West Virginia is home to approximately 130,000 veterans — a high concentration relative to its population, reflecting the state's strong military tradition. WV offers a meaningful package of state benefits: a full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans, zero state income tax on military retirement pay, a cash Veterans Bonus for post-1990 service, employment preference on state civil service exams, and a state-operated veterans home in Clarksburg.
The key to maximizing WV veteran benefits is understanding what's available at both the state and federal level — and ensuring your VA disability rating accurately reflects your conditions. Many WV veterans are under-rated or have unclaimed conditions that, once rated, unlock additional state and federal benefits.
West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption for disabled veterans is governed by W. Va. Code § 11-6B-3. Veterans with a 100% permanent and total (P&T) service-connected disability rating from the VA are eligible for a full exemption on the assessed value of their primary residence up to $20,000.
In West Virginia, property is assessed at 60% of market value. The homestead exemption removes $20,000 from this assessed value before taxes are calculated. For a home with a market value of $150,000:
For veterans in rural WV with more modest home values, the exemption may eliminate property taxes entirely. The levy rate varies by county, but for many WV counties the exemption results in savings of $200–$600+ per year.
Applications are filed with your county assessor's office. You'll need:
Apply as early as possible — contact your county assessor for the specific deadline in your county (typically in the spring for the following tax year). The WV Department of Veterans Assistance can assist with the application.
West Virginia fully exempts all military retirement pay from state income tax — with no dollar cap and no income limitation. This applies to:
WV joined the majority of states in fully exempting military retirement after a series of legislative updates. For a military retiree receiving $2,500/month in retirement pay, this exemption saves approximately $1,250–$2,500+ per year in state taxes depending on income level and applicable WV tax bracket.
VA disability compensation is exempt from federal income tax under 38 USC 5301 and is also exempt from WV state income tax. Veterans who receive both military retirement and VA compensation in WV benefit from two streams of income that are completely tax-free at the state level.
West Virginia provides a cash Veterans Bonus to WV residents who served on active duty during qualifying conflict periods, authorized under W. Va. Code § 18-22A-4. This bonus recognizes WV residents who served during post-Desert Storm conflicts through the present.
The WV Veterans Bonus covers active duty service during:
Contact the WV Department of Veterans Assistance for the current list of qualifying conflict periods, as Congress periodically designates new eligible periods.
Applications are submitted to the WV Department of Veterans Assistance. Required documents include DD-214, proof of WV residency (at time of service or current), and discharge characterization showing honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. Contact WVDVA at (304) 558-3661 or visit veterans.wv.gov for current application forms and instructions.
Most WV veterans with service-connected conditions qualify for more than they're currently receiving. A free VA disability review can identify unclaimed ratings that unlock higher monthly compensation and additional state benefits.
Get My Free Benefits Review →West Virginia provides hiring preference for veterans and disabled veterans seeking WV state government employment under W. Va. Code § 5F-2-12. This preference operates as point additions on competitive civil service examination scores.
Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during a period of war or armed conflict and were honorably discharged receive a 5-point preference. This means 5 points are added to a passing examination score for state civil service positions. The 5-point preference applies to:
Veterans with a service-connected disability of 30% or greater receive a 10-point preference. This higher preference also extends to:
The preference applies to initial competitive appointments — not promotions, transfers, or reassignments within state government. To claim preference, veterans must:
Contact the WV Division of Personnel at (304) 558-3950 for information on current state job openings and the preference claim process. The WV state job portal is also accessible through the WV Division of Personnel website.
A higher VA disability rating unlocks more WV state benefits — including the full property tax exemption and the 10-point employment preference. REE Medical offers free nexus letter consultations for WV veterans.
Check My Rating Increase Options — Free →The West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance (WVDVA) is the primary state agency serving WV's veteran community. The WVDVA administers state benefits programs, provides claims assistance, operates field offices across the state, and coordinates with county veterans service officers.
The West Virginia Veterans Home (located in Clarksburg, WV) is a state-operated long-term care facility providing skilled nursing care and residential living for eligible WV veterans. It is one of the most significant state-funded veterans benefits for WV's aging veteran population.
Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who meet clinical criteria can receive VA per diem payments toward the cost of the state home, substantially reducing out-of-pocket costs. Contact the Clarksburg Veterans Home directly at (304) 626-1600 for current admission information and waitlist status.
In addition to the state home, WV veterans can access VA Community Living Centers (CLCs) at VA medical centers in Clarksburg and Huntington. These federally operated facilities provide short-term rehabilitation, respite care, and long-term nursing care for eligible veterans at no cost for veterans meeting VA eligibility criteria.
West Virginia offers significant hunting and fishing license benefits for veterans with service-connected disabilities through the WV Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).
Veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating from the VA are eligible for a free lifetime hunting and fishing license from the WVDNR. This license covers:
The lifetime license is valid indefinitely — you only need to apply once. Apply through the WVDNR with your VA award letter showing 100% P&T status and your DD-214.
Veterans with service-connected disabilities below 100% may qualify for reduced-cost licenses. Contact the WVDNR at (304) 558-2771 or visit their website at wvdnr.gov for current disability percentage thresholds and license fee schedules.
