VA Benefits San Antonio: Complete Guide to Federal, State, and Local Resources
VA benefits in San Antonio include disability compensation, healthcare through the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, home loans with zero down payment, and the Hazlewood tuition exemption. San Antonio’s Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital anchors one of the nation’s largest healthcare networks. Texas eliminates property taxes entirely for 100% disabled veterans, and San Antonio’s veteran community of over 1.5 million veterans across Texas includes a strong network of support through the Alamo Colleges, Texas Veterans Commission, and local service organizations.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary VA Medical Center | Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, South Texas Veterans Health Care System |
| VA Regional Satellite Office | 9939 State Highway 151, San Antonio, TX 78251 |
| VA Clinic | 7909 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78229 |
| Free Claims Assistance | DAV (210-706-8048), Texas Veterans Commission, VFW, American Legion |
| VA Education Benefits | San Antonio College Office of Veterans Affairs (210-486-0111) |
| Veteran Entrepreneurship | Super Veterans Business Outreach Center at St. Philip’s College |
| Housing Support | VASH vouchers, American GI Forum rental assistance, Operation Finally Home |
| State Tax Benefits | No state income tax, 100% property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans |
| VA Home Loan 2026 Limit | $832,750 for full-entitlement borrowers in Bexar County |
| Texas Veterans Population | Over 1.5 million |
What Are VA Benefits?
VA benefits are a comprehensive set of programs and services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to compensate veterans for service-connected disabilities, provide healthcare, offer education and housing assistance, and support veterans and their families in transitioning to civilian life.
Who qualifies: Veterans with an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge who meet service length requirements and have service-connected conditions. Family members and survivors may also qualify for certain benefits.
Why it matters: These benefits provide financial stability, healthcare access, education opportunities, and housing support for those who served. San Antonio veterans have access to both federal benefits and extensive Texas state benefits.
What veterans should do next: Contact the South Texas VA at 210-949-9702 for healthcare enrollment, or visit VA.gov to start a disability claim. For local assistance, contact the DAV at 9939 State Hwy 151, 3rd Floor, San Antonio, TX 78251, or call 210-706-8048.
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates
VA disability compensation is a monthly tax-free payment for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Rates are set by the federal VA and are the same nationwide.
Monthly Compensation by Disability Rating (Veteran Alone, No Dependents)
| Disability Rating | 2026 Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Additional Compensation
Veterans with a 30% rating or higher may receive additional amounts for dependents (spouse, children, dependent parents) .
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilitySpecial Monthly Compensation (SMC): Veterans with severe disabilities requiring Aid and Attendance or who are housebound may qualify for SMC, which provides compensation above the standard 100% rate .
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU): Veterans whose service-connected disabilities prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment may qualify for compensation at the 100% rate, even if their combined rating is less than 100% .
San Antonio VA Healthcare: The South Texas Veterans Health Care System
Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital
The Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital anchors the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, serving one of the nation’s largest veteran populations .
Location: 7400 Merton Minter Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78229
Services include:
Primary care
Mental health care
Polytrauma care
Rehabilitation
Returning service member care
Social work services
Whole health programs
Women’s health services
San Antonio VA Clinic
What it is: An outpatient clinic providing primary care and specialty health services .
Location: 7909 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78229
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Central Standard Time
Key services:
Primary care
Social work (transportation, financial resources, legal resources, housing/placement options)
Whole health programs
Mental health care
Telehealth services
Advice Nurse Line
Parking: Wheelchairs are available upon arrival for patients who need them to access the building .
Return Service Member Care
South Texas Veterans Health Care System provides health care and other benefits to the newest Veterans returning from service, including those still on active duty or activated National Guard/Reserve members .
Services include:
Polytrauma care
Rehabilitation
Mental health care
Counseling
Family benefits counseling
Referral assistance
Vet Centers: Counseling centers that help Veterans readjust after deployment. The San Antonio Vet Center provides counseling for individuals, groups, couples, and families .
VA Transportation Services
DAV Vans: The DAV works with county Veterans Affairs directors to provide transportation for Veterans and authorized caregivers to scheduled medical appointments. Individual van schedules vary .
Beneficiary Travel: Includes round-trip transportation from your home to the medical center, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport .
VA Claims Assistance in San Antonio
San Antonio VA Regional Satellite Office
What it is: A regional benefit satellite office that processes disability claims for San Antonio veterans .
Location: 9939 State Highway 151, San Antonio, TX 78251 (within the North West San Antonio VA Clinic)
Services: Compensation, pension, home loan guaranty, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits
Phone: 800-827-1000
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Office
What it is: An accredited Veterans Service Organization providing free claims assistance.
