West Virginia Veteran Financial Benefits
West Virginia Military Pay Taxes: West Virginia provides several state income tax breaks for resident Service members.
- Service members whose Home of Record is West Virginia but spend fewer than 30 days in the state are not considered residents for tax purposes and are exempt from state income tax on their military pay.
- Military pay earned by West Virginia residents serving in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves called to federal active duty for Operation Enduring Freedom or domestic security missions ordered by the President is tax-exempt.
- Active duty Service members in the U.S. Armed Forces who serve 30 or more days and permanently separate with a DD214 may deduct their military pay from state income taxes for the year of discharge.
Military Retired Pay Taxes: West Virginia does not tax military retired pay.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): TSP distributions do not withhold state or local taxes but are reported on IRS Form 1099-R. All distributions are subject to state taxation, with early withdrawals potentially incurring higher taxes.
Nonresident Military Spouses Tax Exemption: Nonresident spouses of Service members stationed in West Virginia are exempt from state income tax if residing in the state to be with their Service member.
VA Disability Retirement Pay Taxes: Military Disability Retirement Pay, provided for service-connected injuries or illness, is excluded from taxable income. Covered payments include:
- Disability compensation or pensions for Veterans or family members
- Grants for wheelchair-accessible homes
- Grants for vehicles for Veterans with vision or limb loss
- Benefits from dependent-care assistance programs
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC, paid to eligible survivors of Service members who died in the line of duty or Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected condition, is tax-free.
SBP / RCSBP / RSFPP Exemption: West Virginia does not tax Survivor Benefit Plan, Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan, or Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan annuities.
Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: Veterans with a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating may qualify for a $20,000 property tax exemption. Requirements include:
- Ownership and occupancy of the homestead
- West Virginia residency for at least two consecutive years before claiming
- Certification of total and permanent disability from the VA
New (Effective Jan 1, 2024): Veterans with a 90% or higher combined disability rating may receive an income tax credit for property taxes paid on their residence.
Tax Benefits for Service Members Killed or Missing in a Combat Zone: Service members who die or go missing in a combat zone, or from injuries or illnesses sustained in such service, are exempt from taxes for the year of death and prior taxable years during service. Refunds or credits apply for taxes already paid. Eligibility continues until the Service member returns to U.S. control or two years after hostilities end.
Sales Tax:
- Statewide: 6.0%
- Counties: up to 1.0% additional
- Current average including local taxes: 6.55%
Recreation
Free Hunting and Fishing for West Virginia Disabled Veterans and Prisoners of War
Eligible West Virginia Veterans can enjoy hunting and fishing at no cost. To participate, Veterans must submit an application to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
Who Qualifies? West Virginia resident Veterans must have received an honorable discharge and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Receive VA compensation for a total, permanent service-connected disability
- Were declared prisoners of war
- Are eligible for a motor vehicle registration fee exemption under West Virginia Code 17A-10-8
Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Active Duty Residents on Leave
Active duty Service members residing in West Virginia do not need hunting, trapping, or fishing licenses while on leave. Service members must carry their leave papers during these activities.
West Virginia State Park Discounts for Veterans and Active Duty Service Members
Veterans and active duty Service members enjoy a 10% discount on lodge rooms, cabins, and campsites at West Virginia State Parks. Use code Vets10* when booking and present a valid military ID or proof of eligibility at check-in.
Additionally, Veterans and Service members receive 15% off greens fees year-round at Pipestem, Twin Falls, and Cacapon Resort State Parks. Valid military ID must be shown at check-in for tee times.
Note: These discounts do not apply at Stonewall Resort State Park.
Education Programs
West Virginia Medal of Honor and Purple Heart Tuition Waiver
All state-supported colleges and universities in West Virginia waive tuition and mandatory fees for Veterans who have earned the Medal of Honor or the Purple Heart. Eligible Veterans can use this benefit for up to eight semesters.
Eligibility: Veterans must be West Virginia residents, have received the Medal of Honor or Purple Heart, and have an honorable discharge. Purple Heart recipients must have lost a limb or sustained a permanent disability due to their wounds.
This waiver applies only after all other state and federal educational benefits, grants, or scholarships have been applied. For details, students should contact the admissions office of the institution they plan to attend.
West Virginia Educational Encouragement Program (WVEEP)
WVEEP covers 100% of tuition and fees up to $9,000 per fiscal year for West Virginia National Guard members attending participating institutions. This program can be combined with federal tuition assistance.
