Richmond VA Benefits Office Locator
VAVA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Richmond, VA. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Veteran Benefits & Claims in Virginia
Navigate VA benefits and Virginia-specific veteran benefits. Learn about disability compensation, Virginia income tax exemptions, Virginia DVS services, and how to file claims.
Virginia consistently ranks among the most veteran-friendly states in the nation, with robust state benefits that complement federal VA programs. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) operates regional offices across the Commonwealth to help veterans access both state and federal benefits, from disability compensation to state tax exemptions.
This guide covers every major benefit available to Virginia veterans, how to file claims, and where to find free assistance. Whether you're a newly separated service member from one of Virginia's many military installations or a long-time resident, this guide will help you maximize your benefits.
Federal VA Benefits
VA Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation provides tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions rated 0% to 100%. In 2026, monthly payments range from $171.23 (10%) to $3,737.85 (100%), with additional amounts for dependents. The Roanoke VA Regional Office processes claims for Virginia veterans.
How to file: File at VA.gov, call 1-800-827-1000, or visit a Virginia DVS Benefits Services office for free claims assistance. DVS employs accredited Veterans Benefits Counselors who can help prepare and submit your claim.
VA Pension & Aid and Attendance
Wartime veterans age 65+ or permanently disabled with limited income may qualify for VA pension. Aid and Attendance provides additional monthly payments for veterans needing assistance with daily activities. In 2026, the maximum pension for a single veteran is $16,551 annually, plus up to $25,020 with Aid and Attendance.
Virginia State Benefits
Virginia Income Tax Exemption
Virginia exempts military retirement pay from state income tax starting at $10,000 in tax year 2024, increasing to a full exemption by 2025. VA disability compensation and VA pension are also fully exempt from Virginia state income taxes.
Property Tax Exemption
Virginia provides a full property tax exemption on the primary residence for veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled by the VA. This exemption applies to the entire assessed value of the home and passes to the surviving spouse if they remain in the home.
Virginia War Memorial
The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond honors the Commonwealth's veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. Beyond its memorial function, it hosts educational programs, veterans events, and serves as a gathering place for the veteran community. The memorial is managed by DVS and admission is free.
Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)
VMSDEP provides tuition-free education at Virginia public colleges and universities for spouses and children of veterans who were killed, are missing in action, are prisoners of war, or have a 90%+ permanent and total service-connected disability. The program covers tuition and mandatory fees for up to 4 years of undergraduate study or equivalent.
Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program
V3 is a statewide initiative that trains and certifies employers to recruit, hire, and retain veterans. Over 1,700 employers participate in V3, committing to veteran-friendly hiring practices. For veterans, V3 provides access to a network of employers actively seeking to hire military talent.
Getting Help with Claims
Virginia DVS Benefits Services
DVS operates Benefits Services offices across Virginia staffed by VA-accredited claims counselors. They provide free assistance with disability compensation claims, pension applications, appeals, and connecting veterans to state benefits. Regional offices are located in Hampton Roads, Richmond, Northern Virginia, Roanoke, and other areas. Call (804) 786-0286 for the nearest office.
Veterans Service Organizations
The American Legion, VFW, DAV, and other VSOs maintain a strong presence across Virginia with accredited representatives at VA facilities and in communities statewide. These organizations provide free claims assistance and advocacy.
100% Disabled Veteran Benefits in Virginia
Veterans with a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating typically qualify for the largest stack of state benefits in Virginia. 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.
- Property tax exemption: Most states fully or partially exempt the primary residence of a 100% disabled veteran from property tax. Confirm the application form, deadline, and any income test with the Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Vehicle registration and DV plates: Disabled veteran license plates and reduced or waived registration fees are usually available. Bring your VA award letter to the DMV.
- State park, hunting, and fishing access: Free or discounted lifetime passes are common for 100% disabled veterans.
- Tuition assistance: Many states offer free in-state tuition at public colleges for the veteran and, in some cases, dependents.
- State veterans homes: Priority admission and reduced cost of care.
Confirm current eligibility, rates, and application steps with the Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.
