Veterans Benefits Update 2026
Thousands of veterans are checking available assistance programs this year. See if you qualify.
View ProgramsVeteran Benefits Denver CO: 2026 Complete Guide
Denver and Colorado offer substantial benefits for Veterans, including a property tax exemption of 50% off the first $200,000 of a primary residence’s value for 100% disabled Veterans, state income tax subtractions on military retirement pay, and free, expert claims assistance through the Denver County Veteran Service Officer (VSO). The Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora serves as the primary hub for VA healthcare, while the Denver VA Regional Benefit Office in Lakewood handles claims and benefits administration .
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Veteran Population (Denver) | ~40,000 |
| Primary State Agency | Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs (DVA) |
| Local Assistance | Denver Human Services Veteran Services Team |
| 2026 Key Tax Benefit | 50% property tax exemption on first $200,000 of value |
| Healthcare Facility | Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center (Aurora) |
| Claims Office | Denver VA Regional Benefit Office (Lakewood) |
| State Income Tax | Military retirement pay subtractions up to $24,000 for 65+ |
Income Tax Benefits
Military Retirement Pay Subtraction
Colorado allows you to subtract a portion of your military retirement pay from your state taxable income. The amount you can subtract depends on your age :
| Age Group | Maximum Exclusion |
|---|---|
| Under 55 | Up to $15,000 |
| 55-64 | Up to $20,000 |
| 65 and older | Up to $24,000 |
These same rules apply to Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments. Active-duty pay is tax-free if you were stationed and spent at least 305 days outside the continental United States <span class=””>.
Property Tax Exemptions
100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Colorado offers a significant property tax exemption for eligible disabled Veterans and their surviving spouses. For the 2026 tax year, qualifying Veterans receive a 50% exemption on the first $200,000 of actual value of their primary residence .
Who qualifies:
100% service-connected permanent disability rating from the VA, OR
Individual Unemployability (IU) disability rating
Must have owned and occupied the property as primary residence on January 1 of the year claiming the exemption
Surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty and received a death gratuity
Surviving spouse of a Veteran whose death was due to service-connected injury/disease and who receives Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
How to apply: Submit an application to your local county assessor’s office between January 1 and July 1 of the year you qualify . The 2026 application period opens in January 2026 . Once granted, you don’t need to reapply for the same address unless your VA status changes .
Property Tax Deferral for Activated Reservists
Reserve component members called to federal active duty for 30+ consecutive days during war or national emergency can defer payment of property taxes on their primary residence. Deferred taxes must be paid upon sale or transfer of the property or deactivation .
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityHow to apply: Applications are available online from January 1 to April 1 each year .
Healthcare Benefits
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
The Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora is the primary VA healthcare facility for the Eastern Colorado Health Care System. This state-of-the-art facility provides comprehensive care including :
Extended care and rehabilitation
Primary care and surgical specialties
Spinal cord injury clinic
Polytrauma and traumatic brain injury unit
Aquatic therapy and prosthetics
Location: Aurora, CO (serving the Denver metro area)
VA Community Care Network (CCN)
The VA’s Community Care Network allows eligible Veterans to receive healthcare services from approved community providers, reducing wait times and travel . Services covered include:
Non-institutional geriatric evaluations
Adult day care
Home healthcare (skilled and unskilled)
Eligibility: Veterans eligible for VA healthcare who meet certain criteria for community care.
Claims and Benefits Assistance
Denver County Veteran Service Officer (VSO)
Denver County has a dedicated Veteran Service Officer who can help you file claims and navigate VA benefits at no cost. The City and County of Denver’s Veteran Services team works with all Veterans and military personnel and their families, regardless of service time or discharge status .
Services provided <span class=””>:
Filing for VA benefits (disability compensation, education, etc.)
In-person peer-to-peer support
Resource navigation for housing, food, and legal services
Contact: (720)-944-3500 to schedule an appointment
Location: Volunteers of America Bill Daniels Veteran Services Center, 1247 Santa Fe Dr., Denver, CO 80204
Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
The Colorado DVA is a state agency that advocates for Colorado Veterans, family members, and survivors in securing federal and state benefits . They maintain a central office in Lakewood and coordinate with County Veterans Service Officers statewide .
Contact:
Address: 155 Van Gordon, Suite 201, Lakewood, CO 80228
Phone: 303-914-5832
Denver VA Regional Benefit Office
The Denver VA Regional Benefit Office handles claims processing and benefit administration for Veterans in the region .
Address: 155 Van Gordon Street, Lakewood, CO 80228
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Services include:
Pensions
Education Benefits
Tuition Assistance
Colorado offers education benefits for Veterans through various programs:
In-state tuition for Veterans using VA education benefits
State tuition assistance programs (contact Colorado DVA for current offerings)
GI Bill benefits administered through the Denver VA Regional Benefit Office
Colorado National Guard Tuition
Members of the Colorado National Guard may qualify for state tuition assistance programs. Contact the Colorado DVA or your unit for current availability.