Location: North West Health Care Center (NWHCC), 9939 State Hwy 151, 3rd Floor 3C100, San Antonio, TX 78251
Phone: 210-706-8048
Other Free Claims Assistance Resources
Texas Veterans Commission (TVC): State agency with accredited claims advisors
VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars): Accredited service officers
American Legion: Accredited service officers
Evolution Career Center: Provides guidance on claims and appeals, including state and federal Veteran Preference for employment goals
San Antonio VA Home Loan Guide
San Antonio’s housing market is particularly accessible for veterans using VA home loans. The 2026 Bexar County VA loan limit is $832,750 for full-entitlement borrowers, and San Antonio’s median home price of approximately $260,000 falls well below this threshold .
Key VA Home Loan Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Zero Down Payment | No down payment required |
| No PMI | No monthly mortgage insurance (vs. FHA/conventional) |
| Lower Rates | Typically the lowest interest rates available |
| Seller Concessions | Up to 4% of purchase price (vs. 3% conventional limit) |
| Funding Fee Exemption | Exempt for veterans with 10%+ disability rating |
| Reusable Benefit | Can be used multiple times |
VA Loan vs. Other Loan Types
| Feature | VA Loan | FHA Loan | Conventional 5% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down Payment | 0% | 3.5% | 5% |
| PMI | None | Yes (life of loan) | Yes (until 20% equity) |
| Rate | Lowest | Low | Mid |
| Seller Concessions | Up to 4% | Up to 6% | Up to 3% |
Who Qualifies for a VA Home Loan
Active-duty service members: At least 90 continuous days of active service during wartime, or 181 days during peacetime.
Veterans: Meet service length requirements and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
National Guard and Reserve members: At least 6 years of service, or 90 days of active duty during wartime .
Surviving spouses: Of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability (if not remarried) .
VA Funding Fee Exemption in San Antonio
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher are exempt from the VA funding fee, which can save thousands at closing .
San Antonio Texas State and Local Benefits
Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans
Texas eliminates property taxes entirely for 100% rated disabled veterans. For a San Antonio home worth $320,000, this represents approximately $6,400 in annual savings, compounding to over $200,000 across a 30-year retirement .
Exemption amounts (2026):
| Disability Rating | Exemption Amount |
|---|---|
| 10% – 29% | $30,000 of assessed value |
| 30% – 49% | $40,000 of assessed value |
| 50% – 69% | $50,000 of assessed value |
| 70% or higher | $100,000 of assessed value |
| 100% | 100% of assessed value (total exemption) |
New surviving spouse exemption (2026): 100% homestead exemption for qualifying spouses of service-connected deceased veterans.
Texas No State Income Tax
Texas charges no state income tax, meaning every dollar of military pension, Social Security, and IRA withdrawals is taxed at the federal rate only .
Hazlewood Exemption
What it is: Up to 150 credit hours of tuition and fee exemptions at Texas public institutions for eligible Texas veterans and their dependents.
Who qualifies: Texas residents at time of entry into military service who served more than 180 days of active duty and received an honorable discharge. Dependents of 100% permanently disabled veterans may qualify for transferred hours.
How to apply: Contact the Office of Veterans Affairs at any Texas public college or university.
San Antonio Education Benefits
Alamo Colleges District – San Antonio College
What it is: One of the largest community college systems in Texas, serving over 3,000 military-connected students annually.
Services offered:
Academic advising
VA education benefits certification
Hazlewood benefits & MyCAA scholarships
VA Student Success (VSOC) counselor
VA Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) case management
Disability Claims Assistance from DAV
Mental wellness counseling
Career coaching and employment workshops
Women Veterans services
Location: 1819 N. Main Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: 210-486-0111
Email: sac-va@alamo.edu
San Antonio College Victory Center
The Victory Center serves as a one-stop hub where veterans and military-connected students can access essential services, including academic advising, benefit certification, career support, and more .
San Antonio Veteran Entrepreneurship Resources
Super Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
What it is: Texas’s first “Super” Veterans Business Outreach Center, opened in San Antonio through a partnership between the Texas Veterans Commission and the U.S. Small Business Administration .
