Arizona · Phoenix VARO · ~500K veterans
Arizona VA Disability Claims Guide
TL;DR. Arizona has ~500,000 veterans, driven by Davis-Monthan AFB (Tucson), Luke AFB (Phoenix), Fort Huachuca (Sierra Vista, Army Intelligence Center), Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, and the large retiree population in the Phoenix and Tucson metros. Arizona's property tax exemption for disabled veterans was historically restrictive but loosened in 2022 (Prop 130). VA disability and military retirement are both fully exempt from Arizona state income tax. Free state park admission for service-connected veterans.
The Arizona veteran population
Arizona has approximately 500,000 veterans. The geography is shaped by warm-weather retirement migration plus an active military footprint: Davis-Monthan AFB (Tucson, the A-10 / aircraft boneyard), Luke AFB (Phoenix, F-35 pilot training), Fort Huachuca (Army Intelligence Center, near Sierra Vista), MCAS Yuma, and the Yuma Proving Ground.
The Phoenix VARO
Phoenix Veterans Affairs Regional Office
Address: 3333 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Jurisdiction: All of Arizona
Filing a VA disability claim in Arizona
- Online via VA.gov.
- Through Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS). ADVS Veteran Benefits Counselors statewide. Find your nearest at dvs.az.gov.
- County Veterans Service Officers.
- National VSO chapters.
Arizona state benefits
Property tax exemption (post-Prop 130, 2022)
Arizona's veteran property tax exemption (Arizona Constitution Article IX §2.2 + A.R.S. §42-11111) was historically restrictive due to an Arizona-residency-at-enlistment requirement that effectively excluded most veterans. Voters approved Proposition 130 in 2022 to remove this restriction.
Under the updated rules, qualifying disabled veterans receive an exemption on a portion of assessed value, with the specific amount depending on assessment ratios and implementing legislation. The legislature continues to refine implementation; check current eligibility and amounts with your county assessor.
State income tax exemption
VA disability compensation and military retirement pay are both fully exempt from Arizona state income tax (the latter since 2021).
Arizona Tuition Waiver
The Arizona Tuition Waiver at Arizona public universities (ABOR) waives tuition for spouses and children of certain disabled or deceased Arizona veterans. Specific eligibility tiers based on disability rating and KIA status. Administered by ADVS in coordination with the universities.
Free state park access
Veterans with VA service-connected disability receive a free Arizona State Parks Disabled Veteran Annual Day Use Pass. Apply through ADVS.
State Veterans Homes
Arizona operates State Veterans Homes in Phoenix and Tucson. Skilled nursing care; cost income-based with subsidies for service-connected veterans.
Hiring preferences
Arizona state hiring includes veterans' preference. Disabled veterans receive enhanced preference.
Specialty license plates
Veterans rated 100% disabled receive a free Disabled Veteran license plate, exempt from registration fees.
Accredited representation in Arizona
- ADVS Veteran Benefits Counselors. State-employed, accredited, free.
- County Veterans Service Officers.
- VSO national organizations.
- Accredited attorneys via VA OGC directory.
Crisis and emergency resources
- Veterans Crisis Line: 988, press 1; or text 838255.
- ADVS main: 602-255-3373.
Use the calculator
Federal compensation is identical nationwide. Use the VA Combined Rating Calculator. AZ benefits supplement; VA disability + military retirement are both AZ-tax-exempt.
Calculate your federal compensation →Sources cited in this article
- Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS)
- A.R.S. §42-11111 — Disabled veteran property tax exemption
VetDisabilityCalc is an independent reference site. We are not VA-accredited and we do not prepare or present VA claims.