Colorado Springs Military Benefits: VA and State Resources 2026

Colorado Springs Military Benefits and VA Resources

Colorado Springs, home to over 85,000 veterans in El Paso County, offers extensive federal, state, and community benefits . These include VA healthcare at the PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Clinic and Union Boulevard VA Clinic, free counseling at the Colorado Springs Vet Center, the Colorado Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption, and education benefits through the GI Bill and VET TEC 2.0 tech training programs.

Quick Facts

Federal VA Benefits for Colorado Springs Veterans

VA Disability Compensation

VA Disability Compensation is a tax-free monthly payment made to veterans with service-connected conditions. Eligibility requires an honorable discharge and a condition that began or worsened during active duty service. Monthly payments range from $180.42 for a 10% rating to $3,938.58 for a 100% rating in 2026.

🩺 Blood Pressure Monitor

Clinically validated automatic blood pressure monitor with an easy-to-read display. Great for daily home monitoring.

Check Price on Amazon →

💊 Weekly Pill Organizer

Keep medications organized with a weekly pill organizer designed for easy daily use at home or while traveling.

Check Price on Amazon →

🌡️ Heating Pad for Back Pain

Electric heating pad designed to help soothe back, neck and shoulder discomfort with adjustable heat settings.

Check Price on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Apply: File online at VA.gov using VA Form 21-526EZ, by mail, or in person at the VA Regional Office at 3141 Centennial Boulevard in Colorado Springs .

VA Healthcare in Colorado Springs

PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Clinic
3141 Centennial Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Phone: (719) 327-5600
This clinic coordinates primary care, home health referrals, and community care authorizations for local veterans . It also hosts Veterans Express Care for walk-in treatment of minor health concerns on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM .

Garden of the Gods VA Clinic
1365 Garden of the Gods Road, Suite 105, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday–Friday
Offers homeless veteran services (HUD-VASH), Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) programs, and DAV van transportation from 660 Southpointe Court at 7:30 AM .

Union Boulevard VA Clinic
3920 North Union Boulevard, Premier Health Plaza, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday–Friday
Offers primary care, laboratory services, nutrition counseling, and mental health care .

VA Community Care Home Health Aide Program
Veterans needing in-home assistance with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, grooming) can request a “Homemaker and Home Health Aide” consult through their VA primary care provider. This program provides up to 10-30 hours of weekly care at zero cost through the VA Community Care Network administered by TriWest .

Colorado Springs Vet Center

The Colorado Springs Vet Center (3920 North Union Blvd, Suite 310) provides free, confidential counseling for combat stress, PTSD, MST, and readjustment issues .

Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM, Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone: 877-927-8387

Services Include:

• Individual and group counseling

• Couples and family counseling

• Bereavement counseling for families of fallen service members

• Evidence-based treatments: EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy

• Specialized groups (equine assisted, archery)

Eligibility: Veterans who served in a combat theater, MST survivors, and families of service members who died in service. No medical records required—just call or walk in .

GI Bill and VET TEC Education Benefits

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides tuition, housing allowance, and book stipends for eligible veterans attending Colorado colleges including the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), Pikes Peak State College, and the U.S. Air Force Academy (for active duty).

VET TEC 2.0 in Colorado Springs: ACI Learning Tech Academy in Colorado Springs is approved as a VET TEC 2.0 training provider . This program provides:

• Funded tech training in cybersecurity, IT support, cloud computing, and networking

• Monthly housing stipend

• Does not use GI Bill entitlement — even veterans with no remaining GI Bill benefits may qualify

• Approved programs: Computer User Support Specialist (including AI Prompt Engineering, CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+) and Cybersecurity Analyst (CompTIA Security+, CySA+, PenTest+)

What to Do Next: Contact ACI Learning Tech Academy for enrollment information or apply through the VA website .

Colorado State Benefits for Veterans

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

What It Is: Colorado exempts 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value of the primary residence of eligible disabled veterans . This effectively removes $100,000 of value from taxation, saving approximately $500–$700 annually on a $400,000 home .

Who Qualifies (2026):

• Veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total VA disability rating 

• Veterans with Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) — added by Amendment G effective 2025 

• Surviving spouses of disabled veterans who already held the exemption

• Gold Star spouses (surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or from service-connected conditions) — added by Amendment E 

Requirements:

• Own and occupy the home as primary residence since January 1 of the application year

• File with the El Paso County Assessor by July 1 annually 

How to Apply:

1. Obtain your VA Summary of Benefits letter showing 100% P&T or TDIU

2. Complete the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption application with the El Paso County Assessor

3. Submit by July 1 with proof of ownership and occupancy

Note: TDIU now qualifies for this exemption — a common misconception outdated in 2024 prior to Amendment G .

