Virginia Veteran Financial Benefits
Virginia Income Tax Deduction for Military Pay: Active-duty Virginia residents earning less than $30,000 in base pay can subtract up to $15,000 from their Virginia income taxes. For every dollar earned above $15,000, the deduction decreases by a dollar. Service members must be on active duty for a minimum of 90 days to qualify.
Virginia National Guard Pay Exemption: National Guard members in pay grades O-3 and below can deduct their pay for up to 39 days of service, or $3,000, whichever is lower.
Nonresident Military Spouse Income Exemption: Nonresident spouses who move to Virginia to live with their permanently stationed Service member spouse are exempt from Virginia income taxes, provided the spouse shares the same legal state of residence as the Service member.
Combat and Hazardous Duty Pay: Combat and hazardous duty pay are fully exempt from Virginia taxes.
Military Retired Pay Subtraction: Virginia allows a gradual deduction of military retired pay for Veterans. For 2022, Veterans aged 55+ can deduct $10,000, increasing $10,000 annually until 2025 for a maximum of $40,000. As of 2023, the age requirement for eligibility has been removed.
Medal of Honor Recipients: Military retired pay for Medal of Honor recipients is fully tax-exempt in Virginia. This exemption does not apply to benefits for surviving spouses.
Military Disability Retirement Pay: Disability retirement pay for personal injury or illness from active service, including VA disability compensation, grants for wheelchair-accessible homes, motor vehicles for disabled Veterans, and dependent-care benefits, is not taxable in Virginia.
Income Tax Filing and Payment Extensions: Virginia grants tax filing extensions for Service members and spouses in these situations:
- Stationed overseas or in Puerto Rico as of May 1: automatic extension to July 1; mark “Overseas Rule” on forms and attach a statement.
- Serving in a combat zone: IRS extension plus 15 days or up to one year; mark “Combat Zone.”
- Deployed outside the U.S. for noncombat duties: 90-day extension post-deployment; mark “Overseas Noncombat.”
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC payments for eligible survivors of Service members who died in service or from service-connected conditions are tax-free.
Survivor Benefits Subtraction: Surviving spouses aged 55+ receiving SBP, RCSBP, or RSFPP benefits can subtract $10,000 in 2022, increasing $10,000 annually until reaching $40,000 by 2025.
Real Property Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses: Virginia provides a full property tax exemption on the primary residence and up to one acre of land for Veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability or individually unemployable rating. Surviving spouses of eligible Veterans or service members killed in action are also eligible, and the exemption transfers if they move within Virginia. Local tax offices can provide details.
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: Veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability can receive a sales tax exemption on one vehicle, including a vehicle purchased by their spouse if primarily used by the Veteran.
Sales Tax Rates:
- Statewide: 5.3%
- Local: up to 0.70% additional
- Average combined: 5.75%
Recreation
Virginia Lifetime and Annual Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Resident Disabled Veterans: The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) provides free or reduced-fee lifetime licenses for hunting, freshwater fishing, and trapping to qualifying disabled Veterans.
Applicants must present a VA disability benefits letter or a Veterans’ Certificate of Disability to verify eligibility. Complete documentation requirements and submission instructions are included in the application.
Nonresident Totally and Permanently Disabled Veterans: VDGIF also offers discounted annual hunting and freshwater fishing licenses for eligible nonresident disabled Veterans.
As with residents, applicants must submit a VA disability benefits letter or a Veterans’ Certificate of Disability. Detailed application instructions are provided with the forms.
Special Fishing License for Disabled Active Duty Service Members: Disabled active duty Service members—resident or nonresident—receiving inpatient or outpatient medical care from a hospital in Virginia, a nearby state, or the District of Columbia may receive a free freshwater fishing and trout license. This license is valid for one year and is not renewable.
Virginia State Parks Free Veteran Disability Passport: Eligible disabled Veterans can obtain a free Veteran Disability Passport, granting free vehicle parking, boat launches, horse trailer parking, and admission for the pass holder and all vehicle occupants at parks and facilities with per-person entry fees.
The pass also provides a 50% discount on camping, swimming, shelters, multi-night stays in standard yurts, and equipment rentals operated by the park. One-night standard yurt stays receive a 25% discount.
