State file · VA
Veteran benefits in Virginia
Virginia offers income tax deductions on military pay, generous National Guard tuition assistance, free lifetime licenses for totally disabled veterans, and one of the largest concentrations of national cemeteries and VA facilities in the country.
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Financial benefits
Income tax deduction for military pay
Active, reserve, and National Guard members on extended active duty of more than 90 days can deduct up to $15,000 of basic pay from Virginia income tax; the deduction phases out dollar for dollar above the $15,000 threshold.
Military retirement pay
Military retirement pay is subject to Virginia income tax, though Medal of Honor recipients can subtract military retirement income included in federal gross income (the subtraction does not extend to surviving spouses).
National Guard income exemption
National Guard wages up to $3,000 or 39 calendar days of service, whichever is less, are exempt; members with 90 or more consecutive active duty days may instead deduct the first $15,000 of basic military pay.
Exemption for military spouses
Spouses and dependents permanently stationed in Virginia who share the service member's state of domicile are exempt from Virginia tax on their Virginia wage and salary income.
Sales tax picture
The statewide sales tax rate is 4.3%, with local additions of up to 2.7%; the combined average is roughly 5.488%.
Recreation
Free lifetime license for totally disabled veterans
Veterans who are totally and permanently disabled from a service-connected condition receive a free lifetime hunting and freshwater fishing license through the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Discounted licenses for partially disabled veterans
Partially disabled resident veterans can buy an annual freshwater fishing license for $12 ($24 non-resident) and an annual hunting license for $12 ($56 non-resident), excluding bear, deer, turkey, muzzleloader, and archery permits. Disabled active duty personnel being treated at Virginia hospitals can receive a one-year free freshwater fishing and trout license.
Education programs
National Guard State Tuition Assistance (VNGSTAP)
Provides up to $8,000 per year toward tuition and fees at participating schools (for-profit institutions excluded), with a two-year service commitment after completion.
Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)
Covers spouses and children of service members who died, are missing in action, were prisoners of war, or are at least 90% permanently disabled due to combat service. Pays tuition and fees at Virginia state colleges for up to 36 months.
Interstate Compact for military children
Virginia participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, easing transfers, scheduling, grading, and extracurricular participation across member states.
Veteran housing
Virginia State Veterans Homes
Virginia operates state veterans homes in Richmond and Roanoke. Eligibility requires an honorable discharge and Virginia residency, and costs may apply.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
Veterans receive an additional 5% credit on scored state employment tests, and veterans with a service-connected disability receive 10%. Surviving spouses and children under 27 of service members killed in service are also eligible.
Paid military leave for state employees
State employees receive 15 workdays of paid military leave annually.
Virginia Employment Commission services
The VEC provides job referral, training, and placement assistance to veterans of all service periods and transitioning service members statewide.
Burials & memorials
National cemeteries in Virginia
Virginia has fourteen national cemetery sites, including Alexandria, Culpeper, Danville, Hampton (two locations), City Point in Hopewell, Ball's Bluff in Leesburg, Cold Harbor in Mechanicsville, Fort Harrison, Glendale, and Richmond national cemeteries, Seven Pines in Sandston, Staunton, Quantico in Triangle, and Winchester. Honorably discharged veterans may be buried at no cost, with a small cost for eligible family members.
VA resources in Virginia
Roanoke Regional Office
The VA regional office serving Virginia for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteBefore you apply
- First-time applicants generally need a copy of their DD-214 or discharge paperwork — keep certified copies somewhere safe.
- Most programs require a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may bar eligibility.
- “Active service” has a specific definition for many programs — training periods don’t always count. When in doubt, ask the agency directly.
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