Veteran Benefits & Resources in Colorado

Introduction

Colorado is home to more than 380,000 military veterans who served in every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The state provides a strong support network through state veteran benefits, VA healthcare systems, county Veteran Service Officers, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping veterans and their families.

This guide highlights key benefits, healthcare services, and organizations available in Colorado so veterans can easily access assistance with benefits, housing, employment, and community support.

Key Veteran Benefits in Colorado

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Colorado offers a property tax exemption for 100% permanently disabled veterans on their primary residence. A portion of the home’s value is exempt from property taxes, reducing the overall tax burden for qualifying veterans.

Source:
https://cdola.colorado.gov/property-taxation/disabled-veterans-property-tax-exemption

Colorado Tuition Assistance for National Guard Members

Members of the Colorado National Guard may qualify for state-funded tuition assistance at Colorado public colleges and universities.

Source:
https://cdhe.colorado.gov/colorado-national-guard-tuition-assistance-program

Colorado Veteran Preference in State Employment

Veterans receive preference in Colorado state government hiring, which can improve opportunities for employment in public service positions.

Source:
https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-veterans

Colorado Veteran License Plate Program

Colorado offers several military and veteran license plates, including plates for Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, and other service distinctions.

Source:
https://dmv.colorado.gov/military-license-plates

Veteran Designation on Colorado Driver License

Colorado veterans can add a “Veteran” designation to their driver license or ID card, helping verify veteran status when accessing benefits or discounts.

Source:
https://dmv.colorado.gov/veteran-designation

VA Disability Benefits by Rating in Colorado

Understanding how your VA disability rating impacts your benefits can help you take full advantage of what’s available at both the federal and state level. Below is a quick breakdown of how benefits in Colorado may vary by rating.

100% Disabled Veterans

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating receive the most comprehensive level of support.

In Colorado, this includes:

• Property Tax Exemption on 50% of the first $200,000 of your home’s value (primary residence)
• Eligibility for full federal VA compensation at the highest rate
• Access to Comprehensive VA healthcare with no cost for service-connected conditions
• Potential eligibility for additional programs such as CHAMPVA (for dependents) and commissary/exchange privileges

This is the most impactful rating for state-level financial relief, particularly for homeowners.

70% Disabled Veterans

Veterans rated at 70% disability qualify for strong federal benefits and some additional support programs.

Key benefits include:

• Higher monthly VA compensation compared to lower ratings
• Priority access to VA healthcare and specialized services
• Eligibility for VA Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if unable to maintain employment
• Access to mental health and long-term care programs

While Colorado-specific benefits are more limited at this level, federal programs become increasingly valuable.

50% Disabled Veterans

At the 50% disability rating, veterans begin to see expanded healthcare and compensation benefits.

This includes:

• No-cost VA healthcare for all conditions, not just service-connected issues
• Increased monthly compensation
• Access to a broader range of VA medical services and prescriptions

This rating is a key threshold where healthcare coverage becomes significantly more comprehensive.

Lower Ratings (10%–40%)

Veterans with disability ratings between 10% and 40% still receive important benefits, including:

• Monthly tax-free VA compensation (based on rating level)
• Access to VA healthcare for service-connected conditions
• Eligibility for vocational rehabilitation and employment programs (VR&E)
• Potential access to state and local veteran support programs

While Colorado-specific financial benefits are limited at these levels, these ratings still provide a foundation for long-term support and care.

No matter your rating, working with a County Veteran Service Officer (VSO) can help ensure you’re receiving every benefit you’ve earned—and assist with increasing your rating if your condition has worsened.

VA & Healthcare Resources

Colorado veterans have access to multiple VA healthcare facilities across the state.

VA Medical Centers

• Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
• Grand Junction VA Medical Center

These facilities provide comprehensive healthcare including primary care, specialty care, mental health services, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Community Clinics

VA community clinics operate in locations including Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Fort Collins, Golden, and Alamosa.

Vet Centers

Vet Centers provide confidential counseling and transition assistance for combat veterans and their families.

VA Facility Locator
https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

County / Local Veteran Service Offices

Colorado veterans can receive help from County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) who assist veterans with:

• Filing VA disability claims
• Accessing state and federal benefits
• Obtaining military service records
• Connecting with local veteran resources

Directory of Colorado County Veteran Service Offices:

https://cdva.colorado.gov/veteran-services-officers

Veteran Housing & Long-Term Care

Colorado State Veterans Community Living Centers

Colorado operates several state veterans homes that provide skilled nursing care and long-term support.

Locations include:

• Colorado State Veterans Community Living Center – Aurora
• Colorado State Veterans Community Living Center – Rifle
• Colorado State Veterans Community Living Center – Walsenburg
• Colorado State Veterans Community Living Center – Florence
• Colorado State Veterans Community Living Center – Monte Vista

Source:
https://cdva.colorado.gov/community-living-centers

Housing Assistance for Veterans

Colorado veterans experiencing housing instability can access support through VA housing programs, HUD-VASH vouchers, and nonprofit housing assistance organizations operating throughout the state.

Source:
https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Veteran Charities & Nonprofit Support

Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center

Based in Colorado Springs, Mount Carmel provides transition services, employment assistance, mental health support, and community programs for veterans and their families.

https://www.veteranscenter.org

Veterans Community Project

Provides housing and support services for homeless veterans, including a village of tiny homes designed to help veterans transition to stable housing.

https://www.veteranscommunityproject.org

Colorado Veterans Project

Supports veteran-focused nonprofits throughout Colorado through fundraising and community outreach initiatives.

https://www.coloradoveteransproject.org

Veteran-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship

Colorado veterans interested in starting or growing a business have access to several support programs.

Colorado Small Business Development Center Network

Provides counseling, training, and mentoring for veteran entrepreneurs across the state.

https://coloradosbdc.org

Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)

Offers training, mentorship, and resources for veterans starting or expanding businesses.

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Certification

Veterans can pursue federal SDVOSB certification to compete for government contracting opportunities.

https://www.va.gov/osdbu/entrepreneurs/

Community Events & Veteran Engagement

Colorado hosts numerous veteran-focused events throughout the year that connect veterans with employment opportunities, benefits, and community support.

Common events include:

• Veteran job fairs and hiring events
• Homeless Veteran Stand Down programs
• Community veteran resource fairs
• Networking groups and veteran support organizations

These events help veterans connect with services, employers, and fellow veterans across the state.

How to Get Help

Veterans in Colorado can take the following steps to access assistance:

1. Contact your County Veteran Service Officer for help filing claims and accessing benefits.

2. Visit your nearest VA medical center or clinic for healthcare services.

3. Explore programs offered by the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs.

4. Connect with veteran nonprofits that provide housing, employment, and community support.

Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs
https://cdva.colorado.gov

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

Know a Colorado veteran-owned business or nonprofit that should be featured?

Submit a nomination or tag them on the Veterans Intel Report Facebook page.

We highlight veteran-owned businesses every month as part of our Salute & Support Sunday series.