No State Income Tax on Military Retirement and VA Disability

Colorado does not tax military retirement pay or VA disability compensation. These payments are exempt from state income tax.

Colorado State Veterans Homes

Nearby facilities include:

• Colorado State Veterans Home at Fitzsimons (Aurora) — skilled nursing care

• Colorado State Veterans Home at Homelake (Monte Vista) — long-term care

Local Community Resources

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Colorado Chapter 26

DAV Chapter 26 at 6880 Palmer Lake Blvd, Colorado Springs, hosts free Veterans Benefits Information Seminars. Bring military ID, Social Security number, and relevant military documentation. No DAV membership required .

Contact: Jerry Squyres at (303) 914-5570 .

The Peak Pantry (Peterson Space Force Base)

The Peak Pantry is a donation-based food bank serving active-duty military families in the Pikes Peak region .

Who Qualifies: Active-duty service members regardless of rank or service branch. No referral needed — service is first-come, first-served.

Location: Peterson Space Force Base, open multiple times weekly .

DAV Transportation to Medical Appointments

The DAV provides van transportation from 660 Southpointe Court in Colorado Springs to scheduled VA medical appointments. Vans depart at 7:30 AM .

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What VA clinics are in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs has three VA clinics: PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Clinic (3141 Centennial Blvd), Garden of the Gods VA Clinic (1365 Garden of the Gods Rd), and Union Boulevard VA Clinic (3920 N Union Blvd). The Lindstrom Clinic also hosts Veterans Express Care walk-in services .

2. Do 100% disabled veterans pay property tax in Colorado?
100% disabled veterans do not pay tax on the first $100,000 of their home’s value. The exemption removes 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value from taxation. TDIU veterans also qualify following Amendment G in 2024 .

3. How do I apply for the Colorado disabled veteran property tax exemption?
Apply through the El Paso County Assessor by July 1 using the application for Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption. Include your VA Summary of Benefits letter showing 100% P&T or TDIU rating .

4. What is TDIU and does it qualify for the Colorado property tax exemption?
TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) means the VA pays you at the 100% rate even if your scheduler rating is lower. Yes — Amendment G passed in November 2024 and took effect January 2025, extending the property tax exemption to TDIU veterans .

5. Does the VA offer free counseling in Colorado Springs?
Yes. The Colorado Springs Vet Center provides free, confidential counseling for combat stress, PTSD, MST, depression, grief, and readjustment. Services are available to veterans, service members, and their families .

6. What is VET TEC 2.0 in Colorado Springs?
VET TEC 2.0 is a VA program funding short-term tech training in cybersecurity, IT support, cloud computing, and networking. ACI Learning Tech Academy in Colorado Springs is approved and offers programs even for veterans with no GI Bill benefits remaining .

7. Is there a food bank for military families in Colorado Springs?
Yes. The Peak Pantry at Peterson Space Force Base provides groceries to active-duty service members and their families. No referral is needed .

8. How do I get home care benefits through the VA in Colorado Springs?
Request a “Homemaker and Home Health Aide” consult from your VA primary care provider at the Lindstrom Clinic. If approved, the VA authorizes care through TriWest at zero cost .

9. What counseling services does the Colorado Springs Vet Center offer?
The Vet Center offers individual and group counseling, couples and family therapy, PTSD and MST treatment, bereavement counseling, and evidence-based therapies including EMDR, CBT, and CPT .

10. Can surviving spouses of veterans get property tax relief in Colorado?
Yes. Gold Star spouses (surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or from service-connected conditions) qualify for the 50% exemption of the first $200,000 of actual value .

Key Takeaways

• Colorado Springs has three VA clinics: Lindstrom, Garden of the Gods, and Union Boulevard — plus a Vet Center for free counseling .

• The disabled veteran property tax exemption exempts 50% of the first $200,000 of home value, effectively a $100,000 value exclusion. Apply by July 1 with the El Paso County Assessor .

• TDIU now qualifies for the property tax exemption following Amendment G, effective 2025 .

• VA home care benefits are available through the VA Community Care Network’s Homemaker and Home Health Aide program, providing up to 10-30 hours of zero-cost care .

