Which VARO handles Virginia VA claims?

The Roanoke VARO at 116 N Jefferson St, Roanoke, VA 24016 processes federal disability claims for all Virginia residents. Despite the proximity of D.C., Virginia is NOT processed by the Washington VARO — Roanoke handles all of Virginia.

Does Virginia have a property tax exemption for disabled veterans?

Yes. Under Article X §6-A of the Virginia Constitution and §58.1-3219.5 of the Code of Virginia, veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled (or 100% TDIU) receive a full property tax exemption on the primary residence — no value cap. The exemption is constitutional, not just statutory, providing strong legal protection. Surviving spouses retain the exemption under certain conditions.

Does Virginia have a free college program for dependents?

Yes — the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) covers tuition, books, and fees at every Virginia public college and university for spouses and children (age 16-29) of veterans rated 90%+ service-connected disabled OR who died from service-connected causes. Covered up to 36 months of education benefits per qualifying dependent. Administered by the Department of Veterans Services.

What is the V3 program?

Virginia Values Veterans (V3) is a Department of Veterans Services program that certifies Virginia employers as veteran-friendly. V3-certified employers commit to specific veteran hiring goals and receive state recognition. For veterans, V3.virginia.gov is a job board with thousands of openings at certified employers. Particularly useful in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

How long do Virginia VA claims take?

Virginia claim processing times track the national average (125-175 days for standard claims). The Roanoke VARO occasionally runs slightly faster than national average due to relatively smaller geographic jurisdiction.

Virginia · Roanoke VARO · ~700K veterans

Virginia VA Disability Claims Guide

By Shirley Chia · Last updated 2026-05-22 · VARO: Roanoke · Virginia Department of Veterans Services

TL;DR. Virginia has one of the highest per-capita veteran rates in the U.S. (~700K), driven by Hampton Roads Navy + Marine Corps concentrations and Northern Virginia DoD employment. Federal disability claims for all Virginia residents are processed by the Roanoke VARO — not Washington, despite proximity. Virginia's constitutional property tax exemption (Article X §6-A) is one of the strongest in the country: full exemption on the homestead for 100% disabled veterans, no value cap, constitutionally protected. The VMSDEP education benefit covers tuition + books + fees at Virginia public colleges for dependents of 90%+ disabled veterans — up to 36 months per qualifying dependent.

The Virginia veteran population

Virginia is home to approximately 700,000 veterans — among the highest per-capita veteran rates in the U.S. The population concentration follows military geography: Hampton Roads (Naval Station Norfolk, Naval Air Station Oceana, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Marine Corps Base Quantico nearby), Northern Virginia (Pentagon-adjacent communities, Fort Belvoir, the broader DoD employment base), and central Virginia (Fort Lee/Gregg-Adams, formerly Fort Pickett/Barfoot).

The Roanoke VARO

Roanoke Veterans Affairs Regional Office

Address: 116 N Jefferson St, Roanoke, VA 24016
Phone: 1-800-827-1000 (national VA benefits line)
Jurisdiction: All of Virginia

Despite the proximity of D.C., Virginia is NOT served by the Washington VARO. Roanoke processes initial disability claims, supplemental claims, HLR requests, dependency claims, and burial benefits for every Virginia veteran. Northern Virginia veterans may have C&P exams scheduled at facilities closer to home through contracted vendors.

Filing a VA disability claim in Virginia

Identical to the national process — see our how-to-file guide. Virginia-specific paths:

Online via VA.gov. Form 21-526EZ.
Through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS). DVS operates Veterans Benefits Service Representatives at field offices across the state — free, accredited, state-employed. Find your nearest at dvs.virginia.gov.
National VSO chapters. DAV, American Legion, VFW, AMVETS — particularly strong in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia.

Virginia state benefits

Constitutional property tax exemption

Virginia's property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans is rooted in Article X §6-A of the Virginia Constitution and codified in Code of Virginia §58.1-3219.5. Full exemption on the primary residence; no value cap. The constitutional basis means localities cannot impose additional restrictions or means tests.

Eligibility: veteran rated 100% service-connected disabled OR receiving compensation at the 100% rate due to TDIU. Surviving spouses retain the exemption under certain conditions (unmarried, residing in the home).

VMSDEP — Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program

VMSDEP covers tuition, books, and required fees at every Virginia public college and university for:

Spouses (no age limit) of veterans rated 90%+ service-connected disabled OR killed in action OR died from service-connected condition.
Children age 16-29 of qualifying veterans.

Coverage: up to 36 months of education benefits per qualifying dependent. Administered by DVS. The benefit is particularly valuable when combined with Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill transferability — eligible dependents may receive both benefits sequentially.

V3 hiring program

Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certifies Virginia employers as veteran-friendly. v3.virginia.gov hosts a job board with thousands of postings at certified employers, plus career counseling for transitioning veterans. Particularly strong in Northern Virginia (federal contractors) and Hampton Roads (defense industry).

State Veterans Homes

Virginia operates two State Veterans Care Centers under DVS management: Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center (Richmond) and Virginia Veterans Care Center (Roanoke). Skilled nursing and assisted living. Cost is income-based with subsidies for service-connected veterans.

Hiring preferences

Virginia state hiring includes veterans' preference points. Disabled veterans receive additional preference. The Virginia Department of Human Resource Management administers preference rules.

Hunting and fishing licenses

Virginia-resident veterans rated 100% disabled receive free lifetime hunting and freshwater fishing licenses. Less-than-100% service-connected veterans receive discounted licenses.

Accredited representation in Virginia

DVS Veterans Benefits Service Representatives: State-employed, accredited, free. The first stop for most Virginia veterans.
VSO national organizations: DAV, American Legion, VFW, AMVETS, MOPH, PVA — strong networks across Virginia.
Accredited attorneys and claims agents: Listed in the VA OGC accreditation directory. Northern Virginia has a high concentration given proximity to D.C.

Crisis and emergency resources

Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
Virginia Wounded Warrior Program: 1-877-285-1299 — statewide support coordination.
211 Virginia: connects veterans with state and local resources.

Use the calculator

Federal compensation is identical nationwide. Use the VA Combined Rating Calculator to estimate your monthly compensation. Virginia state benefits (property tax exemption, VMSDEP, V3) supplement but do not affect federal compensation.

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. State benefit information verified against DVS sources as of May 2026.