West Virginia's approximately 140,000 veterans — one of the highest per-capita rates in the nation — benefit from a full property tax exemption for 100% P&T veterans, military retirement pay tax exemption, free tuition at WVU and other state institutions for qualifying dependents, and three state veterans homes providing quality long-term care.
West Virginia is home to approximately 140,000 veterans — representing one of the highest per-capita veteran populations in the country. The Mountain State offers a full property tax exemption for 100% P&T veterans, a state income tax exemption that can significantly reduce the tax burden on lower-income veterans, and tuition waivers at West Virginia University and other WV public institutions.
The West Virginia Division of Veterans Affairs (WVDVA) provides free claims assistance, operates veterans homes, and administers state benefits through regional offices across the state.
West Virginia law provides a full homestead property tax exemption for veterans who have a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating. Under West Virginia Code § 11-6B-3 and related provisions, the primary residence of a qualifying 100% P&T veteran is fully exempt from property taxes.
The unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who qualified for the exemption may continue to receive it as long as they remain a WV resident and occupy the property. This is an important protection ensuring that families aren't displaced from their homes.
West Virginia provides meaningful income tax relief for veterans and military retirees:
West Virginia has phased in an exemption for military retirement pay from state income tax. For tax years 2022 and beyond, up to 100% of military retirement pay may be exempt from WV state income tax for qualifying retirees. This includes retirement pay from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Contact the WV State Tax Department for current exemption details.
West Virginia provides an income tax credit for qualifying low-income veterans. Veterans with adjusted gross income below certain thresholds may qualify for credits that reduce or eliminate their WV state income tax liability. Contact the WV State Tax Department or a WVDVA service officer for current credit amounts and eligibility.
VA disability compensation is exempt from West Virginia state income tax by federal law — as it is in all states. Veterans receiving VA compensation pay zero state income tax on those benefits.
West Virginia provides free tuition at state-supported colleges and universities — including West Virginia University (Morgantown), WVU Institute of Technology, Marshall University, and all WV community and technical colleges — for dependents of veterans who:
Eligible dependents include spouses and children (typically up to age 25 for children). The waiver covers tuition and required fees — not room and board. Apply through the financial aid or veterans services office at the WV institution.
West Virginia University has a dedicated Office of Veterans and Military Services that provides priority registration, GI Bill assistance, and comprehensive support for veteran students. WVU is consistently recognized as a "Military Friendly School" and has one of the stronger veteran support programs among land-grant universities.
West Virginia operates three state veterans homes providing long-term nursing and domiciliary care:
All three facilities provide skilled nursing care at significantly below-market rates, partially subsidized by state and federal VA per diem funding. Admission priority is given to veterans with service-connected conditions. Contact WVDVA at (304) 558-3661 for admission and eligibility information.
WV veterans with service-connected disabilities receive reduced-fee or free hunting and fishing licenses. 100% disabled veterans may qualify for free licenses. Contact WV Division of Natural Resources for current fee schedules.
West Virginia provides specialty disabled veteran license plates with reduced registration fees for qualifying veterans. 100% P&T veterans may qualify for free registration on one vehicle. Apply through WV DMV.
WV provides veterans preference in state government hiring. Veterans receive 5-point preference on civil service exams; disabled veterans receive 10-point preference. Contact WV Division of Personnel for details.
WV veterans are served by VA Medical Centers in Clarksburg and Huntington, with CBOCs in Beckley, Elkins, Martinsburg, Oak Hill, Petersburg, Sutton, and Williamson — providing coverage across WV's mountainous terrain.
Not necessarily. A 100% VA disability rating and a 100% permanent and total (P&T) rating are related but not identical. A P&T designation means the VA has determined your disabilities are permanent and that future improvement is not expected. Check your VA rating letter for the P&T designation. If you don't have it, contact a WVDVA service officer to request a P&T determination, as some conditions qualify automatically while others require additional documentation.
All three WV state veterans homes are licensed nursing facilities subject to state and CMS oversight. Quality ratings can vary — check CMS Nursing Home Compare (medicare.gov/care-compare) for current quality ratings for the Clarksburg, Barboursville, and Beckley facilities. Admission priority and available bed types may also differ between locations.
A higher VA disability rating unlocks bigger property tax exemptions and more financial security. See what your rating should be — in minutes.
Start Your Free Claim Review →Use the claim.vet disability calculator or our state benefits comparison tool to see how West Virginia stacks up. Visit the full West Virginia state benefits page for more. When you're ready, start your claim review free.