• VET TEC 2.0 offers funded tech training in Colorado Springs at ACI Learning Tech Academy — even for veterans with no GI Bill benefits remaining .

• The Colorado Springs Vet Center offers free counseling for PTSD, MST, combat stress, and readjustment. No medical records required .

• The Peak Pantry at Peterson Space Force Base provides free groceries to active-duty families .

• DAV vans provide transportation to VA medical appointments from Colorado Springs .

• DAV Chapter 26 hosts free veterans benefits information seminars in Colorado Springs .

• Military retirement pay and VA disability compensation are not taxed in Colorado.

Official Resources

• VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System: va.gov/eastern-colorado-health-care

• PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Clinic: (719) 327-5600, 3141 Centennial Blvd, Colorado Springs

• Garden of the Gods VA Clinic: 1365 Garden of the Gods Road, Suite 105

• Union Boulevard VA Clinic: 3920 North Union Blvd

• Colorado Springs Vet Center: 3920 North Union Blvd, Suite 310, (877) 927-8387

• El Paso County Assessor: elpasoco.com/assessor — property tax exemption applications

• DAV Colorado Chapter 26: (303) 914-5570, 6880 Palmer Lake Blvd

• ACI Learning Tech Academy: aci.edu — VET TEC 2.0 training programs

• VA.gov: va.gov — Apply for benefits online

Introduction to Military Benefits in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is recognized as a significant hub for veterans, housing a robust population of over 85,000 veterans in El Paso County. This dynamic community is not only a testament to the military history of the area but also underscores the importance of accessible military benefits and resources available to those who have served. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, Colorado Springs offers veterans a variety of advantages that can enhance their quality of life.

The range of military benefits available in Colorado Springs encompasses health care, education, financial assistance, and housing resources. Access to these benefits is vital for veterans as they transition into civilian life, allowing them to leverage their service experience and skills. Such resources are critical in addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans, including mental health support and job placement services. Various organizations and government programs are dedicated to ensuring that veterans can seamlessly navigate these benefits.

Moreover, the city’s commitment to supporting its veteran population is evident in local initiatives and partnerships between military organizations and community groups. These collaborations aim to raise awareness about available benefits while fostering a supportive environment for veterans and their families. The presence of military installations and veteran service organizations in Colorado Springs further facilitates access to essential resources.

Understanding and utilizing these military benefits is crucial for veterans in Colorado Springs. With a focus on making these resources readily available, local authorities and organizations work tirelessly to ensure that veterans receive the assistance they deserve. As the community continues to grow and evolve, the integration of veteran services into the fabric of Colorado Springs remains a priority, reflecting the city’s deep commitment to honoring those who have served.

Overview of VA Healthcare Facilities

Colorado Springs is home to several vital healthcare facilities that cater specifically to veterans, ensuring they receive the medical care they have earned through their service. Two prominent facilities include the PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Clinic and the Union Boulevard VA Clinic, both of which offer a range of services tailored to meet the needs of the veteran community.

The PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Clinic, located in the heart of Colorado Springs, serves as a primary care facility offering a comprehensive variety of healthcare services. This clinic provides routine examinations, immunizations, mental health services, and specialized care referrals. Veterans can easily access these services without needing to travel far from their homes, which is critical for maintaining continuous healthcare. Additionally, the clinic features a supportive environment with staff trained specifically to work with veterans, ensuring that their unique needs are understood and met.

Similarly, the Union Boulevard VA Clinic plays an essential role in serving the local veteran population. This facility offers many outpatient services, including laboratory work, radiology, pharmacy, and various specialty care options. Veterans looking to engage in preventive health measures will find valuable resources here, such as wellness programs and health education aimed at improving their overall well-being. Accessing these services is streamlined for veterans through online appointment scheduling and assistance hotlines, making it easier for them to maintain their health and wellness.

In conclusion, both the PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Clinic and the Union Boulevard VA Clinic are dedicated to providing veterans in Colorado Springs with accessible, high-quality healthcare services. Veterans are encouraged to explore the resources available at these facilities to ensure a healthier future.

Mental Health and Counseling Services

Supporting the mental health of veterans is a critical component of their overall well-being and successful reintegration into civilian life. In Colorado Springs, the Vet Center offers free counseling services specifically designed to assist veterans in navigating the unique challenges they face. These services are vital, as many veterans experience mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression due to their military service.

