Virginia

Print-and-take checklist. Tick each box as you go, and keep it with your paperwork.

• Download your current VA benefit summary letter from VA.gov. It proves your rating for almost every benefit below.
• Home tax: get your county or city Commissioner of the Revenue's disabled veteran real estate exemption form and file it with your VA letter.
• Car tax: ask the same Commissioner of the Revenue for the one-vehicle disabled veteran exemption and file it.
• Surviving spouse: if the veteran died on or after January 1, 2011, or was killed in action, ask the local office about continuing the home tax exemption, even if you move.
• Income tax: read the Virginia Military Benefits Subtraction rules before you file your Form 760, and do not report VA disability pay as income.
• DMV plates: get form VSA 54 signed by a Veterans Service Officer (or use your VA letter) and order your free Disabled Veteran plates.
• DMV marker: add the Veteran indicator to your driver's license or identification card.
• Purple Heart: order your free Purple Heart plates with your DD214 or award certificate.
• Hunting and fishing: send the Resident Disabled Veteran's Lifetime License application to the Virginia DWR with your VA rating letter.
• State parks: email the Veteran Disability Pass application (form DCR199-036) and your 100 percent VA paperwork to resvs@dcr.virginia.gov.
• College: start a VMSDEP application in the Virginia Department of Veterans Services portal for your spouse or child, and re-check enrollment each semester.
• Jobs: sign up with the free Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program and claim your state-job hiring preference.
• Support: save the Virginia Department of Veterans Services toll-free line, 1-844-838-7838, for benefits help and Virginia Veteran and Family Support.
• Free claims help: for any new rating, increase, appeal, or individual unemployability question, book a free VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer at your local Virginia Department of Veterans Services office. Never pay for claim help.

Full step-by-step guide: ratednowwhat.com/benefits-by-state#h2_5741a20a

Education only. Not the VA, not a government agency, and not financial, tax, or legal advice. Help with a VA claim or rating is always free through a VA-accredited Veteran Service Officer.