VA Albany-Schenectady-Troy NY: 2026 Benefits & Facilities

Veterans Administration Albany-Schenectady-Troy NY: Complete 2026 Guide

The Veterans Administration in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Capital Region is anchored by the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center at 113 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, main phone (518) 626-5000. The VA Albany Healthcare System operates 12 locations across 22 upstate New York counties, including community clinics in Troy and Clifton Park. The VA Regional Benefit Office satellite is on the Stratton campus in Room C308; phone (518) 626-5692. Critical update: The Schenectady VA Clinic closed on August 28, 2026.

Quick Facts

What the Veterans Administration Operates in the Capital Region

The Veterans Administration operates two connected systems in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area: a health care delivery system run by the Veterans Health Administration and a benefits processing system run by the Veterans Benefits Administration. The health care system is the VA Albany Healthcare System, which provides medical care at the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center and 11 community-based outpatient clinics across a 22-county service area that includes upstate New York, western Massachusetts, and Vermont. The benefits system is represented by a VA Regional Benefit Office satellite located inside the Stratton VA Medical Center, which connects Capital Region veterans to the broader Veterans Benefits Administration network for disability compensation, pension, education, and survivor claims.

The Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center is a teaching hospital that provides primary care, specialty health services, eye and vision care, nutrition, laboratory services, dialysis treatment, women’s health, emergency medicine, and more. It offers specialized services including cardiac catheterization, cardiac rehabilitation, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, stereotactic radiosurgery, hospice and palliative care, adult day health care, PTSD care, compensated work therapy, a memory clinic, geriatric assessment, nursing home care, and respite care. The medical center maintains academic affiliations that support training for physicians and other health professionals, and it is the tertiary care hub for the region’s veteran population.

The VA Regional Benefit Office satellite at the Stratton campus provides in-person access to Veterans Benefits Administration services, including assistance with disability claims, education benefits, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and general benefits counseling. Veterans can also file claims online, by mail, or through VA-accredited representatives. The main VA benefits hotline is 800-827-1000.

VA Health Care in the Capital Region: Locations and Services

VA Albany health care provides services at 12 locations: the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center and 11 community-based outpatient clinics. The system serves veterans across 22 counties in upstate New York, western Massachusetts, and Vermont.

Major VA Capital Region Facilities

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

The 11 CBOCs extend VA primary care and basic specialty services closer to home. Locations include:

• Bainbridge

• Catskill

• Clifton Park

• Fonda

• Glens Falls

• Kingston

• Plattsburgh

• Saranac Lake

• Troy: 295 River Street, Troy, NY 12180; phone (518) 274-7707

• Westport

• Schenectady (closed August 28, 2026)

Critical Update: Schenectady VA Clinic Closure

The Schenectady VA Clinic at 1400 Altamont Avenue closed on August 28, 2026. The closure affected more than 1,500 Capital Region veterans who relied on the facility. The VA has stated that patients previously assigned to the Schenectady clinic will be redirected to clinics in Albany, Clifton Park, Fonda, or Oneonta. Veterans who need assistance scheduling with the nearest available clinic should call (518) 626-7228.

New York’s U.S. senators and local congressional representatives raised formal objections to the closure, citing disruptions in care for veterans in Schenectady County. Veterans affected by the closure should confirm their new primary care assignment and update any travel reimbursement arrangements.

Albany Vet Center

The Albany Vet Center provides confidential readjustment counseling at no cost in a non-medical setting. Services include counseling for depression, PTSD, and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST), as well as couples and family counseling. The center is located at 17 Computer Drive West, Albany, NY 12205-1614. The phone number is (518) 626-5130. The Vet Center Call Center is available 24/7 at 877-927-8387.

Veterans do not need to be registered for VA care, rated for a service-connected disability, or receiving any other VA benefits to use Vet Center services. First-time visitors should bring discharge documents (such as a DD-214), deployment orders, or other proof of qualifying military service if available; staff can help establish eligibility if documents are not on hand. A New York State Division of Veterans’ Services Veteran Benefit Advisor is on location five days a week to assist with state and federal benefits and disability claims.

VA Health Care Eligibility and Priority Groups

VA health care eligibility in the Capital Region follows federal rules. Veterans who served in the active military, naval, or air service and were separated under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify. Most veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty, unless discharged earlier for a service-connected disability.