Employment Benefits
State Employment Preference
Colorado provides preference to Veterans in state government employment. Veterans should indicate their status on applications to receive consideration.
Veteran Employment & Training Service (VETS)
The U.S. Department of Labor’s VETS program helps match employment opportunities with Veterans. Contact the local VETS office or workforce center for assistance .
License Plates and Driver’s Licenses
Disabled Veteran License Plates
Colorado offers Disabled Veteran license plates for eligible Veterans. These plates often provide parking privileges and may qualify for vehicle registration fee exemptions .
Active Duty & Veteran Driver’s License
Colorado offers special driver’s license designations for Veterans and active duty service members .
Hunting, Fishing, and Recreation
Park and Wildlife Benefits
Colorado offers hunting and fishing license privileges for Veterans. Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife for current discount and eligibility information .
Burial Benefits
State Veterans Cemetery
The Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado in Grand Junction serves as the state Veterans cemetery . Fort Logan National Cemetery and Pikes Peak National Cemetery also serve Colorado Veterans .
Eligibility
Burial benefits are available to eligible Veterans, their spouses, and dependent children. Contact the Colorado DVA or National Cemetery Administration for specific eligibility requirements .
Common Questions
How do I get free help filing a VA claim in Denver?
Contact the Denver County Veteran Service Officer at (720)-944-3500 to schedule an appointment. Services are free and include filing for disability compensation, education benefits, and appeals . The Denver VA Regional Benefit Office in Lakewood also provides claims assistance .
What property tax benefits do disabled Veterans get in Denver?
Veterans with a 100% permanent service-connected disability or Individual Unemployability receive a 50% exemption on the first $200,000 of actual value of their primary residence . Surviving spouses of Veterans who died from service-connected causes may also qualify .
Where is the VA hospital in Denver?
The Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center is in Aurora, CO, and serves as the primary VA hospital for the Denver metro area. It’s a 1.2 million square foot facility that replaced the older Denver hospital .
Does Colorado tax military retirement pay?
Yes, but you can subtract a portion of your military retirement pay from your taxable income. The amount ranges from $15,000 (under 55) to $24,000 (65+) . Active-duty pay is tax-free if you served outside the continental U.S. for 305+ days .
What VA benefits are available for Veterans in Denver?
Denver-area Veterans can access VA disability compensation, healthcare (Rocky Mountain Regional VAMC and Community Care Network), education benefits (GI Bill), home loans, life insurance, and pensions through the Denver VA Regional Benefit Office .
How do I apply for the Colorado property tax exemption?
Apply to your county assessor’s office between January 1 and July 1 of the year you qualify. The 2026 application period opens in January. Once approved, you don’t need to reapply unless your VA status changes .
Can I get VA healthcare through community providers?
Yes. The VA Community Care Network allows eligible Veterans to receive care from approved local providers, including home healthcare and adult day care, which can reduce wait times and travel to the VA medical center .
How many Veterans live in Denver County?
Denver County has approximately 40,000 Veterans . The City and County of Denver’s Veteran Services team is specifically dedicated to serving this population .
What documentation do I need for my VA benefits appointment?
Bring your DD-214, a government-issued ID, and direct deposit information for VA payments . The Denver County VSO will notify you if additional documentation is needed .
Are Denver Veterans services free?
Yes. All services provided by the Denver County Veteran Service Officer and the City and County of Denver’s Veteran Services team are free of charge. They are not affiliated with the federal VA and receive no VA funding .
Key Takeaways
Free claims assistance: Denver County Veteran Service Officer provides free help filing VA claims, appeals, and accessing benefits at (720)-944-3500 .
Property tax exemption: 100% disabled Veterans get 50% exemption on the first $200,000 of their primary residence’s value . Apply through your county assessor between January 1-July 1 .
State income tax subtraction: Military retirement pay up to $24,000 (65+) can be subtracted from taxable income .
VA Healthcare: Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora provides comprehensive care; Community Care Network offers local options for eligible Veterans .
Claims processing: Denver VA Regional Benefit Office in Lakewood handles disability claims, education, home loans, and other benefits .
No cost for assistance: Denver County VSO services are always free, regardless of discharge status (though claims filing requires Honorable or Other Than Honorable discharge) .
Survivor benefits: Spouses of disabled or deceased Veterans may qualify for property tax exemptions and VA survivor benefits .
Official Resources
Denver County Veteran Service Officer: (720)-944-3500
Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs: vets.colorado.gov
Denver VA Regional Benefit Office: 155 Van Gordon St., Lakewood, CO
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center: denver.va.gov
Colorado Property Tax Exemption Information: dpt.colorado.gov
VA Community Care Network: va.gov/communitycare
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
- No Data Collection: This site does not collect, store, or process any personal information. It does not have login forms, contact forms, or any system to capture user data. We never ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or any personal information.
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