Location: St. Philip’s College, Good Samaritan Veterans Outreach and Transition Center
Services:
Entrepreneurship training
Business counseling
Mentorship
Connections to financing opportunities
SBA Boots to Business program (two-day entrepreneurship course)
Connections to Community Development Financial Institutions
Classrooms, private counseling offices, computer lab, child-friendly area
Impact in Texas:
213,000 veteran-owned businesses
4,800 new veteran-owned business verifications in the past year
Expected increase to 7,500 this year with the Super VBOC network
Veteran-owned businesses supported through TVC programs have generated more than $1.1 billion in total revenue and $711 million in sales
Texas Legislative Support: Senate Bill 524 would exempt businesses entirely owned by veterans from franchise taxes and certain state business filing fees. Senate Bill 938 created incentives for new veteran-owned businesses, including a waiver of business formation fees and a five-year exemption from the state franchise tax .
San Antonio Veteran Housing Support
VASH and Housing Choice Vouchers
What it is: Close to 2,000 veterans in San Antonio use Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) or vouchers through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program .
Recent City Council Action: San Antonio city council advanced proposals to:
Prohibit landlords from refusing to rent to a veteran solely because they would be paying with a voucher
Offer incentive payments ($500) to landlords who agree to take voucher payments, with a focus on helping veterans
The incentive program is expected to be included as part of the city council’s budget discussions, with staff recommending $500,000 to help about 900 families .
Housing for Texas Heroes Grants
The Alamo Area Council of Governments received $275,000 for Housing for Texas Heroes Home Modifications, and Operation Finally Home received $375,000 for the same program .
Meals on Wheels San Antonio: Received $300,000 for Housing for Texas Heroes Home Modifications .
San Antonio Veterans Service Organizations and Grants
$6.1 Million in Grants Announced
On August 3, 2026, Governor Greg Abbott announced $6,187,000 in Funds for Veterans’ Assistance grants to 24 organizations serving the San Antonio and South-Central Texas region. These grants are expected to serve an estimated 103,749 area veterans .
Grant recipients include:
| Organization | Grant Amount | Service Type |
|---|---|---|
| Alamo Area Council of Governments | $275,000 | Housing for Texas Heroes Home Modifications |
| Bexar County Commissioners Court | $269,000 | Veterans Treatment Court |
| Bexar County Misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court | $400,000 | Misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court |
| Catholic Charities Archdiocese of San Antonio | $175,000 + $300,000 | Clinical Counseling & Financial Assistance |
| Haven for Hope of Bexar County | $115,000 | Financial Assistance |
| Honor Veterans Now | $250,000 | Food and Meal Services |
| Meals on Wheels San Antonio | $300,000 + $300,000 | Food/Meal Services & Housing Modifications |
| Operation Finally Home | $375,000 | Housing for Texas Heroes Home Modifications |
| Project MEND | $400,000 | Assistive Equipment and Medical Technology |
| San Antonio Food Bank | $300,000 | Homeless Veteran Support |
| Soldiers’ Angels | $222,000 | Food and Meal Services |
The grants support a wide range of services from emergency financial assistance to transportation, legal services, family support services, home modifications, and rental/mortgage assistance .
Since 2009, the Funds for Veterans’ Assistance program has awarded over $400 million in grants through 1,790 grants .
Why Veterans Retire in San Antonio
San Antonio has earned its nickname as “Military City USA.” Joint Base San Antonio is one of the largest military installations in the country, spanning Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, and Randolph AFB .
Key reasons veterans choose San Antonio:
South Texas Veterans Health Care System: Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital anchors one of the nation’s largest veteran healthcare networks, supplemented by a network of outpatient clinics
No state income tax: Every dollar of military pension, Social Security, and retirement withdrawals is taxed at the federal rate only
Property tax exemptions: 100% exemption for disabled veterans saves approximately $6,400 annually on a $320,000 home
Affordable housing: San Antonio’s median home price (~$260,000) and 2026 VA loan limit ($832,750) make homeownership accessible
Veteran community: Military retirees are not a niche group—San Antonio’s military ecosystem includes commissary access, high-volume VA healthcare, and a community that understands military life long after active duty ends
How to Apply for VA Benefits in San Antonio
Step 1: File an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966)
Preserves your effective date for up to one year while you gather evidence.
Step 2: Gather Your Evidence
DD-214
Service medical records
Private medical records
Buddy statements
Nexus letter connecting condition to service
Step 3: Choose a Representative
Complete VA Form 21-22 appointing an accredited representative.
Step 4: Submit Your Claim
Online: VA.gov (fastest method)
In person: San Antonio VA Regional Satellite Office, 9939 State Highway 151
With help: DAV (210-706-8048), Texas Veterans Commission, VFW, American Legion
VA Form 21-526EZ is the standard application for disability compensation.