Eligibility: Veterans must have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA to qualify for the Virginia State Parks Veteran Disability Passport.
Education Programs
Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (VNGSTAP):
The VNGSTAP provides up to $7,000 per year to cover tuition for one degree or credential at each educational level, up to a doctorate. Funds may be used at any accredited public or nonprofit private college or university, including participating online programs outside Virginia.
Recipients incur a two-year service obligation to the Virginia National Guard after the last term in which assistance is applied. Programs in religious or theological studies are not eligible. Service members must exhaust all available federal tuition benefits before receiving up to the $7,000 cap from VNGSTAP.
Eligibility: Service members must have completed initial active duty training or ROTC Advanced Camp and be active, standing members of the Virginia National Guard.
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP):
VMSDEP provides financial educational support to qualifying spouses, surviving spouses, and children of certain Service members or disabled Veterans. Eligible students receive a full waiver of tuition and mandatory fees for eight semesters at a Virginia public college or university. Additionally, family members of a Service member or Veteran whose death or disability resulted directly from military operations may receive a stipend to cover expenses like room, board, books, and supplies.
Eligibility:
- Family members: Must be accepted to a Virginia public college or university; surviving spouses must be un-remarried; children must be 16–29 years old.
- Veterans/Service members: Must be Virginia residents and either have a permanent and total non-service-connected disability, a VA service-connected disability of 90% or higher, or have been killed, missing in action, or taken as a POW due to military operations.
- Covered military operations: Include combatting terrorism, peacekeeping missions, acts of terrorism, and armed conflicts.
Virginia Honorary High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans:
Virginia awards honorary high school diplomas to Veterans who left school early to serve in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
Eligibility: Veterans must have received an honorable discharge and served during the following periods:
- World War II: 1939–1945
- Korean War: 1950–1953
- Vietnam War: 1959–1975
Requests can be submitted by the Veteran, a family member, or a Veterans’ organization.
Virginia Residency for Tuition and Financial Aid:
Virginia grants in-state residency for tuition and financial aid under several conditions:
- Waiver of one-year waiting period: Active duty Service members establishing legal residence and their dependents.
- 180+ days active service: Active duty, reserve, or mobilized Service members living in Virginia.
- Permanent duty station in Virginia: Nonresident Service members and dependents assigned to a station in Virginia.
- Assigned to neighboring states: Service members in Maryland, D.C., North Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky, or Tennessee residing in Virginia.
- Veterans and surviving spouses: Honorably discharged Veterans and surviving spouses living in Virginia, including those using VA education benefits.
Eligibility continues as long as students maintain enrollment at any Virginia institution.
Virginia Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3):
This compact removes barriers to academic success for children of military families facing frequent relocations or parental deployment. It ensures:
- Smooth enrollment and record transfers between schools
- Proper student placement without disadvantage due to varying attendance, grading, or curriculum
- Access to educational programs and extracurricular activities
- Timely graduation
- Enforcement of rules and consistent information sharing among states, schools, and families
- Coordination with other military family compacts
- Flexibility and cooperation among schools, parents, and students to support academic achievement
Virginia Purple Star Designation Program:
The Purple Star program recognizes military-friendly schools that demonstrate strong support for students and families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces.
Requirements:
- Appointment of a trained school liaison to address the needs of military families
- Ensuring all teachers are aware of special considerations for military-connected students
- Dedicated webpage with resources for military families
Schools earning the designation receive a Purple Star recognition to display on campus.
Housing: Below are the locations for Veterans Homes in Virginia
Virginia Veterans Care Centers – State Veterans Homes: The Virginia Department of Veterans Services operates two Veterans Care Centers offering affordable, long-term skilled nursing, specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and both short- and long-term rehabilitation for Veterans. Each top-tier facility is designed to provide a safe, compassionate, and dignified environment that enhances the overall quality of life for residents.
Virginia State Veterans Home at Richmond
Virginia State Veterans Home at Roanoke
Two new 128 bed Veterans Care Centers are scheduled to be opened in 2023:
Virginia State Veterans Care Center at Virginia Beach
Virginia State Veterans Care Center, Vint Hill, Fauquier County
Eligibility for Virginia Veterans Care Centers, State Veterans Homes: To qualify for admission to a Virginia Veterans Care Center, Veterans must meet these criteria:
- Be a Virginia resident either at the time they entered the U.S. Armed Forces or at the time of admission.