Enrollment is not automatic. Veterans must apply using VA Form 10-10EZ and be assigned to one of eight priority groups. The priority group determines access to care and copay responsibility.

VA Health Care Priority Groups (Summary)

Veterans with a compensable service-connected rating generally qualify for enrollment regardless of income. Veterans with a 0% rating or nonservice-connected status must provide income information from the previous calendar year when applying. Priority Groups 1–5 generally have no copayments for medical care; Groups 6 and 7 have copayments for care and medications.

PACT Act Enrollment

Since March 5, 2024, veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards during service—at home or abroad—can enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. This includes Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan veterans, as well as those exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. VA Albany encourages veterans with any military exposures to chemicals, air pollutants, radiation, warfare agents, or occupational hazards to apply.

How to Apply for VA Health Care in the Capital Region

The application for VA health care enrollment is VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits. Veterans can apply online at VA.gov, in person at the Stratton VA Medical Center or any community clinic, or by mail.

Required Documents

• DD-214 or other discharge documents.

• VA disability award letters, if applicable.

• Income information from the previous calendar year (for veterans without a compensable service-connected rating).

After submission, VA reviews eligibility and assigns a priority group. Veterans can check enrollment status by calling 800-827-1000 or through their VA.gov account. Enrollment is required before scheduling appointments at VA Albany facilities.

The VA Regional Benefit Office Satellite at Stratton

The VA Regional Benefit Office satellite at the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center provides in-person access to Veterans Benefits Administration services for Capital Region veterans. It is located at 113 Holland Avenue, Room C308, Albany, NY 12208. The phone number is (518) 626-5692.

Services Available

The satellite office provides assistance with:

• Disability compensation claims (VA Form 21-526EZ).

• Veterans Pension claims (VA Form 21P-527EZ).

• Education benefits, including GI Bill certification and Vocational Rehabilitation.

• Decision reviews and appeals.

• General benefits counseling and claim status inquiries.

Veterans can also call the main VA benefits line at 800-827-1000 or file claims online at VA.gov. The New York State Division of Veterans’ Services maintains a Veteran Benefit Advisor at the Albany Vet Center and operates intake centers across the state to assist with claims and appeals.

VA Disability Compensation for Capital Region Veterans

VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment from the VA to veterans with a service-connected disability. New York does not tax VA disability compensation. Capital Region veterans receive the same nationwide rates as veterans in every other state.

2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates (Veteran Alone, No Dependents)

The 2026 rates reflect a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment effective December 1, 2025.

These figures are for a veteran alone with no dependents. Veterans with a 30% or higher rating receive additional amounts for a dependent spouse, children, or parents.

How to File a VA Disability Claim in the Capital Region

The steps are the same for Capital Region veterans as for veterans nationwide:

1. Obtain your DD-214 and service treatment records.

2. Gather medical evidence linking your current condition to service—private treatment records, nexus letters from a physician, and buddy statements from fellow service members.

3. Complete VA Form 21-526EZ online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person at the Stratton VA Regional Benefit Office satellite in Room C308.

4. File the claim and track its status through VA.gov or by calling 800-827-1000.

5. Attend any required C&P exam scheduled by VA.

A medical nexus letter is often the deciding factor. It must state that the veteran’s condition is “at least as likely as not” caused by military service. Claims without a nexus or with incomplete service records are more likely to be denied or rated lower than the condition warrants.

VA Claim Processing Times in 2026

VA disability claim processing times have improved substantially. The average time to complete a disability claim fell to 75.6 days in September 2026, compared to 141.5 days in January 2025—a reduction of nearly half. As of May 2026, the average was 78.6 days.

Average Processing Times by Claim Type (2026)

The average time to complete an initial Veterans Pension claim dropped from 170 days to 57 days, a 66% reduction. The average time to complete DIC claims has dropped from 163 days to 73 days, a decline of more than 50%. VA’s claims-processing accuracy is currently 94.02%, the highest rate in two years, and the backlog of claims older than 125 days fell below 100,000 for the first time since 2020.

VA Pension for Capital Region Wartime Veterans

VA pension is a needs-based monthly benefit for wartime veterans with limited income and net worth. It is separate from disability compensation. A veteran can receive pension only if they do not qualify for compensation, or if compensation is lower than the pension amount (in which case VA pays the difference).

