Tennessee · Nashville VARO · ~450K veterans
Tennessee VA Disability Claims Guide
TL;DR. Tennessee has ~450,000 veterans, with concentrations near Fort Campbell (Clarksville, split with Kentucky), Naval Support Activity Mid-South (Millington, near Memphis), and the Tennessee National Guard footprint. Federal claims processed by the Nashville VARO. Tennessee has no state income tax (the Hall Tax on investment income was eliminated in 2021), making VA compensation effectively state-tax-free. Property tax relief on the first $175K of market value for 100% disabled veterans. Helping Heroes Grant and Tennessee STRONG Scholarship for tuition support.
The Tennessee veteran population
Tennessee has approximately 450,000 veterans. Major installations: Fort Campbell (Clarksville, just south of the Kentucky border, 101st Airborne and 5th Special Forces Group), Naval Support Activity Mid-South (Millington, near Memphis), Arnold AFB (Tullahoma area, mostly civilian), and a strong Tennessee National Guard footprint.
The Nashville VARO
Nashville Veterans Affairs Regional Office
Address: 110 9th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Jurisdiction: All of Tennessee
Filing a VA disability claim in Tennessee
- Online via VA.gov.
- Through Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS). TDVS Veterans Service Officers statewide. Find your nearest at tn.gov/veteran.
- County Veterans Service Offices.
- National VSO chapters.
Tennessee state benefits
No state income tax
Tennessee has no general state income tax. The Hall Tax on investment income was eliminated in 2021. VA disability compensation, military retirement pay, and all other income are not subject to state income tax in Tennessee.
Property Tax Relief Program
Tennessee's Property Tax Relief Program (T.C.A. §67-5-704) provides relief on the first $175,000 of market value of the principal residence for:
- Veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled (or 100% TDIU).
- Veterans with specific severe disabilities (paraplegia, blindness, double amputation).
The state reimburses local governments for the relief, so it is not a "true" exemption but the financial impact on the veteran is the same. Surviving spouses retain the benefit under certain conditions. Apply through the Tennessee Comptroller's office or county trustee.
Helping Heroes Grant
The Helping Heroes Grant provides up to $1,000 per semester at Tennessee public colleges for veterans who served in qualifying combat zones. Administered by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation.
Tennessee STRONG Scholarship
The Tennessee STRONG Scholarship covers tuition for dependents of veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled or KIA. Administered by TDVS in coordination with public colleges.
Free hunting and fishing licenses
Tennessee residents rated 100% service-connected disabled receive free hunting and fishing licenses through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
State Veterans Homes
Tennessee operates four State Veterans Homes: Humboldt, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, and Clarksville. Skilled nursing care.
Hiring preferences
Tennessee state hiring includes veterans' preference. Disabled veterans receive enhanced preference.
Accredited representation in Tennessee
- TDVS Veterans Service Officers. 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.
- TDVS main: 615-741-2931.
Use the calculator
Federal compensation is identical nationwide. Use the VA Combined Rating Calculator. TN benefits supplement; no state income tax means every federal dollar reaches the veteran.
Calculate your federal compensation →Sources cited in this article
VetDisabilityCalc is an independent reference site. We are not VA-accredited and we do not prepare or present VA claims.