Roanoke VA Disability 2027 COLA: Pay Chart & City Benefits

VA Disability Pay Raise in Roanoke: 2027 COLA, City Property Tax Exemption, and Virginia Veterans Benefits

Roanoke veterans receiving VA disability compensation will see a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2027, effective December 1, 2026. A veteran rated 100% disabled with no dependents will receive $4,080.37 per month. The City of Roanoke also offers a full real estate tax exemption on the primary residence of veterans rated 100% service-connected, permanent, and total disabled — and Virginia does not tax VA disability compensation.

Quick Facts: VA Disability Pay Raise in Roanoke (2027)

2027 VA Disability COLA: What Roanoke Veterans Will Receive

The 2027 VA disability COLA is 3.6%. The Social Security Administration announced the official figure on October 14, 2026, and it applies to VA disability compensation, Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and VA pension benefits. The increase takes effect December 1, 2026, and the first payment at the new rates arrives December 31, 2026, because January 1, 2027, is a federal holiday.

The 3.6% increase is higher than the 2.8% COLA in 2026 and the 2.5% COLA in 2025. It is the largest increase since 2023, when benefits rose 8.7%. For Roanoke veterans, this means an extra $6.50 per month at a 10% rating and an extra $141.79 per month at a 100% rating, with no dependents.

2027 VA Disability Pay Chart — Veteran Alone (No Dependents)

Note: Veterans with dependents (spouse, children, or dependent parents) receive higher rates. A veteran rated 100% with a spouse and one child will receive approximately $4,474.47 per month in 2027.

2027 VA Disability Rates for Veterans with Dependents

2027 Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Rates

Special Monthly Compensation is a higher rate paid to veterans with severe disabilities, including loss of limbs, blindness, or the need for aid and attendance. SMC rates also increase by 3.6% in 2027. For a 100% disabled veteran receiving SMC, the increase may range from $176.43 to $405.75 per month depending on the benefit level.

2027 VA Disability Payment Dates

VA disability compensation is paid on the first business day of each month, covering benefits for the previous month. When the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payment arrives on the last business day of the preceding month. In April, July, and December 2027, veterans will receive two deposits in the same month due to weekend adjustments — the early deposit is not extra compensation, but the next regular payment arriving ahead of schedule.

Complete 2027 VA Disability Payment Schedule

Virginia State Income Tax on VA Disability Benefits

Virginia does not tax VA disability compensation. VA disability benefits are exempt from Virginia state income tax entirely, regardless of the veteran’s disability rating or total income. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is also not included as income on Virginia tax returns.

Virginia also offers a military benefits subtraction that allows eligible veterans to subtract up to $40,000 of military retirement income from their Virginia taxable income. The subtraction applies to military retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments. There is no age requirement — the former age-55 threshold was removed effective tax year 2024, and the subtraction reached its full $40,000 on 2025 returns.

Important distinction: The military retirement subtraction applies to military retired pay — not VA disability compensation. VA disability compensation is already tax-free in Virginia and does not need to be subtracted because it was never included as taxable income in the first place.

City of Roanoke Property Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans

The City of Roanoke offers a full real estate tax exemption on the primary residence of veterans rated 100% service-connected, permanent, and total disabled. The exemption applies without any income or asset limits and covers the dwelling and up to one acre of land.

Key Details of the Roanoke City Property Tax Exemption

Virginia law (§ 58.1-3219.5) establishes this exemption for veterans rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with a 100% service-connected, permanent, and total disability who occupy the property as their principal place of residence. The surviving spouse of a veteran eligible for the exemption also qualifies, provided the veteran’s death occurred on or after January 1, 2011, and the surviving spouse does not remarry. The exemption applies without any restriction on the spouse moving to a different principal place of residence.

How to Apply for the Roanoke City Property Tax Exemption

1. Obtain your VA benefits letter. Request a summary of benefits letter from VA showing your 100% service-connected, permanent, and total disability rating. You can request this by submitting VA Form 21-4138 to the Roanoke VA Regional Office.

2. Contact the Roanoke City Commissioner of the Revenue. Call 540-853-2523 or visit the office to request the “Application for Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% Service Connected Disabled Veterans.”

3. Complete the application. You will need to provide your VA benefits letter, proof of property ownership, and proof of residency.

