicated veteran employment representatives, job placement services, resume assistance, and career training programs.
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
Crisis Text Line: Text 838255
National Suicide Prevention: 988
Compare All 50 States
See how Virginia stacks up against every other state for veteran benefits — property tax, income tax, education, and more.
View All State BenefitsAI Career Tools for Veterans
Use our AI-powered tools to translate your military experience, build federal resumes, and find your best civilian career match.
Launch AI Career Builder