2026 Puerto Rico Veterans Benefits Update: What’s New & What’s Available
Puerto Rico veterans are eligible for the same federal VA benefits as stateside veterans, and 2026 brings major facility upgrades alongside pending legislation to improve care access . The San Juan VA Medical Center is receiving $596 million in infrastructure investments, including a new Spinal Cord Injury Gym, hurricane hardening, and new CT/X-ray equipment . Additionally, a new bill seeks to expand travel reimbursement for veterans in medical deserts like Puerto Rico . Separate from federal benefits, Puerto Rico offers significant local benefits such as a complete property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans, free tuition for veterans at the University of Puerto Rico, and free veteran license plates .
Quick Facts: 2026 VA & Puerto Rico Benefits
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| VA Healthcare System | VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS) |
| Main VA Medical Center | San Juan VA Medical Center, 10 Calle Casia, San Juan, PR |
| VA Regional Office | San Juan VA Regional Benefit Office, 50 Carr 165, Guaynabo, PR |
| Number of Veterans in PR | ~65,000 (2.4% of adult population) |
| PR Veterans Affairs Office | Oficina del Veterano de Puerto Rico |
| 2026 VA Infrastructure Funding | $596 million (nationwide) |
| PR Property Tax Exemption | 100% for 100% disabled veterans; $50,000 for 50%+ rating |
| PR Education Benefit | Free tuition at UPR for veterans without VA education benefits |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What Are the Latest 2026 VA Updates for Puerto Rico?
Major Healthcare Infrastructure Investments
In May 2026, Governor Jenniffer González-Colón announced the approval of major infrastructure improvement projects for Puerto Rico as part of $596 million approved during the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2026 to strengthen and modernize Veterans healthcare facilities nationwide .
Projects approved for Puerto Rico include:
Construction of a new Spinal Cord Injury Gym at the main VA Medical Center building in San Juan
Infrastructure upgrades to support modernization of the electronic health records system
Hurricane hardening improvements at the generator farm
Relocation of the Psychiatric Intervention Center closer to the Emergency Department to improve patient response and coordination
Replacement of CT Scan and X-Ray equipment to strengthen diagnostic capabilities
Upgrades to the domestic water system to improve resiliency during hurricanes and emergencies
These projects build upon additional initiatives previously approved during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2026, including replacement of cast iron and malleable fittings and piping components, studies to identify A307 bolts in steam and hot water piping systems, and additional domestic water system upgrades .
Proposed Legislation: Travel Assistance for Veterans in Medical Deserts Act (H.R. 9316)
Introduced in June 2026, this bill would expand travel reimbursement eligibility for veterans with service-connected disabilities who reside in U.S. territories where no VA medical facility is located . Currently, travel reimbursement requires a 30% rating; the bill would remove this rating requirement specifically for veterans in covered jurisdictions, including Puerto Rico . This could help veterans in rural areas who face significant travel burdens to reach the San Juan VA Medical Center.
TRAVEL Act of 2025
The Territorial Response and Access to Veterans’ Essential Lifecare (TRAVEL) Act of 2025 authorizes the VA to assign existing physicians as “traveling doctors” to provide essential healthcare services in U.S. territories and possessions for up to one year . This is designed to address the persistent problem of getting specialized VA care to veterans outside the mainland U.S. The bill also extends the expiration date for certain limits on veterans’ pension payments until December 31, 2032 .
Federal VA Benefits Available in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico veterans are eligible for the full range of federal VA benefits :
| Benefit | Eligibility | Key Details for PR Veterans |
|---|---|---|
| VA Disability Compensation | Veterans with service-connected conditions | Same rates as mainland; paid monthly via direct deposit |
| VA Healthcare | Veterans enrolled in VA system | VACHS serves PR & USVI; telehealth available |
| GI Bill Education Benefits | Qualifying active duty service | Can be used at UPR, Inter American University, and other PR schools |
| VA Home Loan Guaranty | Qualifying service | VA loans can purchase property in Puerto Rico |
| VA Pension | Low-income wartime veterans | Same eligibility and rates as mainland |
| VA Burial Benefits | Eligible veterans and spouses | National Cemetery at Bayamón (Cementerio Nacional) |
| Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E) | Veterans with service-connected disabilities affecting employment | Available through VA San Juan |
VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS)
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe VA Caribbean Healthcare System is part of the nationwide VA network and is designated as a 1a “most complex” facility . It serves more than 60,000 Veterans across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands .
