Disabled Veterans Benefits Arkansas
Disabled veterans in Arkansas can access federal VA disability compensation, plus state-specific benefits including a total property tax exemption on homesteads and personal property for veterans with qualifying 100% disabilities, free disabled veteran license plates, and lifetime hunting and fishing licenses at reduced fees. The Little Rock VA Regional Office processes federal claims, while the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs administers state benefits.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Federal Benefit | VA Disability Compensation |
| Primary State Benefit | Total property tax exemption (qualifying disabilities) |
| Eligibility | VA-rated service-connected disability; state benefits have specific rating requirements |
| Application (Federal) | VA Form 21-526EZ |
| Application (State) | County collector with VA letter for tax exemption |
| Official Agencies | VA (federal); Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs (state) |
| VARO Phone | (501) 370-3829 |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What Is VA Disability Compensation?
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with injuries or illnesses caused or worsened by military service. The payment amount depends on your disability rating, which ranges from 0% to 100%. Arkansas veterans receive the same federal rates as veterans in every other state.
In 2026, monthly compensation for a veteran with no dependents ranges from $180.42 at 10%** to **$3,938.58 at 100% . Veterans with dependents (spouse, children, or parents) receive higher amounts at ratings of 30% or above .
Disability compensation is different from VA pension. Compensation is based on service connection, not financial need. Pension is a needs-based benefit for wartime veterans with limited income.
Eligibility for Federal Disability Compensation
To qualify, you must meet three core requirements:
A diagnosed condition — Your illness or injury must be medically documented
An in-service event or aggravation — Evidence must show the condition began during service or was worsened by it
A medical nexus — A medical opinion must link your condition to your military service
You must also have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Little Rock VA Regional Benefit Office
The Little Rock VA Regional Benefit Office is the primary federal VA benefits processing facility for Arkansas. It handles disability compensation, pension, survivor benefits, education benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and home loan guaranty for veterans across the state .
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe office is located at the Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center campus in North Little Rock.
Address: Little Rock VA Regional Benefit Office, North Little Rock, AR 72114
Phone: (501) 370-3829
VA-accredited representatives at this office can help you file a claim or request a decision review. VA warns veterans to protect their benefits and avoid unlawful fees .
Services at the Little Rock VARO
Benefit counselors at the Little Rock office can help with :
Disability compensation — Understand eligibility, start a claim, complete paperwork, check claim status, address payment issues
Education benefits — Apply for GI Bill, find schools, get career counseling
Home loans — Learn about VA home loan eligibility and request a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Housing grants — For veterans with service-connected disabilities
MST-related claims — Military Sexual Trauma outreach coordinators can help file claims
Homeless veteran services — Connection to health care, case management, and supportive services
Burial benefits — Apply for burial allowances and memorial items
Survivor benefits — For surviving spouses, children, and parents
Scheduling an Appointment
The Little Rock VARO uses the VERA Appointment Scheduler for in-person and virtual appointments. Schedule through the VA.gov regional office page .
Arkansas Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Arkansas offers a total exemption from state taxes on homestead and personal property for disabled veterans who meet specific criteria. This is one of the most valuable state-level benefits available to disabled veterans in Arkansas .
Who Qualifies for the Property Tax Exemption
Under Arkansas Code § 26-3-306, you qualify if you have been awarded special monthly compensation by the VA for :
Loss of, or loss of use of, one or more limbs
Total blindness in one or both eyes
Service-connected 100% total and permanent disability
What Is Exempt
The exemption covers :
Homestead — Your primary residence, including up to 40 acres of contiguous real property not used for commercial purposes
Personal property — Tangible personal property used for non-commercial purposes
Surviving Spouse and Dependent Children
The exemption extends to the surviving spouse and minor dependent children of a deceased disabled veteran who qualified for the exemption at the time of death .
The surviving spouse remains eligible so long as they remain unmarried. If the surviving spouse remarries, the exemption is reinstated upon termination of the subsequent marriage .
