Virginia Veteran Benefits

Benefits organized by category so you can quickly compare tax relief, education support, recreation perks, and more.

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How Virginia compares

Virginia offers a solid middle-tier package with 18 tracked benefits and decent support in Property Tax, Income Tax, Education, Employment.

Quick categories

🏠 Property Tax 💰 Income Tax 🎓 Education 💼 Employment 🎣 Recreation 🏥 Healthcare ⭐ Other

🏠 Property Tax

2 tracked items

100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Rating: 100% P&T

Full exemption from property taxes on primary residence and one vehicle for veterans with 100% permanent and total disability.

Eligibility: Veterans with 100% permanent and total service-connected disability. Surviving spouses may qualify. Source

Surviving Spouse of Line-of-Duty Death Exemption

Rating: None (line-of-duty death)

Property tax exemption for surviving spouses of service members killed in the line of duty (expanded from KIA-only in 2025).

Eligibility: Unremarried surviving spouse of service member killed in line of duty. Source

💰 Income Tax

4 tracked items

Military Retirement Pay Subtraction ($40,000)

Rating: None

All military retirees may subtract up to $40,000 of retirement pay from Virginia state taxable income. No age requirement.

Eligibility: All military retirees receiving retirement pay. Source

Active-Duty Basic Pay Exemption

Rating: None

Up to $15,000 exemption of basic pay. Reduces $1 for every $1 over $15,000. Ineligible if basic pay reaches $30,000+.

Eligibility: Active-duty service members earning under $30,000 basic pay. Source

National Guard Service Deduction

Rating: None

Guard members can deduct up to 39 calendar days of service or $5,500 in pay (whichever is less). Limited to O-6 and below.

Eligibility: National Guard members at O-6 rank and below. Source

VA Disability Compensation Tax Exemption

Rating: Any rating

VA disability compensation is fully exempt from Virginia state income tax.

Eligibility: All veterans receiving VA disability compensation. Source

🎓 Education

3 tracked items

VMSDEP - Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program

Rating: 90%+ (Tier 1) or 100% P&T (Tier 2)

Up to 8 semesters of tuition-free education plus fee waivers at Virginia public institutions. Tier 1: spouses/children of KIA/MIA/POW or 90%+ disabled veterans (armed conflict). Tier 2: spouses/children of 100% P&T disabled veterans (any cause). Tier 2 may also receive stipend for room, board, books.

Eligibility: Tier 1: Dependents of KIA/MIA/POW or 90%+ disabled (armed conflict). Tier 2: Dependents of 100% P&T disabled. Children ages 16-29. Source

In-State Tuition for Veterans & Active Duty

Rating: None

In-state tuition rates at Virginia public institutions for active-duty members and veterans. Dependents of active-duty retain in-state rates even if member transfers out of state.

Eligibility: Active-duty service members, veterans, and their dependents. Source

Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance (STAP)

Rating: None

Up to $4,500 per student for 2026 academic year at Virginia public institutions.

Eligibility: Active Virginia National Guard members. Source

💼 Employment

3 tracked items

Veteran State Employment Preference (5%/10%)

Rating: None (any disability for 10%)

5% addition to test scores for veterans; 10% addition for disabled veterans in state employment.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans. Disabled veterans get enhanced preference. Source

Virginia Transition Assistance Program (VTAP)

Rating: None

Peer-to-peer support for transitioning military. Includes resume reviews, labor market introduction, and employment connections. Also available to military spouses.

Eligibility: Transitioning service members and military spouses. Source

CDL Skills Test Waiver

Rating: None

Military personnel and veterans separated within 12 months with 2+ years heavy truck/bus driving experience may waive CDL road skills test.

Eligibility: Veterans separated within 12 months with 2+ years military driving experience. Source

🎣 Recreation

3 tracked items

Lifetime Hunting & Freshwater Fishing License (Free at P&T)

Rating: 100% P&T (free); 50%+ reduced

Virginia resident veterans rated totally and permanently disabled get a free lifetime hunting and freshwater fishing license. Small fees apply for trapping and saltwater fishing.

Eligibility: Virginia residents with 100% service-connected disability. Source

Reduced-Cost Lifetime Licenses (50%+)

Rating: 50%+

Virginia resident veterans rated 70%+ can buy each lifetime hunting or freshwater fishing license for $50; those rated 50% to under 70% pay $75 per license.

Eligibility: Veterans with 70%+ service-connected disability. Source

Free State Park Admission & Discounts (100%)

Rating: 100%

Free admission, parking, boat launch, and horse trailer parking at state parks. 50% discount on camping, swimming, shelters, and equipment rental. No Virginia residency required.

Eligibility: Veterans with 100% VA disability. Source

🏥 Healthcare

1 tracked item

Virginia Veterans Care Centers

Rating: None

Three veterans care facilities in Richmond, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach for honorably discharged Virginia residents.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged Virginia residents. Source

⭐ Other

2 tracked items

State Veterans Cemeteries

Rating: None

Three state veterans cemeteries in Amelia, Dublin, and Suffolk. Free burial for honorably discharged veterans. Small cost for eligible family members.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans and eligible dependents. Source

Attorney General Legal Clinics

Rating: None

Virginia Attorney General provides legal clinics offering wills, powers of attorney, advanced medical directives, and notary services.

Eligibility: All veterans. Source

⚠️ Verify Before You Rely: State veteran benefits change frequently. The information above is summarized for general guidance and may not reflect the most current laws, amounts, or eligibility requirements. Always verify with your state VA office or state Department of Veterans Affairs before making financial decisions. Last reviewed: April 2026.