4. Submit the application. File the completed form with the Commissioner of the Revenue.

5. Renew as required. Some localities require periodic renewal. Check with the Commissioner of the Revenue office.

Roanoke City Personal Property Tax Exemption

The City of Roanoke also offers a personal property tax exemption on one motor vehicle for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. Effective January 1, 2021, Code of Virginia § 58.1-3668 allows one motor vehicle owned and regularly used by a disabled veteran to be exempt from personal property taxes. Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue at 540-853-2523 for the Disabled Veteran Personal Property Exemption Application.

The disability must be the loss or loss of use of a leg, arm, or hand, blindness as defined by Virginia State Code § 46.2-739, or a 100% permanent and total disability. Only one vehicle may qualify for the tax exemption. An additional vehicle may qualify for a tax rate reduction.

Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office and Local Resources

The Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office serves veterans across Virginia for federal VA claims, including disability compensation, education benefits, life insurance, pensions, and home loans. The office is located at 210 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24011, inside the Poff Federal Building on the 8th floor. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

What the Roanoke VA Regional Office Can Help With

• Disability compensation claims

• VA pension applications

• Education benefits (GI Bill)

• Life insurance

• Home loan guaranty

• Decision reviews and appeals

Visitors seeking assistance from the Public Contact Team are encouraged to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment through the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA). Paid parking is available directly across from the Poff Federal Building at Premier Parking, 515 Second Street SW, for $10 per day. Bring a current, unexpired photo ID and your DD Form 214 when you visit.

Virginia Department of Veterans Services — Roanoke Benefits Office

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) operates a benefits office at 210 Franklin Rd SW, Room 810, Roanoke, VA 24011. DVS representatives assist veterans and their families in obtaining federal and state veterans benefits, including claims assistance, education benefits, and vocational rehabilitation. The phone number is (540) 857-6437, and the email is coe.benefits@dvs.virginia.gov.

Roanoke Vet Center

The Roanoke Vet Center offers confidential counseling for veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Services include counseling for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST). The center is located at 1401 Franklin Road, SW, Suite 200, Roanoke, VA 24016. Non-traditional hours are available, and the call center is available 24/7 at 877-927-8387.

Virginia Veterans Care Center — Roanoke

The Virginia Veterans Care Center in Roanoke is a 240-bed facility that provides long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation for veterans. It is located at 4550 Shenandoah Ave NW, Roanoke, VA 24017. The center is licensed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Virginia Department of Health.

Other Virginia Veterans Benefits

Virginia offers a range of additional benefits beyond tax exemptions and property tax relief.

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)

VMSDEP provides educational assistance for up to 8 semesters of tuition and required fee waivers at Virginia public colleges and universities for qualified survivors and dependents of veterans who died in the line of duty or are at least 90% permanently disabled due to military service. The student must be admitted to a Virginia public college or university and must be the spouse or child (ages 16-29) of a qualifying veteran.

Virginia Income Tax Deduction for Military Pay

Resident service members serving on active duty for 90 or more days who earn less than $30,000 in base pay can deduct up to $15,000 from their Virginia income tax. For every $1 of income over $15,000, the maximum subtraction is reduced by $1. Virginia National Guard service members in pay grades O-6 and below can deduct their National Guard pay received for up to 39 calendar days of service or $5,500, whichever is less.

Common Mistakes Roanoke Veterans Make

Latest Rule Changes Affecting Roanoke Veterans in 2027

Federal COLA

The 3.6% federal COLA for 2027 applies automatically to all VA disability compensation, SMC, DIC, and VA pension benefits. No application is required.

Virginia Military Benefits Subtraction

The military benefits subtraction reached its full $40,000 on 2025 returns and remains at that level for 2026 and 2027. The age-55 requirement was removed effective tax year 2024, so all qualifying military retirees can claim the subtraction regardless of age.

Property Tax Exemption Workgroup

The Virginia General Assembly established a workgroup to review the cost of mandatory property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and their spouses and make recommendations to ensure the sustainability of the exemption programs. The statewide exemption cost has grown from $8 million in 2011 to an estimated $416 million in 2026.

Common Questions

How much will Roanoke veterans receive from the 2027 VA disability COLA?

The 2027 COLA is 3.6%. A veteran rated 100% disabled with no dependents will receive $4,080.37 per month, up from $3,938.58 in 2026. A veteran rated 10% will receive $186.92 per month. The increase is automatic and requires no action from the veteran.

Does Virginia tax VA disability compensation?