How to Claim the Property Tax Exemption
To claim the exemption, furnish your county collector with :
A letter from the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs verifying that you receive special monthly compensation for a qualifying condition
For surviving spouses: an affidavit confirming your status as surviving spouse or minor dependent child
2025 Changes to the Property Tax Exemption
Act 876 of 2025 changed the annual submission requirement. If you have previously submitted a letter, you are no longer required to submit it annually. However, you must notify the county collector if there is a change in status that disqualifies you, or a change in ownership or use of the property .
If you change your homestead, you must submit a new letter to the county collector of the county where the new homestead is located .
Trust and LLC Ownership (2026)
Beginning with assessment years on or after January 1, 2026, property owned by certain trusts or LLCs can qualify for the homestead exemption :
A revocable trust formed by the disabled veteran who uses the dwelling as their principal residence
An irrevocable trust of which the disabled veteran is the beneficiary
A limited liability company whose sole members are the disabled veteran and/or their spouse
To claim the exemption with trust or LLC ownership, you must furnish a signed, notarized, and file-marked copy of the trust document, or proof of eligibility for the LLC .
Arkansas Disabled Veteran License Plates
Arkansas offers free or reduced-fee license plates for qualifying disabled veterans. Two main plate types are available: Disabled American Veteran (DAV) tags and Disabled Veteran (DV) tags .
Disabled American Veteran (DAV) Tags
DAV tags are issued to veterans who qualify under Act 7 of 1949 or Act 30 of 1979 .
Act 7 of 1949: For disabled American veterans who have been issued a Prosthetic Service Card by the VA and awarded an automobile by the VA. The state license tag is provided free of charge .
Act 30 of 1979: For Arkansas residents who are American veterans, confined to a wheelchair as a result of a non-service-connected catastrophic injury, and receiving Aid and Attendance from the VA. The plate is free of charge and no city or town may charge a fee for operating the vehicle .
Disabled Veteran (DV) Tags
DV tags are issued to veterans who qualify under Act 36 of 1969 .
Act 36 of 1969: For American veterans who are citizens and residents of Arkansas and have been determined by the VA to be totally and permanently disabled service-connected veterans. The state automobile license tag is provided free of charge, except for a $1.00 annual fee to defray issuance and renewal costs .
A vehicle displaying a Disabled Veteran Special License Plate is permitted parking privileges in areas designated for persons with disabilities, provided the vehicle is in use for transporting a disabled veteran .
Arkansas Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Arkansas offers lifetime hunting and fishing licenses at reduced fees for qualifying disabled veterans through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission .
Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Licenses
Available license types include :
| License Type | Code |
|---|---|
| Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Fishing License | VLF |
| Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Hunting License | VLH |
| Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Combination License | VLL |
| Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Waterfowl Permit | — |
Eligibility for Lifetime Combination License
The Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Combination License and Permit requires :
Proof of Arkansas residency for at least one year
A service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher
OR a rating of 50% with a Purple Heart medal
You must provide a copy of your disability certification letter from the VA stating 100% total and permanent service-connected disability, or a copy of your rating showing Purple Heart eligibility .
Arkansas Income Tax Benefits for Disabled Veterans
Military retired pay and military disability retirement pay received as an annuity, pension, or similar allowance are exempt from Arkansas state income taxes. VA disability compensation and DIC are always tax-free regardless of state .
In 2017, Arkansas passed Act 141, which exempts military retirement benefits from state income tax .
How to File a VA Disability Claim in Arkansas
Veterans in Arkansas can file disability claims online at VA.gov, by mail, in person at the Little Rock VA Regional Office, or with help from an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Gather evidence.
Collect your DD-214, service treatment records, medical evidence, and lay statements (buddy statements, family statements).
Step 2: Complete VA Form 21-526EZ.
This is the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. Complete it online through VA.gov or download the PDF.
Step 3: Submit your claim.
Online: VA.gov
By mail: Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 54547-4444
In person: Little Rock VA Regional Benefit Office
Step 4: Attend your C&P exam.
VA will schedule a Compensation and Pension exam to evaluate your condition. Attend this exam—missing it can delay or derail your claim.
Step 5: Receive your decision.
VA will review evidence and medical exam results, then issue a rating decision.
Free Claims Help in Arkansas
Never pay for initial claim assistance. VA-accredited representatives provide free help. Resources include:
Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs — District Veteran Service Officers across the state
American Legion — Department of Arkansas
VFW — Department of Arkansas
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) — Department of Arkansas
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Paying for initial claim help. Filing an initial VA claim is always free. No accredited representative may charge you to prepare one.