The Colorado Springs Vet Center provides various mental health services tailored to the needs of veterans and their families. The center offers individual counseling, group therapy, and family counseling sessions. Individual counseling allows veterans to discuss personal challenges in a confidential setting, with licensed professionals who specialize in military-related mental health issues. Group therapy encourages peer support and shared experiences, enabling participants to connect with others who have faced similar circumstances.

Furthermore, the Vet Center emphasizes the importance of family involvement in the healing process. Family counseling sessions help improve communication and understanding among family members, thereby creating a supportive home environment. Through these services, veterans can access the necessary tools to cope with emotional difficulties and foster resilience.

The counseling services are not limited to a specific period following military service. Veterans can seek assistance regardless of when they served, recognizing that mental health challenges can arise at any time. The Vet Center’s professional team is not only familiar with military culture but also equipped to provide compassionate care that addresses the unique experiences of veterans.

In conclusion, the availability of free mental health and counseling services at the Colorado Springs Vet Center plays a crucial role in promoting the psychological well-being of veterans. By offering a range of services that focus on individual and familial support, the Vet Center ensures that veterans have access to the essential resources needed for their mental health recovery and resilience.

Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans

Colorado Springs offers a valuable benefit for disabled veterans through its Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption. This program is designed to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by veterans who qualify as disabled. The exemption typically applies to the property taxes on a primary residence, allowing these individuals to focus their resources on recovery and adaptation rather than overwhelming financial obligations.

Eligibility for the exemption requires veterans to have a service-related disability of 100% as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Additionally, the property must be owned and occupied as the primary residence of the veteran. It is also important to note that the exemption extends only to the veteran and does not include any rental properties or secondary residences.

The application process is streamlined to ensure that veterans can easily access the benefits. Interested individuals must complete a specific application form, which can typically be obtained from local county assessor offices or online through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs’ website. Along with the application, applicants are often required to provide documentation confirming their disability status, such as the VA’s letter of disability or any relevant medical documentation.

Once the application is submitted, it is administered by the local county assessor’s office, which will then verify eligibility. If approved, the property tax exemption can be significant, potentially providing a full or partial tax exemption depending on the taxable value of the property. This reduction in property tax can greatly ease the financial responsibilities for disabled veterans residing in Colorado Springs, allowing them to allocate their resources towards other essential needs.

Education Benefits and Programs

Veterans in Colorado Springs have access to a wide range of educational benefits designed to support their transition to civilian life and enhance their career prospects. The GI Bill, one of the most significant programs, provides financial assistance for veterans seeking higher education, vocational training, and other educational pursuits. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, veterans may receive coverage for tuition and fees, as well as a monthly housing allowance and funds for books and supplies.

The benefits provided under this program can be tailored to individual needs, allowing veterans to attend traditional colleges, universities, technical schools, and apprenticeship programs. With these resources, veterans can gain the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in today’s competitive job market, making the GI Bill an invaluable asset for those who served.

In addition to the GI Bill, veterans can take advantage of the Vet TEC (Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses) program. This initiative focuses on providing veterans with the necessary training in high-demand technology fields. Vet TEC 2.0 emphasizes skills acquisition by offering veterans access to quality learning opportunities without requiring out-of-pocket expenses. Participants can explore coding boot camps, cybersecurity training, data analytics, and other specialized technology programs tailored to meet the needs of the current workforce.

Both the GI Bill and Vet TEC 2.0 not only facilitate advanced educational opportunities but also encourage veterans to acquire new skills that can translate into successful, long-term careers. The support and resources available through these programs highlight the commitment to helping veterans advance their education and secure meaningful employment after their military service.

Transition Support Services

As veterans return to civilian life, they often encounter numerous challenges. To facilitate this transition, Colorado Springs offers a variety of support services aimed at easing the reintegration process into society and the workforce. One of the key aspects of these services is job placement assistance, which is designed to help veterans navigate the job market effectively.

Local agencies and organizations collaborate to provide veterans with personalized career counseling and job search resources. Workshops and training sessions are often conducted to enhance resume writing skills, interview techniques, and networking opportunities. This robust support framework not only aids veterans in finding employment but also empowers them to adapt to the civilian work culture.

Additionally, vocational training programs are readily available, allowing veterans to acquire new skills or refine existing ones. Many programs are tailored to current job market demands, ensuring that participants gain relevant and applicable skills. Institutions in Colorado Springs partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide funding and resources for those seeking to enroll in these programs.

Moreover, organizations such as the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, along with veterans’ service organizations, offer specialized career training that focuses on various fields, including healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. This range of vocational training not only enhances employability but also supports veterans in pursuing career paths aligned with their interests and previous experiences.