- Have received an honorable discharge for their most recent period of service.
- Require skilled nursing care.
Employment and Job Training: Veteran Preferences
Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Transition Program: The V3 Transition Program, run by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, provides peer support and referral services to Service members separating from the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as their spouses. The program focuses on assisting Service members with employment, educational opportunities, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Through V3, participants can receive resume assistance, access to the Virginia Labor Market Index, connections with V3-certified employers, and links to other Virginia Department of Veterans Services programs. The program also maintains a network of employers and resources that host networking events, job fairs, hiring events, and provide electronic updates on jobs and employment opportunities.
Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) SkillBridge Internships: The DVS SkillBridge program allows transitioning Service members to participate in internships lasting 4 to 20 weeks, up to six months before separation, with commander approval. These internships provide hands-on experience and marketable skills to enhance civilian career prospects. Service members within 18 months of separation can apply via the online Virginia DVS SkillBridge Intake Form.
Virginia State Employee Paid Military Leave: Reserve component Service members employed by the state are entitled to 15 paid workdays per federal fiscal year for required military training or active duty, including voluntary recall. Employees retain seniority and accrued leave during military leave. Additionally, up to 8 hours of paid leave per year is available for pre-induction or required physical exams.
Virginia State Employee Active Duty Pay Supplement: Eligible state employees on unpaid military leave can receive a supplement to cover the difference between their base state salary and military pay plus allowances. To qualify, employees must be classified employees of Virginia Executive Branch agencies, on military leave without pay, and earn less in military pay than their state salary. Wage, hourly, or P-14 employees are excluded.
Virginia State Employee Military Bank Leave (MB): Full-time Virginia state employees in the National Guard or Reserves may carry forward leave beyond the standard limit as Military Bank leave, which can be used only for active duty. Eligibility requires proper MR or NG designation and authorization to accrue MB.
Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) – Veterans and Spouses Assistance: VEC and Virginia Career Works offices assist transitioning Service members, Veterans, and spouses with job readiness, resume building, career counseling, training recommendations, employment plans, and job referrals. Case managers provide six months of follow-up support.
Priority of Service: Eligible Veterans and spouses receive priority for all programs funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, ensuring earlier access to services. Priority applies to Veterans with honorable discharge from active duty (excluding training), as well as spouses and un-remarried surviving spouses of deceased or disabled Veterans.
Virginia Workforce Connection – Veterans Services: The Veterans Services tab provides resources for employment, military occupational code-based job searches, disability support, Veteran organizations, and VA services.
Virginia Boots to Suits Program: This program offers two complimentary career outfits to Veterans within 60 days of separation to aid job interviews and civilian employment. Job-seeking military spouses who are primary household providers are also eligible.
Virginia State Employment Veterans Hiring Preferences: Virginia provides hiring preference points to Veterans, National Guard members, and certain family members. Points are applied to scored tests or alternative methods for positions without a scoring system. Eligible recipients include:
- Honorably discharged Veterans (+5%)
- Veterans with VA service-connected disability (+10%)
- National Guard members (+5%)
- Surviving spouses and children of service members killed in action (+5%)
Professional License Expedited Review for Military Spouses: Spouses of Service members stationed in Virginia can fast-track applications for professional licenses, such as real estate, contractor, cosmetology, architecture, engineering, or interior design. Licenses regulated by the Virginia Board of Health are excluded. Applications must be processed within 20 days or a temporary license is issued for up to 12 months.
Military Spouses Practicing Law in Virginia: Spouses licensed in another state may practice law in Virginia under the supervision of a licensed Virginia attorney, provided certain requirements are met.
Virginia Military Medics and Corpsmen (MMAC) Program: MMAC assists combat medics, corpsmen, and medical technicians transitioning to civilian healthcare careers. Services include help translating military training and experience into clinical or leadership roles, as well as support for military spouses entering the healthcare field. MMAC does not provide direct licensure, certification, or financial aid.
Virginia Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Designation: Disabled Veterans owning small businesses may apply for SDVOSB designation under Virginia’s SWaM program. Requirements include at least 51% Veteran ownership, management control by disabled Veterans, fewer than 250 employees, and average annual gross receipts of $10 million or less.
