Virginia Veterans Benefits: Get Help with Your Disability Rating
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) provides free, accredited assistance to help Virginia veterans file VA disability claims, appeals, and pension applications at over 50 locations across the Commonwealth . You can find help near you by visiting dvs.virginia.gov or calling 1-844-698-2311 .
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | VA Disability Compensation (tax-free monthly payments) |
| Eligibility | Veterans with service-connected illness or injury; honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge |
| Application | File online at VA.gov or in person at a DVS office |
| Processing Time | Varies by claim complexity; average 3-6 months |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs & Virginia DVS |
| Required Forms | VA Form 21-526EZ (Disability Compensation), DD-214 |
| Updated For | 2026 (2.8% COLA increase effective Dec 1, 2025) |
What is VA Disability Compensation?
VA Disability Compensation is a tax-free monthly payment made to veterans with a service-connected illness or injury. This is not income-based—it is based entirely on your disability rating, which ranges from 0% to 100% in increments of 10%.
Who qualifies: You must have an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge and a current condition connected to your military service .
Why it matters: This is your earned benefit for serving our country. Compensation helps cover the impact of service-connected disabilities on your daily life and ability to work.
What veterans should do next: File your claim as soon as possible. The effective date of your claim determines when payments start—delaying can cost you thousands in back pay.
2026 VA Disability Pay Rates
The 2026 rates reflect a 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) .
Basic Monthly Rates (Veteran Alone, No Dependents)
| Rating | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
With Spouse (No Children)
| Rating | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| 30% | $617.47 |
| 40% | $882.84 |
| 50% | $1,241.90 |
| 60% | $1,566.02 |
| 70% | $1,961.45 |
| 80% | $2,277.15 |
| 90% | $2,559.30 |
| 100% | $4,158.17 |
Note: Dependent additions only apply at combined ratings of 30% or higher .
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityImportant: Disability compensation rates apply nationwide. Virginia veterans receive the same federal monthly rates as veterans in every other state .
Virginia State Benefits Based on Disability Rating
Virginia offers additional benefits based on your VA disability rating.
100% Permanent and Total Disability
Property Tax Exemption: Full exemption from real property taxes on your primary residence. The exemption covers the entire assessed value of the home and land, and extends to surviving spouses who continue to reside there .
Vehicle Registration: Exemption from motor vehicle registration fees .
Free Parking: Free parking in metered spaces in many Virginia localities when displaying disabled veteran license plates .
Hunting and Fishing: Free hunting and fishing licenses .
Free State Park Admission: Free admission to Virginia State Parks .
70% or Higher Disability Rating
Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Available at reduced cost through the Department of Wildlife Resources .
All Virginia Veterans
State Income Tax: VA disability compensation is fully exempt from Virginia state income tax .
Military Retirement Pay Subtraction: Up to $40,000 per year for veterans aged 55 and older—scheduled to increase toward full exemption .
Veterans Preference: Hiring preference for state government jobs .
In-State Tuition: Eligible for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities .
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)
What it is: A state program providing tuition-free education at Virginia public colleges and universities for spouses and children of service members who were killed, missing in action, taken prisoner of war, or rated 90% or more permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service .
Eligibility: Spouses and children of:
Service members killed or missing in action
Prisoners of war
Veterans rated 90% or more permanently and totally disabled
Why it matters: This benefit can save families tens of thousands of dollars in tuition costs.
What veterans should do next: Check eligibility and apply through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
How to Get Help in Virginia
Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS)
DVS has over 50 locations across Virginia and provides free claims assistance .
Key offices include:
| City | Phone |
|---|---|
| Abingdon | (276) 525-6559 |
| Arlington | (571) 317-6680 |
| Chesapeake | (757) 335-4480 |
| Fairfax | (703) 359-1210 |
| Fredericksburg | (540) 376-7298 |
Full list: Visit dvs.virginia.gov for all locations.
Chesapeake Office Hours :
Walk-ins: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday
Appointments: 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Schedule in-person appointments via Virginia Veterans Network or virtual appointments by calling (757) 335-4480
Virginia Veterans Network
Governor Youngkin launched this “one-stop digital portal” for veterans to access resources . It connects veterans with services including:
Disability claims assistance
Housing support
Education benefits
Mental health and substance use treatment
Employment and military transition
GI Bill information
Women veterans services
Caregiver and spouse support
Visit: vesa.dvs.virginia.gov
Important: Any organization listed on the network must respond to veteran inquiries within 72 hours .
Free Legal Clinics
Lewis B. Puller Jr. Veterans Benefits Clinic (William & Mary Law School): Has obtained over $80 million in expected veterans benefits since 2008. Veterans can receive free assistance with disability claims and appeals .
Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (George Mason University): Assists veterans with administrative and military law matters, discharge upgrades, and military records corrections .
How to File a VA Disability Claim in Virginia
The claim process is the same nationwide, but Virginia veterans have state-specific resources for free help.