2026 VA Pension Income and Net Worth Limits

The Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) for a veteran with no dependents is approximately $17,441 per year**. Veterans who need help with daily activities may qualify for **Aid and Attendance (A&A)** , which increases the MAPR to **$29,093 per year. VA pays the difference between the veteran’s countable income and the MAPR.

How to Apply for VA Pension

The application form is VA Form 21P-527EZ. Veterans must report all income and assets. VA applies a three-year look-back period for asset transfers; transferring assets for less than fair market value during that period can affect eligibility. Pension claims can be filed online, by mail, or with a VA-accredited representative.

New York State Benefits for Capital Region Veterans

New York State offers benefits that supplement federal VA programs. The most significant are the Alternative Veterans Exemption, the local-option 100% disabled veterans exemption, the Veterans Tuition Award, and military retirement pay tax exemptions.

New York Alternative Veterans Exemption

The Alternative Veterans Exemption is a property tax exemption offered at the option of municipalities for the primary residence of a veteran or certain family members. Benefits include:

• 15% reduction in assessed value for veterans who served during a time of war.

• Additional 10% reduction for veterans who served in a combat zone (including recipients of expeditionary medals).

• Additional reduction equal to one-half of the service-connected disability rating for veterans with a VA-rated disability, regardless of whether they served in a combat zone.

Percentage-level benefits are subject to maximum dollar limits set by each taxing jurisdiction. Applications are filed with the local assessor, and in most communities, the deadline is March 1, though dates vary. Required documentation includes a DD-214 or proof of honorable discharge and VA documents for the service-connected disability rating.

Local-Option 100% Disabled Veterans Exemption

Recent legislation allows municipalities, counties, cities, towns, villages, and school districts to offer a property tax exemption for veterans considered by the VA to have a permanent and total disability as a result of military service. This is a local-option exemption: it is not automatic and applies only if the taxing jurisdiction adopts a local law or resolution.

Veterans eligible for this exemption include those who:

• Are permanently and totally disabled by the VA as a result of military service;

• Are rated 100% disabled by the VA;

• Are rated by the VA as individually unemployable; or

• Are eligible for pecuniary assistance from the U.S. government and have applied such assistance toward acquiring or modifying a suitable housing unit with special features.

The exemption applies to assessment rolls based on taxable status dates on or after October 1, 2026. The 2026-2027 New York State Budget restored local discretion, meaning the exemption is no longer automatic for school districts and must be adopted by resolution. Veterans should contact their local assessor to confirm whether the exemption has been adopted and what application process applies.

New York Veterans Tuition Award (VTA)

The New York State Veterans Tuition Award (VTA) provides tuition awards for eligible veterans enrolled in approved undergraduate or graduate programs or vocational training programs. Effective July 1, 2025, the VTA was expanded so that all veterans with at least four years of active duty qualify, regardless of combat experience.

Award amount: Every recipient receives an award equal to the amount of undergraduate tuition for New York State residents charged by SUNY, or actual tuition charged, whichever is less.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Legal residence in New York State for at least 12 continuous months prior to the start of studies.

• U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status.

• High school graduation or equivalent.

• Service in the U.S. Armed Forces with an honorable discharge or a qualifying condition under the veterans’ services law.

The VTA can be used in conjunction with the GI Bill, potentially covering costs beyond tuition. Both full-time and part-time students are eligible. Applications are submitted through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC).

Military Retirement Pay and Tax Exemptions

New York exempts all military retirement pay, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities, and VA disability compensation from New York State, New York City, and Yonkers income taxes. This makes New York one of the most favorable states for military retirees seeking to maximize retirement income.

Additional State Benefits

• Gold Star Parent Annuity: An annual payment to qualified Gold Star parents.

• Liberty Pass: Free or reduced-fee access to state parks and recreation.

• Reduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Available to qualifying veterans through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

• Motor Vehicle and Parking Benefits: Special license plates, reduced registration fees, or disability parking permits through the DMV.

PACT Act and Toxic Exposure Claims in the Capital Region

The PACT Act expanded VA health care and disability compensation for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits, Agent Orange, and radiation. Since March 5, 2024, veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards during service can enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.