Eligibility:
- Enrolled in an approved West Virginia post-secondary institution
- Not under any adverse action or administrative flag at application
- Submit a detailed degree plan
- Complete all classes before Expiration Term of Service (ETS) date
- Provide documentation of course costs and submit grades to WVEEP manager
Funds cover tuition and allowable fees only; overpayments or refunds are not retained by students.
West Virginia Veterans Re-education Assistance
Provides up to $500 per semester for Veterans to cover tuition, professional license or certification tests, and other training materials. Funding is subject to availability.
Eligibility:
- Honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces
- Exhausted all VA educational benefits
- Resident of West Virginia
West Virginia War Orphan Education Program
Spouses and children of deceased wartime Veterans receive tuition and fee waivers at West Virginia post-secondary institutions. Assistance may also cover room, board, books, and living expenses, up to $1,000 per semester and $2,000 per year.
Eligibility:
- Resident surviving spouse or child (ages 16–25)
- Enrolled in a West Virginia post-secondary institution
- Deceased Veteran was a West Virginia resident at enlistment, served on active duty, and died in action or due to wartime service
Required Documents: Completed application, proof of enrollment, copy of Veteran’s DD214, and if applicable, proof of death and service connection.
West Virginia Operation Recognition Diploma Program
Veterans who left high school to serve during WWII, Korea, or Vietnam may receive a West Virginia high school diploma.
Eligibility:
- Left school to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces
- Did not receive a diploma
- Honorable discharge
- Served during specific wartime periods: WWII (1940–1946), Korean War (1950–1955), Vietnam Era (1961–1975)
West Virginia In-State Tuition Rates for Nonresident Veterans, Service Members, and Dependents
Nonresidents using VA education benefits and enrolling within three years of discharge are charged in-state tuition. Service members and dependents assigned to a West Virginia duty station are also eligible.
West Virginia Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Higher Education Assistance
Provides free support for Veterans pursuing a certificate, diploma, or degree.
VUB Services:
- College exploration and applications
- VA Education and Veteran Readiness & Employment benefits
- Financial aid and scholarship applications
- Refresher classes for basic academic skills
Eligibility: Veterans must have ended service in good standing, have modest income, and/or have parents who did not earn a bachelor’s degree.
West Virginia Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3)
Supports military children by:
- Enabling timely school enrollment and record transfers
- Ensuring fair placement despite differences in requirements
- Facilitating access to programs, extracurricular activities, and on-time graduation
- Promoting cooperation between schools, parents, and students
- Standardizing data collection and communication among member states
West Virginia Purple Star Award for Military-Friendly Schools
Recognizes schools committed to serving military-connected students and families.
Requirements for Schools:
- Appoint a trained school liaison to address military family needs
- Ensure teacher awareness of military family considerations
- Maintain a dedicated page on the school website with resources for military families
Schools that earn the award receive an official certificate and electronic materials for campus display.
Housing: Veterans Homes in West Virginia
West Virginia Veterans Home: Located overlooking the Village of Barboursville, this 150-bed facility provides a welcoming and accessible residence for Veterans in need of support. Please note, the Home is not a medical treatment facility and does not offer daily care or skilled nursing services.
West Virginia State Veterans Home at Barboursville
Eligibility for Care at the West Virginia Veterans Home
To qualify for residence at the West Virginia Veterans Home, Veterans must meet the following criteria:
- Discharged from active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces with an Honorable or General Discharge under Honorable Conditions.
- Capable of independent mobility and able to manage all activities of daily living without assistance.
- Veterans with disabilities that prevent employment may be accepted, provided they do not require skilled nursing care or hospitalization.
- Served at least 12 consecutive months on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, unless medically discharged for a service-connected injury before completing 12 months.
- For those who enlisted before September 7, 1980, a minimum of 24 consecutive months of active duty service is required, or the full period they were called to active duty, unless medically discharged due to a service-related injury.
- Must be eligible for care at VA Medical Centers.
- Required pre-admission medical tests must be completed prior to admission.
While the Home has a nursing department and an assigned physician, all medical care is provided by the VA Medical Center in Huntington.
Employment and Job Training: Veteran Preference in West Virginia
WorkForce West Virginia – Veteran Employment Support:
Eligible Veterans receive priority access to all employment and training programs or services offered at WorkForce West Virginia locations that are fully or partially funded by state or federal resources.
Qualified Veterans may be referred to specialized program staff for tailored support. Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPS) provide intensive services to help Veterans secure long-term employment, while Local Veteran Employment Representatives (LVER) conduct outreach to employers to promote Veteran hiring.