Key facilities:
San Juan VA Medical Center: Main hospital with 402 operating beds (280 acute care, 122 nursing home beds)
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs): Located in Arecibo, Ceiba, Comerio, Guayama, Mayaguez, Ponce, Utuado, and Vieques, plus two in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Vet Centers: Community-based readjustment counseling centers providing PTSD counseling, MST support, and readjustment services
Services at the San Juan VA Medical Center:
Open heart surgery
Rehabilitation
Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders Center
Blind and Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Center
Community Living Center (nursing home care)
PTSD treatment
Substance abuse programs
VA San Juan Regional Office
Located at 10 Casia Street, San Juan, PR 00921. Handles all benefits claims—disability compensation, pension, education, home loan guaranty, and vocational rehabilitation—for veterans residing in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands . Veterans can also manage claims online at VA.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 (available in Spanish) .
Puerto Rico Commonwealth Veterans Benefits
Puerto Rico offers significant local benefits that supplement federal VA benefits .
Property Tax Exemptions
| Disability Rating | Property Tax Benefit |
|---|---|
| 100% disabled | Complete property tax exemption on primary residence |
| 50%+ disability | $50,000 exemption on home’s appraised value |
| Any veteran (including non-disabled) | $5,000 exemption on appraised value |
These exemptions require the veteran to be a resident of Puerto Rico since January of the most recent year . Contact the Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales (CRIM) for current exemption amounts and application procedures .
Vehicle Benefits
| Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Free veteran license plate | All honorably discharged veterans |
| Exempt from vehicle taxes and licensing fees | 100% disabled veterans or veterans over 60 |
Education Benefits
Free tuition at the University of Puerto Rico and all its regional colleges for veterans who do not have VA education benefits (or whose benefits have expired)
50% discount on tuition, fees, books, and materials for dependents (spouses and children) at any public postsecondary institution
65th Infantry Regiment Scholarship (Beca 65 Infanteria) provides funding for children of honorably discharged veterans pursuing higher education
Total exemption for surviving spouses and children of service members killed in action or with service-related deaths
Income Tax Benefits
$1,500 income tax exemption for veterans, or $3,000 if married filing jointly and both spouses are veterans
Employment Preference
10 points or 10% (whichever is greater) added to passing examination scores for veterans applying for Puerto Rico government positions
Reinstatement rights for government employees called to active duty
Military service credit purchase option toward government retirement system
Ley 26-2025 expanded the veteran employment preference and now requires both government entities and private employers to notify the Oficina del Procurador del Veterano of competitive employment opportunities
Recreation Benefits
10% discount on fees at parks, beaches, zoos, aquariums, vacation centers, camping areas, and other recreational facilities operated by the commonwealth
Business Incentives (Ley 60-2019)
Legislation was introduced in 2026 to add benefits for veteran entrepreneurs. New businesses operated exclusively by veterans may be eligible for:
Income tax exemption on the first $500,000 of net income
Total exemption on personal property tax
Exemption from municipal contributions
5-year exemption period
Long-Term Care
Puerto Rico offers the Casa del Veterano (Veteran’s House), a 240-bed facility providing long-term care for veterans and eligible family members .
How to Access VA Benefits from Puerto Rico
Step 1: Enroll in VA Healthcare
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Care Benefits) and submit to:
VA San Juan Medical Center
Online through VA.gov
Any VA Caribbean Healthcare System facility
Step 2: File a Disability Claim
Online: VA.gov (accessible from anywhere)
In person: San Juan VA Regional Benefit Office (50 Carr 165, Guaynabo)
With a VSO: DAV, American Legion, VFW, or American G.I. Forum all have active chapters in Puerto Rico with Spanish-language services
Step 3: Access Local Benefits
Contact the Oficina del Veterano de Puerto Rico for guidance on Commonwealth-level benefits. For property tax exemptions, contact CRIM.
Step 4: Use My HealtheVet
Manage appointments, refill prescriptions, view lab results, and communicate with your healthcare team through the VA online portal .
Common Questions
Do Puerto Rico veterans get the same VA benefits as stateside veterans?