VA Albany participates in PACT Act outreach and encourages veterans with any military exposures—to chemicals, air pollutants, radiation, warfare agents, or occupational hazards—to apply for care and benefits. Veterans who were previously denied a toxic exposure claim, or who have a newly presumptive condition, should consider filing a Supplemental Claim. The Stratton VA Regional Benefit Office satellite and the Albany Vet Center’s state benefits advisor can assist with PACT Act claims.

Appeals and Decision Reviews

Veterans who disagree with a VA decision have three decision review options: a Supplemental Claim, a Higher-Level Review, or a Board Appeal.

A veteran generally has one year from the date of a decision to file a decision review for most VA benefits. VA-accredited representatives at the Stratton VA Regional Benefit Office satellite and the Albany Vet Center can help determine which lane is most likely to succeed.

Common Mistakes That Delay Capital Region Veterans Benefits

The most common mistake is missing the local property tax exemption deadline. In most New York communities, the deadline for submitting exemption applications is March 1, though dates vary. Veterans who miss the deadline may lose a year of property tax relief.

Other frequent errors:

• Assuming the 100% disabled veterans exemption is automatic. The new exemption is local-option: each municipality, county, city, town, village, and school district must adopt it before it applies. Veterans should confirm adoption with their local assessor.

• Filing a VA claim without a medical nexus. A disability rating requires evidence linking the current condition to service.

• Missing the one-year appeal deadline. For most VA benefits, a veteran has one year from the date of a decision to file a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal.

• Not updating care assignments after the Schenectady clinic closure. Veterans previously assigned to the Schenectady clinic should confirm their new primary care location and update travel plans; call (518) 626-7228 for scheduling assistance.

• Ignoring the PACT Act. Veterans who served in toxic-exposure locations may qualify for new presumptive conditions. A previously denied claim may now be grantable.

Common Questions

Where is the VA medical center in Albany, NY?

The Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center is at 113 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208. The main phone number is (518) 626-5000; the toll-free number is 888-823-9656. It is the tertiary care hub of the VA Albany Healthcare System, which operates 12 locations across 22 upstate New York counties, western Massachusetts, and Vermont.

Is there a VA clinic in Troy, NY?

Yes. The Troy VA Clinic is at 295 River Street, Troy, NY 12180. The phone number is (518) 274-7707. It provides primary care, mental health services, and specialty referrals as part of the VA Albany Healthcare System.

Is the Schenectady VA clinic still open?

No. The Schenectady VA Clinic at 1400 Altamont Avenue closed on August 28, 2026. Patients previously assigned there are being redirected to clinics in Albany, Clifton Park, Fonda, or Oneonta. Veterans who need help scheduling should call (518) 626-7228.

Where is the VA regional benefit office in Albany?

The VA Regional Benefit Office satellite is located inside the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center at 113 Holland Avenue, Room C308, Albany, NY 12208. The phone number is (518) 626-5692. It provides in-person assistance with disability claims, education benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and appeals. The main VA benefits hotline is 800-827-1000.

How long does a VA disability claim take in 2026?

The VA’s national average for disability claims in 2026 is 75.6 to 80.7 days. Pension claims average about 57 days, and DIC claims about 73–85 days. Complex claims involving toxic exposure reviews or multiple conditions can take longer.

What is the VA disability rate for 100% in 2026?

A veteran alone with a 100% disability rating receives $3,938.58 per month** in 2026. The 10% rate is **$180.42 per month. The 2026 rates reflect a 2.8% COLA effective December 1, 2025.

What is the net worth limit for VA pension in 2026?

The net worth limit for Veterans Pension is $163,699** from December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2026. The annual income limit for a veteran alone is **$19,836, and the MAPR is approximately $17,441 per year.

Does New York offer a property tax exemption for disabled veterans?

Yes. The Alternative Veterans Exemption provides a 15% reduction for wartime service, an additional 10% for combat zone service, and an additional reduction equal to half the VA disability rating, subject to local dollar caps. Separately, municipalities may adopt a local-option 100% exemption for veterans rated permanently and totally disabled, 100% disabled, or individually unemployable by the VA.

What is the New York Veterans Tuition Award?

The Veterans Tuition Award (VTA) provides tuition awards at SUNY colleges and approved vocational programs. Effective July 1, 2025, all veterans with at least four years of active duty qualify, regardless of combat experience. The award can be used with the GI Bill.