Early Access and Benefits for Eligible Veterans Include:
- Career assessment and guidance
- Assistance with resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation
- Referrals to support services
- Job placement assistance
- Information on careers, training, education, and financial aid
- Job search workshops and labor market data
- Access to computers, internet, and help with online applications
- Assistive technology for special needs
Eligibility for WorkForce West Virginia Veteran Employment Assistance:
Veterans must meet at least one of the following:
- Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge or were discharged due to a service-connected disability.
- Served in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves on active duty during wartime, or were awarded a campaign or expeditionary medal and received an honorable discharge.
- Completed service obligations in the National Guard or Reserves and received an honorable discharge or were discharged due to a service-connected disability.
West Virginia State Employment Veteran Preference:
Eligible Veterans can receive up to 10 preference points on state employment entrance exams:
- Five points for Veterans who served in specific timeframes, campaigns, or who are disabled.
- An additional five points for Veterans who received a Purple Heart or have a service-connected disability.
Applicants must provide a DD214 and, if applicable, a recent VA letter confirming service-connected disability compensation.
Federal Employment Veteran Preference:
Federal law provides hiring preference to Veterans, particularly those with disabilities or wartime service, via additional points on exams and ratings:
- 5-point preference for qualifying wartime or campaign service.
- 10-point preferences for compensable service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, and certain surviving family members.
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA):
USERRA protects civilian employment rights for Veterans and Reserve/National Guard members, including:
- Absence for Military Duty: Up to five years (with certain exceptions) for training or active duty without losing reemployment rights.
- Disability Accommodation: Employers must reasonably accommodate disabled Veterans, with up to two years to return to work.
- Return to Work: Veterans are reemployed in positions they would have attained with equivalent seniority, status, pay, and benefits.
- Health and Pension Plans: Coverage is maintained during military service; those serving more than 30 days may continue health care up to 24 months, paying up to 102% of the premium.
Eligibility for USERRA:
Veterans, Reserve, and National Guard members who leave employment for training or active military duty are protected.
The Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) assists with USERRA claims, including for Federal and Postal Service employees.
Burials and Memorials
National Cemetery Burial Benefits for Veterans
It is important to record your preference for burial in a national cemetery and for the use of a VA-provided headstone, keeping this information with your personal and medical records.
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) honors eligible Veterans and their families by offering a dignified final resting place and a lasting tribute to the Veteran’s service to the country.
Burial Benefits Include:
- Gravesite in any open national cemetery with available space
- Opening and closing of the grave
- Perpetual care of the gravesite
- Government-provided headstone or marker
- Burial flag
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
These benefits are provided at no cost to the family. Certain Veterans may also qualify for a burial allowance. Cremated remains are treated with the same respect and honors as casketed remains, with interment or inurnment performed in national cemeteries.
Spouses and Dependents:
Eligible spouses and dependents may also receive burial benefits, including the option to be interred alongside the Veteran. The Veteran’s headstone can include the name and vital dates of the spouse or dependent at no cost. Notably, spouses and qualifying dependents can be buried in a national cemetery even if they pass away before the Veteran, and they are not required to be interred in the same cemetery as the Veteran.
National Cemeteries include:
Grafton: Grafton National Cemetery
Grafton: West Virginia National Cemetery
West Virginia VA Resources
Veterans in West Virginia have access to a Regional Benefits Office as well as VA Medical Centers throughout the state to assist with benefits and healthcare needs.
West Virginia VA Regional Benefits Office
- Huntington: Huntington Regional Office
West Virginia VA Medical Centers
- Beckley: Beckley VA Medical Center
- Clarksburg: Clarksburg – Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center
- Huntington: Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center
- Martinsburg: Martinsburg VA Medical Center
Key Information on West Virginia Veteran Benefits
If you are a Veteran applying for VA benefits for the first time, you will need to provide a copy of your DD 214 (discharge papers). This document includes your discharge status, full name, Social Security number, branch of service, and the dates you served. Most VA benefits are available to those with honorable or general discharges.
It is essential to store your paperwork and medical records safely in a secure location accessible to you and your family, such as a safe, to prevent loss or tampering.
Eligibility for most VA benefits generally requires discharge from active military service under conditions other than dishonorable. Active service includes 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 discharged under dishonorable conditions due to bad conduct from general courts-martial may be ineligible for most benefits. Certain benefits may still be available to Veterans in prison or on parole. VA regional offices can provide guidance for prisoners, parolees, and those with multiple discharges under varying conditions.
Information is current as of November 2023.
West Virginia Veteran Benefits
Disabled Veterans in West 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 are eligible for an increase in VA compensation and identify any additional benefits you may qualify for.
