West Virginia Veteran Benefits

West Virginia offers state-level benefits that complement your federal VA benefits. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you may qualify for and where to apply.

Quick Facts

• Property Tax: State income tax credit reimburses real property taxes paid on a qualifying homestead for veterans rated 90–100% permanent & total (P&T); claimed with Form DV-1. This is not a county exemption.
• DMV: Veteran designation available on driver license/ID; multiple military/Disabled Veteran plates. Some fee/registration exemptions exist under WV Code 17A-10-8.
• Education: War Orphans Education Program (survivors) and Veterans Re-education Assistance (short-term training aid) administered by the WV Department of Veterans Assistance.
• Income Tax Notes: VA disability compensation isn’t taxed. West Virginia exempts all military retirement pay from state income tax.

Property Tax Relief

West Virginia provides a Disabled Veteran Real Property Tax Credit (effective TY 2024). Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 90%–100% P&T may claim a state income tax credit for real property taxes they timely paid on their owner-occupied homestead used at least six months during the tax year. File Form DV-1 with your WV state return. This credit can’t be combined with certain senior/disabled credits. An unremarried surviving spouse may qualify if marriage-length conditions are met (see state guidance and your assessor).

DMV & License Benefits

West Virginia offers a Veteran designation on driver licenses/IDs with proof of honorable service. The DMV also issues military and Disabled Veteran plates. Under WV Code 17A-10-8, certain disabled veterans are exempt from specific registration fees/taxes—confirm eligibility and required documentation with the DMV.

Education Benefits

War Orphans Education Program: tuition/fee assistance for eligible spouses and children of veterans who died, are MIA, or are totally disabled due to service. Veterans Re-education Assistance: short-term financial help for eligible veterans pursuing training or certification to improve employability. Contact the WV Department of Veterans Assistance for current criteria and application steps.

Hunting & Fishing

Resident veterans with a 100% permanent service-connected disability or former POWs may fish (and in many cases hunt small game) without standard licenses; a DNR-issued card must be carried. Some trout stamp and additional permit requirements are waived for these groups. See WVDNR regulations for full details.

Spouse & Dependent Benefits

Eligible survivors may receive War Orphans Education assistance. For property tax, the Disabled Veteran Tax Credit may extend to an unremarried surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran (see DV-1 instructions and your county assessor).

West Virginia Veterans Agency

West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance

VA Regional Office

Huntington VA Regional Benefit Office
640 4th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701

VA Medical Centers & Key Clinics

• Beckley VA Medical Center — Beckley
• Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center — Clarksburg
• Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center — Huntington
• Martinsburg VA Medical Center — Martinsburg

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Sources

• WV Tax — Disabled Veteran Real Property Tax Credit (TSD-455)
• WV Tax — Credit overview & DV-1
• WV DMV — Veteran designation on license/ID
• WV Code §17A-10-8 — Registration fee exemptions (selected categories)
• WV DVA — Education Benefits (War Orphans & Re-education)
• WVDNR — 2025 Fishing Regulations (100% P&T/POW privileges)
• WV Tax — Military Retirement Pay Exemption
• VA — Huntington Regional Benefit Office

Last verified: August 26, 2025