Does New York tax military retirement pay?

No. New York fully exempts military retirement pay, SBP annuities, and VA disability compensation from state income tax.

What if my VA claim is denied?

You have three options: a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, a Higher-Level Review by a senior adjudicator, or a Board Appeal before a Veterans Law Judge. For most benefits, you have one year from the decision to choose a review lane. A VA-accredited representative at the Stratton VA Regional Benefit Office satellite or the Albany Vet Center can help.

Does the PACT Act apply to Capital Region veterans?

Yes. The PACT Act applies nationwide. Veterans with toxic exposure histories and qualifying conditions can file claims through the Stratton VA Regional Benefit Office satellite or VA Albany. Since March 5, 2024, toxic-exposed veterans can enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for benefits.

Can surviving spouses get VA benefits in the Capital Region?

Yes. Surviving spouses may qualify for DIC, Survivors Pension, Chapter 35 education benefits, CHAMPVA health care, and VA home loan guaranty. The Alternative Veterans Exemption and the local-option 100% disabled veterans exemption may also extend to surviving spouses under certain conditions. The Stratton VA Regional Benefit Office satellite and the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services can assist with survivor claims.

Key Takeaways

• VA Albany Healthcare System operates 12 locations across 22 upstate New York counties, western Massachusetts, and Vermont, anchored by the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center at 113 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208.

• The Stratton VA Medical Center main phone is (518) 626-5000; toll-free 888-823-9656.

• The Schenectady VA Clinic closed on August 28, 2026; affected veterans should call (518) 626-7228 for reassignment to Albany, Clifton Park, Fonda, or Oneonta.

• The VA Regional Benefit Office satellite is inside the Stratton VA Medical Center at Room C308; phone (518) 626-5692.

• VA disability compensation in 2026 starts at $180.42 per month for a 10% rating** and rises to **$3,938.58 for a 100% veteran alone. The 2026 COLA is 2.8%.

• VA pension is needs-based. The 2026 net worth limit is $163,699**, the annual income limit for a veteran alone is **$19,836, and the MAPR is approximately $17,441 per year.

• Disability claim processing times average 75.6–80.7 days in 2026, down roughly 43% from 141.5 days in January 2025.

• New York’s Alternative Veterans Exemption provides a 15% wartime reduction, a 10% combat-zone addition, and a disability-based reduction equal to half the VA rating, subject to local caps.

• The local-option 100% disabled veterans exemption is available only if the taxing jurisdiction adopts it; veterans should confirm with their local assessor.

• The New York Veterans Tuition Award now covers all veterans with four years of active duty, and military retirement pay is fully exempt from state income tax.

Official Resources

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): https://www.va.gov — disability compensation, pension, health care, GI Bill, claim status, decision reviews.

• VA Albany Healthcare System: https://www.va.gov/albany-health-care/ — locations, services, enrollment, appointments.

• Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center Contact: https://www.va.gov/albany-health-care/contact-us/ — phone directory, mailing address, patient resources.

• VA Albany Programs & Services: https://www.va.gov/albany-health-care/programs/ — full list of primary care, mental health, and specialty services.

• Albany Vet Center: https://www.va.gov/albany-vet-center/ — readjustment counseling, address, hours, eligibility.

• VA Form 21-526EZ (Disability Compensation): https://www.va.gov/forms/21-526ez/ — online application and downloadable PDF.

• VA Health Care Enrollment (10-10EZ): https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/ — online enrollment and form instructions.

• VA Pension Rates: https://www.va.gov/pension/veterans-pension-rates/ — current MAPR tables and net worth limits.

• VA Decision Reviews and Appeals: https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/ — Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, Board Appeal.

• New York State Division of Veterans’ Services: https://veterans.ny.gov — state benefits, claims assistance, Veterans Tuition Award, property tax exemption guidance.

• New York State Department of Taxation and Finance – Alternative Veterans Exemption: https://www.tax.state.ny.us/pit/property/exemption/altvetoverview.htm — eligibility, application, and local-option details.

• New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC): https://www.hesc.ny.gov — Veterans Tuition Award application and eligibility.

• Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov — coordination of VA benefits with Social Security disability and retirement.

• Medicare.gov: https://www.medicare.gov — coordination of VA health care with Medicare for veterans age 65 and older.