Overall, the transition support services in Colorado Springs provide a vital safety net for veterans, helping them adjust to civilian life while ensuring access to employment opportunities and skill development. Through comprehensive programs, veterans can find the resources they need to successfully navigate their transition into the civilian workforce.

Community Engagement and Support Groups

Colorado Springs offers an array of opportunities for veterans to engage with their community and connect with one another. Through various local organizations and support groups, veterans can find camaraderie, share experiences, and access essential resources that cater to their unique needs. These community engagement initiatives play a crucial role in fostering a supportive environment for those who have served in the military.

One notable organization is the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), which provides a community-oriented platform for veterans to engage in activities that promote social interaction and mutual support. The VFW hosts regular meetings, social events, and programs to encourage fellowship among its members. Additionally, this organization advocates for veteran rights and benefits, ensuring that members remain informed about available resources.

Another significant resource in Colorado Springs is the American Legion, which offers various opportunities for veterans to participate in community service projects and engage with fellow veterans. This organization emphasizes building a strong support network, allowing veterans to connect over shared experiences and values. Moreover, the American Legion often coordinates events commemorating military service and sacrifice, further enriching the local veteran community.

Support groups such as Team Rubicon focus on empowering veterans by facilitating engagement in disaster relief efforts. This organization leverages the skills and experience of veterans while providing a platform for them to work alongside one another, further fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. Joining such groups not only helps veterans give back to society but also assists in building valuable connections with peers.

Overall, community engagement opportunities and support groups in Colorado Springs significantly contribute to the well-being of veterans. By encouraging participation in local events and nurturing relationships with fellow service members, these resources help create a stronger, more unified veteran community.

Challenges Faced by Veterans

Veterans in Colorado Springs encounter a range of challenges that can impede their access to essential benefits and resources. One significant obstacle is the general lack of awareness regarding available programs. Many veterans, especially those recently discharged, are not fully informed about the various benefits they are entitled to receive. This can lead to missed opportunities for education, healthcare, and financial support, ultimately hindering their successful transition to civilian life.

Bureaucracy poses another hurdle for veterans seeking assistance. Navigating the complex landscape of federal and state veterans’ programs can be daunting. The application processes are often extensive and require substantial documentation, which may discourage veterans from pursuing necessary benefits. Furthermore, long wait times for approvals and responses can exacerbate feelings of frustration and helplessness, leading many veterans to abandon their efforts altogether.

Additionally, mental health stigma presents a critical challenge. Many veterans suffer from mental health issues, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression, often stemming from their combat experience. Despite the availability of mental health resources, the stigma associated with seeking help can deter many from utilizing these services. This reluctance is compounded by a fear of being perceived as weak or unfit, thereby creating barriers to accessing vital support for their mental well-being.

It is crucial to address these challenges to ensure that veterans in Colorado Springs can navigate the benefits system effectively. By promoting awareness about available resources, streamlining bureaucratic procedures, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, we can create an environment where veterans feel empowered to seek the help and resources they need.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The myriad of benefits and resources available to veterans in Colorado Springs underscores the crucial support systems established for those who have bravely served their country. Understanding and utilizing these VA resources can enhance the quality of life for veterans, offering assistance ranging from healthcare services to financial aid, housing support, and educational opportunities. These programs are designed to honor veterans’ sacrifices and provide them with the necessary tools to navigate their post-service lives successfully.

With numerous organizations, both governmental and nonprofit, actively providing assistance, it is imperative for veterans to familiarize themselves with the options available. Whether it is veterans’ healthcare through the VA hospital, support programs focused on employment and education, or community-driven initiatives, Colorado Springs offers a wealth of resources that can address a variety of needs. Veterans and their families are encouraged to actively seek out these services, as they are tailored to facilitate smoother transitions into civilian life.

To embark on this journey of utilizing veteran benefits, one can start by visiting the nearest VA office in Colorado Springs or exploring the official VA website for detailed information and guidance. Additionally, local veteran organizations and community centers often hold informational sessions that can provide invaluable insights into navigating available benefits. Engaging with fellow veterans can also be beneficial, as they can share their experiences and insights regarding the best pathways to access support and resources.

In conclusion, it is essential that veterans take proactive steps to leverage the resources at their disposal in Colorado Springs. By doing so, they can improve their overall wellbeing and ensure they receive the full spectrum of support deserved for their service.