Step-by-Step Process
Gather Your Evidence:
DD-214 (discharge papers)
Current medical records (doctors’ notes, test results, diagnoses)
Medical records from active duty
Service records showing your exposure to toxins, combat, or other qualifying events
Any other evidence linking your condition to military service
Get Free Help:
Contact a DVS benefits advisor or a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) . These services are free and accredited by the VA.File Your Claim:
Online at VA.gov (fastest)
In person at a DVS office
By mail
Attend Your C&P Exam:
The VA will schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to evaluate your condition.Wait for Decision:
The VA will issue a decision letter with your rating.Appeal if Necessary:
If you disagree with the decision, you have several appeal options. Contact a DVS advisor for guidance.
Toxic Exposure and Virginia Military Bases
Veterans exposed to toxins at Virginia military bases may qualify for disability benefits under the PACT Act. Bases with documented toxic exposure include :
| Base | Toxins |
|---|---|
| Fort Belvoir | PFAS, THMs, Heavy metals, HAAs |
| Fort Gregg-Adams | PFAS, THMs, Heavy metals, HAAs |
| Naval Station Norfolk | PFAS, VOCs, PAHs, Heavy metals, PCBs, Petroleum hydrocarbons |
| Langley Air Force Base | PFAS, VOCs, PAHs, Heavy metals, PCBs, Pesticides |
| Quantico Marine Corps Base | PFAS, PCE, VOCs, Heavy metals, PCBs, PAHs, THMs, Pesticides |
| Norfolk Naval Shipyard | PFAS, Heavy metals, Pesticides, PCBs, VOCs |
If you served at any of these bases and have developed a health condition, contact a DVS advisor about filing a claim.
Virginia Veterans Care Centers
Virginia operates four long-term care facilities for veterans needing skilled nursing care, memory care, or short-term rehabilitation :
Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center (Richmond)
Virginia Veterans Care Center (Roanoke)
Eligibility: Veterans must be Virginia residents at admission and need skilled nursing care .
Common Questions
1. How do I find my nearest DVS benefits office in Virginia?
Visit dvs.virginia.gov for a full list of over 50 locations. Key offices include Abingdon, Arlington, Chesapeake, Fairfax, and Fredericksburg .
2. What is the Virginia Veterans Network?
It’s a state-run digital portal launched by Governor Youngkin to help veterans find resources in one place. Any partner organization must respond within 72 hours .
3. Are VA disability benefits taxable in Virginia?
No. VA disability compensation is fully exempt from Virginia state income tax .
4. What property tax exemptions are available in Virginia?
Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled are fully exempt from real property taxes on their primary residence. The exemption extends to surviving spouses .
5. Can I get a free hunting and fishing license in Virginia?
Yes, veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled receive free hunting and fishing licenses. Veterans with 70% or higher receive discounted licenses .
6. What is the VMSDEP program?
The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program provides tuition-free education at Virginia public colleges for spouses and children of service members killed, missing, or rated 90% or more permanently disabled .
7. Where can I get free legal help for a VA claim in Virginia?
The Puller Clinic at William & Mary Law School and M-VETS at George Mason University provide free legal assistance with VA claims and appeals .
8. What is the 2026 VA disability rate for 100%?
A single veteran with no dependents at 100% receives $3,938.58 per month. With a spouse, the rate is $4,158.17 .
9. How do I apply for VA disability benefits?
File online at VA.gov, in person at a DVS office, or with help from a VSO. Contact DVS at 1-844-698-2311 for assistance .
10. What are the 2026 COLA rates?
The 2026 VA disability rates include a 2.8% COLA increase effective December 1, 2025 .
11. Can I get assistance with a VA appeal in Virginia?
Yes, DVS benefits advisors and free legal clinics like the Puller Clinic help veterans file appeals .
12. Do Virginia veterans get hiring preference for state jobs?
Yes, Virginia provides veterans’ preference in state government hiring .
Key Takeaways
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services provides free claims assistance at over 50 locations .
The Virginia Veterans Network is a state-run “one-stop shop” for veterans resources .
2026 VA disability rates include a 2.8% COLA: 100% rating pays $3,938.58 monthly .
Veterans rated 100% P&T receive full property tax exemption and free vehicle registration in Virginia .
Free legal help for VA claims is available at William & Mary and George Mason law clinics .
Virginia offers discounted hunting/fishing licenses at 70% disability and free licenses at 100% .
Veteran spouses may qualify for tuition-free education through VMSDEP at 90% disability .
Official Resources
Virginia Department of Veterans Services: dvs.virginia.gov
Virginia Veterans Network: vesa.dvs.virginia.gov
DVS Benefits Hotline: 1-844-698-2311
VA.gov Benefits: va.gov/disability/
VA Disability Rates: va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/
Puller Clinic (William & Mary): law.wm.edu/academics/clinics/pullerclinic/
M-VETS (George Mason): law.gmu.edu/clinics/mvets
🇺🇸 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.
- 🚨 Scam Alert: The VA and other government agencies never charge fees for benefit applications. If anyone asks for money to "process" your VA claim, it is a scam. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at VA.gov/OIG.
- Advertising: This site uses third-party advertising (Adsterra) to cover operational costs. We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised.
📌 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.
