Veteran Benefits in Oregon

Veteran Benefits & Resources

Veteran Benefits & Resources in Oregon

Introduction

Oregon is home to more than 300,000 military veterans, supported by a strong network of state programs, VA healthcare systems, and local veteran service organizations. With a focus on healthcare access, education, and community-based support, Oregon provides a range of benefits for veterans and their families.

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

Key Veteran Benefits in Oregon

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Oregon offers a property tax exemption for disabled veterans and surviving spouses, reducing the taxable value of a primary residence. The exemption amount is adjusted annually.

Source:
https://www.oregon.gov/dor/programs/property/Pages/exemptions-disabled-veterans.aspx

Oregon Veteran Educational Bridge Grant

Provides education assistance for veterans who have exhausted GI Bill benefits, helping cover tuition gaps.

Source:
https://www.oregon.gov/odva/Benefits/Pages/Education.aspx

Veteran Employment Preference

Veterans receive preference in Oregon state hiring, improving access to public sector employment.

Source:
https://www.oregon.gov/das/HR/Pages/Veterans.aspx

Veteran Designation on Oregon Driver License

Veterans can add a “Veteran” designation to their Oregon driver license or ID.

Source:
https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/driverid/veteran_designation.aspx

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Provides assistance with VA claims, benefits navigation, and veteran support programs.

Source:
https://www.oregon.gov/odva

VA Disability Benefits by Rating in Oregon

Understanding how your VA disability rating impacts your benefits can help you take full advantage of both federal VA programs and Oregon-specific benefits.

100% Disabled Veterans

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

In Oregon, this includes:

• Property Tax Exemption that reduces the taxable value of your home
• Full federal VA compensation at the highest rate
• Comprehensive VA healthcare at no cost
• Eligibility for CHAMPVA (dependents) and commissary/exchange privileges
• Access to additional state-level support programs

Oregon provides meaningful tax relief, though not a full exemption in most cases.

70% Disabled Veterans

Veterans rated at 70% disability receive strong federal benefits and access to expanded programs.

Key benefits include:

• Higher monthly VA compensation
• Priority access to VA healthcare and specialty services
• Eligibility for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
• Expanded access to mental health and long-term care programs

State-level benefits are more limited but still supportive.

50% Disabled Veterans

At the 50% disability rating, veterans reach an important healthcare threshold.

This includes:

• No-cost VA healthcare for all conditions
• Increased monthly compensation
• Access to a broader range of VA medical services and prescriptions

This level significantly improves access to care.

Lower Ratings (10%–40%)

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

• Monthly tax-free VA compensation
• VA healthcare for service-connected conditions
• Eligibility for Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) programs
• Access to local and state veteran support services

These ratings provide important foundational support.

No matter your rating, working with an Oregon Veterans Service Officer can help ensure you’re receiving every benefit you’ve earned and assist with increasing your rating if your condition has worsened.