Yes. Veterans in Puerto Rico are eligible for the same federal VA benefits as vets living in the states . This includes disability compensation, VA healthcare, GI Bill, home loans, pension, and burial benefits.
What is the VA Caribbean Healthcare System?
The VA Caribbean Healthcare System serves over 60,000 veterans across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It includes the San Juan VA Medical Center (a full-service teaching hospital with 402 beds) and 11 community-based outpatient clinics .
What is the new Spinal Cord Injury Gym at the San Juan VA?
A new Spinal Cord Injury Gym is under construction at the main VA Medical Center building in San Juan as part of $596 million in 2026 VA infrastructure investments. This will expand rehabilitation services for veterans with spinal cord injuries .
What property tax exemptions are available for disabled veterans in Puerto Rico?
Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive a complete property tax exemption on their primary residence. Veterans with a 50% rating or higher are exempt on the first $50,000 of appraised value. All veterans are eligible for a $5,000 exemption .
Do veterans get free tuition in Puerto Rico?
Yes. Puerto Rican veterans who do not have VA education benefits (or whose benefits have expired) receive free tuition at the University of Puerto Rico and all its academic units. Dependents receive a 50% discount on tuition, fees, books, and materials .
What is H.R. 9316 and how does it affect Puerto Rico veterans?
H.R. 9316 (Travel Assistance for Veterans in Medical Deserts Act) would expand travel reimbursement eligibility for veterans in territories—including Puerto Rico—who have service-connected disabilities. It would remove the current 30% rating requirement, helping veterans in rural areas get reimbursed for travel to VA facilities .
Is there a VA regional office in Puerto Rico?
Yes. The San Juan VA Regional Benefit Office is located at 50 Carr 165, Guaynabo, PR 00968. It handles claims for disability compensation, pension, education, home loans, and vocational rehabilitation .
What local veterans benefits does Puerto Rico offer?
Puerto Rico offers significant local benefits including property tax exemptions, free veteran license plates, vehicle tax exemptions for disabled veterans, free tuition at UPR, income tax exemptions, 10-point hiring preference for government jobs, recreational discounts, and long-term care at Casa del Veterano .
Are there VA clinics outside San Juan?
Yes. The VA Caribbean Healthcare System operates community-based outpatient clinics in Arecibo, Ceiba, Comerio, Guayama, Mayaguez, Ponce, Utuado, and Vieques, plus two in the U.S. Virgin Islands .
What is the 65th Infantry Regiment Scholarship?
The Beca 65 Infanteria scholarship provides funding for children of honorably discharged veterans pursuing higher education. It covers up to 12 credits per semester for bachelor’s students and 6-9 credits per semester for master’s or doctoral students. Applicants must be Puerto Rico residents under age 26 .
Key Takeaways
Puerto Rico veterans are eligible for the same federal VA benefits as stateside veterans, including disability compensation, healthcare, GI Bill, and home loans .
2026 infrastructure investments are bringing major upgrades to the San Juan VA Medical Center, including a new Spinal Cord Injury Gym, new CT/X-Ray equipment, and hurricane hardening .
H.R. 9316 would expand travel reimbursement eligibility for veterans in medical deserts like Puerto Rico, removing the 30% rating requirement .
Puerto Rico offers significant local benefits, including complete property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans and free tuition at UPR .
The VA Caribbean Healthcare System serves over 60,000 veterans with a main hospital in San Juan and 11 outpatient clinics across the island .
Veterans can access services through the San Juan VA Regional Office, VA.gov, or local Veterans Service Organizations (DAV, American Legion, VFW) with Spanish-language services .
The Utuado VA Clinic provides primary care to veterans in the central mountain region, with specific hours and shuttle services to San Juan .
The TRAVEL Act of 2025 authorizes traveling VA doctors to serve territories and extends pension payment limits .
Official Resources
VA Caribbean Healthcare System: VA.gov/caribbean-health-care/
VA San Juan Regional Office: 10 Casia Street, San Juan, PR 00921
VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000
San Juan VA Medical Center: 10 Calle Casia, San Juan, PR 00921-3201
VA Form 10-10EZ (Health Care Application) : VA.gov/find-forms
Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration: PRFAA.pr.gov
Oficina del Veterano de Puerto Rico: For state-level veterans benefits
Cementerio Nacional de Bayamón: Puerto Rico’s National Veterans Cemetery
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