Navigate VA benefits and North Carolina veteran benefits. Disability compensation, NC property tax exemptions, DMVA services, and free claims assistance for NC's 750,000+ veterans.
North Carolina serves more than 750,000 veterans and is home to some of the largest military installations in the nation. The NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) coordinates benefits assistance through Veterans Service Officers in all 100 counties, ensuring every veteran in the state has local access to claims support.
This guide covers federal VA benefits, North Carolina state-specific benefits, and where to get free claims assistance. Whether you're transitioning from Fort Liberty, Camp Lejeune, or any branch of service, understanding your full range of benefits is the first step to a successful civilian life.
VA disability compensation provides tax-free monthly payments for service-connected disabilities rated 0% to 100%. In 2026, monthly rates range from $171.23 (10%) to $3,737.85 (100%). The Winston-Salem VA Regional Office processes claims for North Carolina veterans. With NC's large veteran population, claims volume is significant, making it important to submit complete, well-documented claims.
How to file: File online at VA.gov, call 1-800-827-1000, or visit a county Veterans Service Officer for free claims assistance.
Wartime veterans age 65+ or permanently disabled with limited income may qualify for VA pension. Aid and Attendance adds monthly payments for veterans needing help with daily activities. Maximum annual rates in 2026: $16,551 (pension) and $25,020 (pension with A&A).
North Carolina exempts military retirement pay from state income taxes for veterans who have served at least 20 years or retired due to medical disability. VA disability compensation and VA pension are also fully exempt from NC state income taxes.
North Carolina provides a property tax exemption for disabled veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled. The exemption applies to the first $45,000 of appraised value of the veteran's primary residence. Apply through your county tax assessor's office with your VA disability rating letter.
North Carolina offers several education benefits for veterans and their dependents. The NC Scholarships for Children of Wartime Veterans provides free tuition at NC public institutions for children of veterans who were disabled during wartime service. The state also participates in the NCDMVA scholarship program supporting veteran education.
Disabled veterans with specially adapted vehicles may be exempt from North Carolina motor vehicle taxes. Veterans with specific service-connected disabilities, including loss of limbs or blindness, qualify for special license plates at no additional cost.
North Carolina provides veterans' preference in state government hiring. Eligible veterans receive preference points in the competitive hiring process for state positions. This applies to most state agency positions and can provide a meaningful advantage in the application process.
North Carolina has Veterans Service Officers in all 100 counties who provide free benefits counseling and claims assistance. These locally accessible counselors can help with initial claims, appeals, and connecting to state and federal benefits. Contact DMVA at (919) 733-3851 to find your county VSO.
The American Legion, VFW, DAV, and Disabled American Veterans maintain strong chapters across North Carolina with accredited claims representatives. Many have offices at VA facilities and military installations for convenient access. The North Carolina Division of the American Legion is particularly active in veterans advocacy.
DMVA is the state agency dedicated to serving North Carolina's veteran community. Beyond benefits assistance, DMVA coordinates veterans programs, operates state veterans homes, manages the NC veterans cemeteries, and advocates for veteran-related legislation. Contact DMVA at (919) 733-3851 or visit milvets.nc.gov.
Veterans with a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating typically qualify for the largest stack of state benefits in North Carolina. Common categories include property tax exemption, vehicle registration and license plate fee waivers, free or reduced state park access, tuition waivers for the veteran or their dependents, and priority access to state veterans homes.
Confirm current eligibility, rates, and application steps with the North Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Winston-Salem area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Raleigh area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Charlotte area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Fayetteville area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Asheville area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
North Carolina state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
American Legion Department of NC accredited service officer support for Raleigh-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
American Legion Department of NC accredited service officer support for Fayetteville-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Durham, NC. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Durham area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Durham area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
American Legion Department of NC accredited service officer support for Greensboro-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Durham area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Charlotte area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Charlotte, NC. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Winston-Salem area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
American Legion Department of NC accredited service officer support for Durham-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
American Legion Department of NC accredited service officer support for Asheville-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Charlotte area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Asheville, NC. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Recently verified benefits resources serving North Carolina, ordered by most recent verification.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Asheville area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Asheville area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
American Legion Department of NC accredited service officer support for Asheville-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Asheville, NC. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Asheville area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Fayetteville area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