Step 5: Attend Your C&P Exam
This Compensation & Pension examination is critical for establishing your disability rating.
Step 6: Monitor Your Claim Status
Check status online at VA.gov, by phone at 800-827-1000, or in person at the San Antonio VA Regional Satellite Office.
Appeals Process
If your claim is denied or you receive a rating you disagree with, you have three appeal options:
Supplemental Claim: Submit new and relevant evidence not previously considered
Higher-Level Review: A senior reviewer examines your claim without new evidence (must be requested within one year of decision)
Board of Veterans’ Appeals: Appeal to the Veterans Board with options for direct review, evidence submission, or hearing
San Antonio veterans who work with lawyers tend to have higher success rates for claims and appeals versus unrepresented veterans. Hill & Ponton reports a 96% success rate for VA disability appeals .
Common Questions
What is the 2026 VA disability COLA increase?
The 2026 COLA increase is 2.8%, effective December 1, 2025. The first adjusted payment arrived December 31, 2025. A 100% disabled veteran with no dependents now receives $3,938.58 monthly, up from $3,831.30.
Where is the San Antonio VA Regional Benefit Office located?
The VA regional benefit satellite office is located at 9939 State Highway 151, San Antonio, TX 78251, within the North West San Antonio VA Clinic. It provides compensation, pension, home loan, and Veteran Readiness and Employment services.
What is the VA home loan limit for Bexar County in 2026?
The 2026 Bexar County VA loan limit is $832,750 for full-entitlement borrowers. San Antonio’s median home price of approximately $260,000 falls well below this threshold, making almost all homes accessible for qualified VA borrowers.
Do I have to pay the VA funding fee in San Antonio?
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher are exempt from the VA funding fee. This exemption can save thousands of dollars at closing.
How much does a 100% disabled veteran get in Texas in 2026?
A 100% disabled veteran with no dependents receives $3,938.58 per month in federal compensation. In Texas, veterans with a 100% VA rating are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence—which can save approximately $6,400 annually on a $320,000 home.
What is the Hazlewood Exemption in Texas?
The Hazlewood Exemption provides up to 150 credit hours of tuition and required fee exemptions at Texas public colleges for eligible Texas veterans and their dependents. Dependents of 100% permanently disabled veterans may qualify for transferred hours.
How do I get free help filing a VA claim in San Antonio?
Contact the DAV at 210-706-8048 (located at 9939 State Hwy 151, 3rd Floor), the Texas Veterans Commission, VFW, or American Legion. These accredited organizations provide free claims assistance.
What is the Super Veterans Business Outreach Center in San Antonio?
Texas’s first “Super” VBOC opened at St. Philip’s College, offering entrepreneurship training, business counseling, mentorship, and connections to financing for veteran entrepreneurs. It’s a partnership between the Texas Veterans Commission and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
What grants are available for veterans in San Antonio?
Over $6.1 million in state grants was awarded to 24 organizations in August 2026. Services include housing assistance, financial aid, clinical counseling, legal aid, food/meal services, transportation, and medical equipment. Veterans can find organizations providing help through the Grant Services Directory.
What is the VA loan funding fee exemption?
The VA funding fee is a one-time fee paid at closing that helps keep the VA home loan program operating. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher are exempt from this fee. This can save veterans thousands of dollars when buying a home in San Antonio.
Key Takeaways
2026 VA disability rates increased by 2.8% with a 100% disabled veteran receiving $3,938.58 monthly
Texas property tax exemptions eliminate taxes entirely for 100% disabled veterans, saving approximately $6,400 annually on a $320,000 home
The San Antonio VA Regional Satellite Office is located at 9939 State Highway 151 and provides compensation, pension, home loan, and VR&E services
Free claims assistance is available through the DAV (210-706-8048), Texas Veterans Commission, VFW, and American Legion
San Antonio’s 2026 VA loan limit is $832,750 with zero down payment, no PMI, and funding fee exemption for veterans with 10%+ disability
The South Texas Veterans Health Care System serves one of the nation’s largest veteran populations, anchored by the Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital
San Antonio College serves over 3,000 military-connected students with VA education benefits certification, Hazlewood, and DAV claims assistance
The Super Veterans Business Outreach Center at St. Philip’s College offers entrepreneurship training and financing connections
$6.1 million in state grants was awarded to 24 San Antonio organizations serving an estimated 103,749 veterans
Texas charges no state income tax, making San Antonio one of the most financially attractive retirement destinations for veterans
Official Resources
Veterans Crisis Line — 988 (Press 1)
🇺🇸 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.
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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.