No. Virginia does not tax VA disability compensation at all. It is exempt from Virginia state income tax regardless of your disability rating or total income. This is separate from the military retirement subtraction, which applies to military retired pay.

How do I apply for the Roanoke City property tax exemption?

File an application with the City of Roanoke Commissioner of the Revenue. Call 540-853-2523 or visit the office to request the “Application for Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% Service Connected Disabled Veterans.” You will need a VA summary of benefits letter showing your 100% P&T rating and proof of property ownership.

Who qualifies for the Roanoke City property tax exemption?

Veterans rated 100% service-connected, permanent, and total disabled (including TDIU) qualify for a full property tax exemption on their primary residence. Surviving spouses who do not remarry also qualify if the veteran died on or after January 1, 2011. There are no income or asset limits.

What is the Virginia military retirement subtraction?

Virginia allows eligible veterans to subtract up to $40,000 of military retirement income from their Virginia taxable income. The subtraction applies to military retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments. There is no age requirement. It does not apply to VA disability compensation, which is already tax-free.

Where is the Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office located?

The Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office is at 210 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24011, inside the Poff Federal Building on the 8th floor. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Schedule an appointment through VERA before visiting.

Does the 2027 COLA apply to Virginia state benefits?

No. The federal COLA applies only to federal VA benefits. Virginia state benefits, such as the property tax exemption and military retirement subtraction, have their own rules and amounts set by the Virginia General Assembly.

Can I receive the Roanoke City property tax exemption and the military retirement subtraction at the same time?

Yes. The property tax exemption applies to your primary residence, while the military retirement subtraction applies to your state income tax return. These are separate benefits, and eligible veterans can claim both.

What happens if I don’t apply for the property tax exemption?

You will continue paying property taxes on your primary residence. Roanoke does not automatically apply the exemption. You must apply through the Commissioner of the Revenue. The exemption begins on the date of your 100% P&T rating or the date you acquire the property, whichever is later.

Are there Roanoke resources for veterans with ratings below 100%?

Yes. Veterans with ratings below 100% can still access in-state tuition, employment assistance, hunting and fishing license privileges, and VA disability compensation (which is tax-free in Virginia). The Roanoke Vet Center offers free counseling regardless of disability rating, and the DVS Roanoke Benefits Office can assist with claims at any rating level.

Key Takeaways

• 3.6% COLA for 2027: Roanoke veterans receiving VA disability compensation will see a 3.6% increase effective December 1, 2026, with the first payment on December 31, 2026.

• 100% rating rate: A veteran rated 100% disabled with no dependents will receive $4,080.37 per month in 2027.

• Roanoke City property tax exemption: 100% P&T disabled veterans qualify for a full real estate tax exemption on their primary residence, with no income or asset limits. Apply with the Commissioner of the Revenue at 540-853-2523.

• Virginia does not tax VA disability: VA disability compensation is exempt from Virginia state income tax entirely.

• Military retirement subtraction: Virginia allows up to $40,000 of military retirement income to be subtracted from state taxable income, with no age requirement.

• Personal property tax exemption: One vehicle owned by a 100% disabled veteran may be exempt from personal property taxes.

• Roanoke VA Regional Office: Located at 210 Franklin Rd SW, the office serves veterans across Virginia for federal VA claims and benefits.

• DVS Roanoke Benefits Office: Located at 210 Franklin Rd SW, Room 810, DVS representatives provide free assistance with federal and state benefits.

• No action needed for COLA: The 2027 COLA is automatic. Veterans do not need to apply or submit paperwork.

• Additional benefits available: Virginia offers in-state tuition, VMSDEP, veterans care centers, and hunting and fishing license privileges.

Official Resources

• VA Disability Compensation: VA.gov/disability/compensation-rates

• Roanoke VA Regional Benefit Office: VA.gov/roanoke-va-regional-benefit-office

• Roanoke Vet Center: VA.gov/roanoke-vet-center

• Virginia Department of Veterans Services: DVS.Virginia.gov

• Virginia Tax — Military Benefits Subtraction: Tax.Virginia.gov

• City of Roanoke Commissioner of the Revenue: Roanokeva.gov

• Virginia Code § 58.1-3219.5: Law.LIS.Virginia.gov

• Social Security COLA Information: SSA.gov/cola

• USA.gov Veterans Benefits: USA.gov/veterans-benefits