Veteran Benefits & Resources in Virginia

Introduction

Virginia is home to more than 700,000 military veterans, supported by one of the strongest military and veteran networks in the country. With major installations such as Naval Station Norfolk and a deep connection to military service, Virginia offers a wide range of support through state benefits, VA healthcare systems, local Veteran Service Officers, and nonprofit organizations.

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

Key Veteran Benefits in Virginia

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Virginia provides a full property tax exemption for 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans on their primary residence. This benefit can also extend to surviving spouses.

Source:
https://www.tax.virginia.gov/disabled-veterans-real-estate-tax-exemption 

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)

Provides education benefits for dependents of disabled veterans, including tuition waivers at Virginia public colleges and universities.

Source:
https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/education-and-employment 

Virginia Veteran Employment Preference

Veterans receive preference in Virginia state government hiring, helping improve access to public sector employment.

Source:
https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employment/veterans 

Veteran Designation on Virginia Driver License

Virginia veterans can add a “Veteran” designation to their driver license or ID card.

Source:
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/veterans 

Virginia Veteran and Family Support Program (VVFS)

Provides peer support, mental health services, and transition assistance for veterans and their families.

Source:
https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/virginia-veteran-and-family-support 

VA Disability Benefits by Rating in Virginia

Understanding how your VA disability rating impacts your benefits is especially important in Virginia, where state-level benefits can be highly impactful at higher disability ratings.

100% Disabled Veterans

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

In Virginia, this includes:

• Full Property Tax Exemption on your primary residence
• Full federal VA compensation at the highest rate
• Comprehensive VA healthcare at no cost
• Eligibility for CHAMPVA (dependents) and commissary/exchange privileges
• Access to education benefits for dependents through VMSDEP

Virginia is one of the most beneficial states for 100% disabled veterans, particularly for families and homeowners.

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

Some Virginia programs may begin to apply depending on eligibility.

50% Disabled Veterans

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

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 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 programs

While Virginia’s strongest financial benefits are tied to higher ratings, these levels still provide important foundational support.

No matter your rating, working with a Virginia 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

Virginia veterans have access to a large VA healthcare network across the state.

VA Medical Centers

• Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center
• Salem VA Medical Center
• Hampton VA Medical Center

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

Community Clinics

VA outpatient clinics are located throughout Virginia in areas such as Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, and Danville.

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

Virginia veterans can receive assistance from local Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who help veterans:

• File VA disability claims
• Access federal and state benefits
• Obtain military service records
• Connect with local veteran resources

Directory of Virginia VSOs:

https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/benefits-services/veterans-services 

Veteran Housing & Long-Term Care

Virginia Veterans Care Centers

Virginia operates several state veterans care centers providing long-term care and skilled nursing services.

• Virginia Veterans Care Center
• Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center
• Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center

Source:
https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/virginia-veterans-care-centers 

Housing Assistance for Veterans

Virginia veterans experiencing housing instability can access assistance through VA housing programs such as HUD-VASH, along with nonprofit housing organizations across the state.

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

Veteran Charities & Nonprofit Support

Virginia Veterans Services Foundation

Supports programs and services that assist veterans and their families across Virginia.

https://vvfs.org 

Operation Homefront

Provides financial assistance, housing support, and family services to military families and veterans.

https://operationhomefront.org

Hope For The Warriors

Offers programs supporting mental health, employment, and financial stability for veterans and their families.

https://hopeforthewarriors.org 

Veteran-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship

Virginia offers several programs supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

Virginia Small Business Development Center

Provides counseling, training, and resources for veteran-owned businesses.

https://www.virginiasbdc.org

Veterans Business Outreach Center

Offers mentorship, training, and support for veteran entrepreneurs.

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 certification programs to compete for government contracting opportunities.

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

Community Events & Veteran Engagement

Virginia hosts numerous veteran-focused events throughout the year designed to connect veterans with services and community support.

These include:

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

How to Get Help

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

1. Contact your local Veteran Service Officer (VSO)

2. Visit your nearest VA medical center or outpatient clinic

3. Explore programs offered by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services

4. Connect with nonprofit organizations for additional support

Virginia Department of Veterans Services
https://www.dvs.virginia.gov

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

Know a Virginia 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. 🇺🇸