Benefits Resources in Virginia
American Legion Service Officer - Richmond
VAAmerican Legion Department of VA accredited service officer support for Richmond-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Student Veterans of America - Newport News Chapter
VAStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Newport News area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Chesapeake County Veterans Service Office
VAAccredited county Veterans Service Officer for Chesapeake area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Newport News VA Benefits Office Locator
VAVA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Newport News, VA. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Newport News Community College Veterans Resource Center
VAVeterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Newport News area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Student Veterans of America - Norfolk Chapter
VAStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Norfolk area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
American Legion Service Officer - Roanoke
VAAmerican Legion Department of VA accredited service officer support for Roanoke-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Virginia Beach County Veterans Service Office
VAAccredited county Veterans Service Officer for Virginia Beach area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Alexandria County Veterans Service Office
VAAccredited county Veterans Service Officer for Alexandria area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Chesapeake VA Benefits Office Locator
VAVA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Chesapeake, VA. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Norfolk VA Benefits Office Locator
VAVA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Norfolk, VA. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Newport News County Veterans Service Office
VAAccredited county Veterans Service Officer for Newport News area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Roanoke VA Benefits Office Locator
VAVA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Roanoke, VA. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Arlington County Veterans Service Office
VAAccredited county Veterans Service Officer for Arlington area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Richmond County Veterans Service Office
VAAccredited county Veterans Service Officer for Richmond 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 Service Officer - Virginia Beach
VAAmerican Legion Department of VA accredited service officer support for Virginia Beach-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Arlington VA Benefits Office Locator
VAVA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Arlington, VA. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Virginia Department of Veterans Services
VAVirginia state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
Student Veterans of America - Chesapeake Chapter
VAStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Chesapeake area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I file a VA disability claim in Virginia?
- File online at VA.gov, call 1-800-827-1000, or visit a Virginia DVS Benefits Services office for free claims assistance. DVS counselors are VA-accredited and can help prepare and file your claim. Call (804) 786-0286 for the nearest DVS office.
- Is military retirement pay taxed in Virginia?
- Virginia is phasing in a full exemption for military retirement pay. Starting in tax year 2025, military retirement pay is fully exempt from Virginia state income taxes. VA disability compensation has always been fully exempt.
- What is the VMSDEP education benefit?
- The Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program provides tuition-free education at Virginia public colleges for spouses and children of veterans who were killed, MIA, POW, or have a 90%+ permanent and total disability rating. Contact DVS for eligibility details.
- What is the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program?
- V3 is a state program that trains and certifies employers to recruit, hire, and retain veterans. Over 1,700 Virginia employers participate. Veterans can access V3 employer listings through DVS and the Virginia Employment Commission.
- Does Virginia offer property tax relief for disabled veterans?
- Yes. Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled receive a full property tax exemption on their primary residence. The exemption also applies to surviving spouses who remain in the home. Apply through your local Commissioner of the Revenue.
- Where is the VA Regional Office for Virginia?
- The VA Regional Office serving Virginia is in Roanoke at 210 Franklin Road SW. You can also access VA services at federal benefits offices in Hampton Roads and through Virginia DVS regional offices across the state.
- What benefits do 100% disabled veterans get in Virginia?
- In Virginia, veterans rated 100% permanent and total by the VA typically qualify for a property tax exemption on their primary residence, free or discounted disabled veteran (DV) license plates, free state park access, tuition waivers for the veteran or eligible dependents, and priority admission to the state veterans home. Combine these with federal benefits such as VA disability compensation, Special Monthly Compensation, CHAMPVA for dependents, and Dependents Educational Assistance.
- How do I apply for the Virginia 100% disabled veteran property tax exemption?
- Most Virginia counties require a copy of your VA award letter showing 100% service-connected disability, proof of residency, and a state-specific application filed with your county assessor or department of revenue. Use the Vet Uplift Forms library filtered to Virginia to find the current application, and contact your county assessor for filing deadlines.
Top Virginia cities for benefits
Related guides in Virginia
Benefits in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified benefits resources serving Virginia, ordered by most recent verification.
Student Veterans of America - Roanoke Chapter
VAStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Roanoke area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Roanoke Community College Veterans Resource Center
VAVeterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Roanoke area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
American Legion Service Officer - Roanoke
VAAmerican Legion Department of VA accredited service officer support for Roanoke-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Roanoke VA Benefits Office Locator
VAVA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Roanoke, VA. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Roanoke County Veterans Service Office
VAAccredited county Veterans Service Officer for Roanoke 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 - Newport News Chapter
VAStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Newport News area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.