Federal Employment Veteran Hiring Preferences: Federal law grants preference to Veterans, particularly those with disabilities or wartime service, by adding points to examination or interview scores:
- 5-point preference: For service during war, specified periods, or qualifying campaigns/expeditions.
- 10-point CP preference: Veterans with 10-29% service-connected disabilities.
- 10-point CPS preference: Veterans with 30% or more service-connected disabilities.
- 10-point XP: Veterans with service-connected disability or Purple Heart.
- 10-point Derived Preference: Spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of eligible Veterans under certain conditions.
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): USERRA protects civilian employment, benefits, and rights for Veterans and reserve components. It covers:
- Reemployment after military duty without loss of seniority
- Disability accommodations and training
- Health and pension plan continuation
- Absence from work for military service, generally up to five years
Eligible individuals include Veterans, reservists, and National Guard members who leave a position for training or active duty. The Department of Labor’s VETS program assists with USERRA claims, including Federal and Postal Service employees.
Burials and Memorials
Be sure to record your choice regarding burial in a national cemetery and the use of a VA-provided headstone, and store this information safely with your paperwork and medical records.
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) honors eligible Veterans and their families by offering a dignified final resting place and a permanent memorial recognizing the Veteran’s service to the nation.
Burial benefits include a gravesite in any available cemetery, opening and closing of the grave, ongoing maintenance, a government-supplied headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate—all provided at no cost to the family. Some Veterans may also qualify for a burial allowance. Cremated remains are treated with the same respect as casketed remains and are interred or inurned in national cemeteries.
Eligible spouses and dependents are also entitled to burial benefits, including interment next to the Veteran and perpetual care of the site. The spouse’s or dependent’s name and dates of birth and death are engraved on the Veteran’s headstone at no charge. Importantly, spouses and qualified dependents may be buried even before the Veteran passes and are not required to be interred in the same cemetery.
National Cemeteries include:
Alexandria: Alexandria National Cemetery
Culpeper: Culpeper National Cemetery
Danville: Danville National Cemetery
Hampton: Hampton National Cemetery
Hampton: Hampton National Cemetery (VAMC)
Hopewell: City Point National Cemetery
Leesburg: Ball’s Bluff National Cemetery
Mechanicsville: Cold Harbor National Cemetery
Richmond: Fort Harrison National Cemetery
Richmond: Glendale National Cemetery
Richmond: Richmond National Cemetery
Sandston: Seven Pines National Cemetery
Staunton: Staunton National Cemetery
Triangle: Quantico National Cemetery
Winchester: Winchester National Cemetery
Virginia Veteran Resources
Veterans in Virginia have access to a Regional Benefits Office as well as VA Medical Centers.
Virginia VA Regional Benefits Office
- Roanoke: Roanoke Regional Office
Virginia VA Medical Centers
- Hampton: Hampton VA Medical Center
- Richmond: Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center
- Salem: Salem VA Medical Center
Key Details About Virginia Veteran Benefits:
If you are applying for VA benefits for the first time, it is necessary to provide a copy of your DD 214 (discharge papers). This document includes your full name, social security number, branch of service, service dates, and discharge status. Veterans with honorable or general discharges are generally eligible for most VA benefits.
It’s important to store all paperwork and medical records in a secure location that is accessible to you and your family, such as a safe, to prevent loss, damage, or tampering.
Eligibility for most VA benefits requires discharge from active military service under conditions other than dishonorable. Active service refers to full-time duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, or service as a commissioned officer in the Public Health Service, Environmental Services Administration, or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Veterans who received a dishonorable discharge, often due to bad conduct from a general court-martial, may be ineligible for VA benefits. Veterans currently incarcerated or on parole may still qualify for some benefits. VA regional offices can provide guidance regarding eligibility for prisoners, parolees, or individuals with multiple discharges under different conditions.
*Information is current as of November 2023.
Virginia Veteran Benefits
Disabled Veterans in Virginia with a VA disability rating of 90% or lower may qualify for extra benefits. Reach out to Vital Veterans Consultants for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. We can review your claim to see if you’re eligible for higher VA compensation and identify any additional benefits you may qualify for.