Mistake 2: Missing your C&P exam. VA uses the exam to evaluate your condition. Missing it can result in a denial.
Mistake 3: Assuming your property tax exemption is automatic. You must furnish a letter from the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs to your county collector. The exemption is not granted automatically.
Mistake 4: Not notifying the county collector of changes. Under Act 876 of 2025, you must notify the collector if your status changes or you move to a new homestead .
Mistake 5: Not appealing a denial. You have the right to appeal. An accredited VSO or attorney can help with the appeals process.
Common Questions
What VA disability benefits are available in Arkansas?
Federal VA disability compensation is available to all qualifying veterans in Arkansas. State-specific benefits include a total property tax exemption for qualifying 100% disabled veterans, free or reduced-fee disabled veteran license plates, and reduced-fee lifetime hunting and fishing licenses .
Who qualifies for the Arkansas property tax exemption?
You qualify if the VA has awarded you special monthly compensation for loss of or loss of use of one or more limbs, total blindness in one or both eyes, or service-connected 100% total and permanent disability. Surviving spouses and minor dependent children may also qualify .
How do I claim the Arkansas disabled veteran property tax exemption?
Furnish your county collector with a letter from the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs verifying your qualifying disability status. Surviving spouses must also provide an affidavit. As of 2025, annual resubmission is no longer required if you previously submitted a letter .
What is the phone number for the Little Rock VA Regional Office?
Call (501) 370-3829. The office is at the Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center in North Little Rock. VA benefit counselors can help with disability claims, education benefits, home loans, and survivor benefits .
Does Arkansas offer free disabled veteran license plates?
Yes. DAV tags (Act 7 of 1949 and Act 30 of 1979) are free of charge. DV tags (Act 36 of 1969) are free except for a $1.00 annual fee. Qualification depends on VA disability status .
What hunting and fishing licenses are available for disabled Arkansas veterans?
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission offers Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime licenses (fishing, hunting, combination, waterfowl) at reduced fees. The combination license requires a 70%+ service-connected rating or 50% with a Purple Heart .
Is military retirement pay taxed in Arkansas?
No. Military retired pay and military disability retirement pay received as an annuity, pension, or similar allowance are exempt from Arkansas state income tax. Act 141 of 2017 exempts military retirement benefits .
How do I file a VA disability claim in Arkansas?
File online at VA.gov, by mail to the Claims Intake Center, or in person at the Little Rock VA Regional Office. Get free help from the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, American Legion, VFW, or DAV.
What is VA disability compensation in 2026?
In 2026, monthly compensation for a veteran with no dependents ranges from $180.42 at 10%** to **$3,938.58 at 100%. Veterans with dependents receive higher amounts at ratings of 30% or above .
Can surviving spouses get benefits in Arkansas?
Yes. Surviving spouses of disabled veterans who qualified for the property tax exemption may continue to receive it so long as they remain unmarried. Surviving spouses may also qualify for federal VA survivor benefits including DIC .
Key Takeaways
Little Rock VA Regional Benefit Office processes all Arkansas federal claims; phone (501) 370-3829
Total property tax exemption on homestead and personal property for veterans with qualifying 100% disabilities
Surviving spouses can continue the property tax exemption if they remain unmarried
Free DAV license plates for qualifying disabled veterans; $1 DV tags for totally and permanently disabled
Lifetime hunting/fishing licenses available at reduced fees for 70%+ rated veterans
Military retirement pay is exempt from Arkansas state income tax
2026 VA disability rates range from $180.42 (10%) to $3,938.58 (100%)
Trust and LLC property ownership can qualify for homestead exemption beginning 2026
Never pay for initial claim help—free assistance available from ADVA and VSOs
Notify county collector of status or homestead changes under Act 876 of 2025
Official Resources
Little Rock VA Regional Benefit Office: https://www.va.gov/little-rock-va-regional-benefit-office-at-eugene-j-towbin-healthcare-center/
Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.veterans.arkansas.gov
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: https://www.agfc.com
VA Benefits Hotline: 800-827-1000
Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (press 1), Text 838255
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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.