WV veterans with 100% P&T disability may also qualify for fee waivers or discounts at state parks managed by WV State Parks. Contact the WV Division of Natural Resources for current state park benefit details for veterans.
Members of the West Virginia Army National Guard and West Virginia Air National Guard can access state-funded education assistance through the WVDVA and the National Guard's State Education Services program.
Active members of the WV National Guard attending public colleges and universities in West Virginia may qualify for tuition assistance covering a portion of in-state tuition costs. This program operates in addition to the federal Tuition Assistance (TA) program available to all military members.
WV veterans and servicemembers can also access:
WV veterans should contact the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551 to determine which federal education benefit is optimal for their situation. Complete VA Education Benefits Guide →
Beyond state programs, WV veterans have access to the full range of federal VA benefits. The most impactful federal programs for WV veterans:
West Virginia has two full VA medical centers:
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) are located in Bluefield, Charleston, Elkins, Huntington, Logan, Martinsburg, Princeton, and Sutton — providing access to primary care and mental health services for veterans in rural areas.
Federal VA disability compensation is the most financially significant benefit for most WV veterans. Monthly compensation for 2026 ranges from $171.23/month (10%) to $3,831.30/month (100%) for single veterans, with higher rates for veterans with dependents. Maximizing your VA disability rating is the single most important step for most WV veterans — it directly increases monthly compensation and unlocks higher-tier state benefits.
| Benefit | Eligibility | Value | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Homestead Exemption | 100% P&T service-connected | Exempt up to $20K assessed value | W. Va. Code § 11-6B-3 |
| Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption | All retired military | Full exemption — no cap | WV State Tax Code |
| Veterans Bonus | WV resident, post-1990 active duty | $25/month, max $600 | W. Va. Code § 18-22A-4 |
| State Employment 5-pt Preference | Veteran, period of war/armed conflict | +5 pts on civil service exam | W. Va. Code § 5F-2-12 |
| State Employment 10-pt Preference | 30%+ service-connected disability | +10 pts on civil service exam | W. Va. Code § 5F-2-12 |
| Clarksburg Veterans Home | Honorably discharged, nursing-level care | State-subsidized long-term care | WVDVA |
| Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License | 100% P&T service-connected | Free lifetime license | WVDNR |
| National Guard Education Assistance | Active WV Guard members | Tuition assistance at WV public schools | WV Military Division |
| VA Disability Compensation | Service-connected disability | $171–$3,831/month (2026) | 38 USC 1110 |
| Individual Unemployability | 70%+ combined, unemployable | 100% pay rate | 38 CFR 4.16 |
Veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating from the VA are eligible for the veteran-specific homestead exemption under W. Va. Code § 11-6B-3, exempting the first $20,000 of assessed value on their primary residence. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also continue to receive the exemption.
Under W. Va. Code § 18-22A-4, the WV Veterans Bonus provides up to $600 to WV residents who served on active duty during qualifying conflict periods from August 2, 1990 through the present. The bonus is $25 per month of qualifying service, up to $600 maximum. Applications go through the WV Department of Veterans Assistance.
No — WV fully exempts all military retirement pay from state income tax with no cap. VA disability compensation is also federally and state tax-exempt. Combined, disabled veteran retirees in WV can receive significant income completely free of state income tax.
Under W. Va. Code § 5F-2-12, veterans receive a 5-point preference on competitive civil service exams for WV state employment. Veterans with 30%+ service-connected disability receive a 10-point preference. The preference applies to initial hiring only, not promotions.
The WVDVA administers the Veterans Bonus, provides VA claims assistance, operates county veterans service officers, and coordinates state veterans programs. Phone: (304) 558-3661 | Website: veterans.wv.gov.
The WV Veterans Home in Clarksburg is a state-operated long-term care facility providing skilled nursing, dementia care, therapy, and residential living for eligible WV veterans. It accepts VA per diem payments, Medicaid, and private pay. Contact (304) 626-1600 for admission information.
Veterans with 100% P&T service-connected disability can get a free lifetime hunting and fishing license from the WV Division of Natural Resources. Apply with your VA award letter and DD-214.
Yes. The WVDVA and county veterans service officers provide free claims assistance. National VSO chapters (DAV, VFW, American Legion) also have offices throughout WV. For complex or denied claims, VA-accredited attorneys provide free consultations and work on contingency.
No. VA disability compensation is exempt from federal tax under 38 USC 5301 and also exempt from WV state income tax at all rating levels.
West Virginia has full VA Medical Centers in Beckley (304-255-2121) and Clarksburg (304-623-3461), plus CBOCs in Bluefield, Charleston, Elkins, Huntington, Logan, Martinsburg, Princeton, and Sutton for rural access to primary and mental health care.
Active WV National Guard members can access the WV National Guard Education Assistance Program for tuition assistance at WV public colleges. Contact your unit education officer or the WV Military Division at (304) 561-6300 for current eligibility and funding availability.
A higher VA rating unlocks the full property tax exemption, higher monthly compensation, and 10-point employment preference. Free review from a VA-accredited attorney.
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