Visit: #1 Columbus Tower Suite 610 Town Center Dr.Corner Main Street Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462

Visit: #1 Columbus Tower Suite 610 Town Center Dr.Corner Main Street Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462

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    West Virginia Exclusive State Benefits

    Factoid: West Virginia has over 130,000 veterans and is home to multiple Guard and Reserve units. The state offers strong property tax relief, tuition waivers, hunting/fishing privileges, and targeted veteran employment services.
    Key Contact:
    West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance (WVDVA)
    📍 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Building 5, Room 205, Charleston, WV 25305
    🌐 https://veterans.wv.gov | 📞 (304) 558 3661 | 📧 vog.vw%40snaretev

    ⚕️ State Veterans Nursing Facility
    🟩 West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg provides skilled nursing, rehab, and long term care for eligible veterans/spouses.
    📍 1 Freedoms Way, Clarksburg, WV 26301
    🌐 https://veterans.wv.gov/state-facilities | 📞 (304) 626 1600 | 📧 vog.vw%40fnvvw
    🚗 Driver License & ID Benefits
    🟩 Free “Veteran” indicator on driver’s license or ID for honorably discharged veterans.
    🟩 Military/veteran plates available; some free for disabled veterans.
    📍 WV Division of Motor Vehicles
    🌐 https://transportation.wv.gov/dmv | 📞 (800) 642 9066 | 📧 vog.vw%40liamEVMD
    🏠 Property Tax Exemption
    🟩 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans may be exempt from certain property taxes on primary residence.
    📍 Apply through county assessor.
    🌐 https://veterans.wv.gov/benefits | 📞 (304) 558 3661

    • 💵 Income Tax Benefits
      🟩 Military retirement pay fully exempt from West Virginia state income tax.
      🟩 VA disability compensation and survivor benefits tax free.
      🌐 https://tax.wv.gov | 📞 (304) 558 3333
      🎓 Education Benefits
      🟩 In state tuition for all veterans and eligible dependents regardless of residency.
      🟩 Medal of Honor & Purple Heart recipients — full tuition waiver at WV public colleges.
      🟩 Veterans Re Education Assistance Program (VRAP) — tuition aid for unemployed veterans in approved programs.
      📍 WV Higher Education Policy Commission
      🌐 https://wvhepc.edu | 📞 (304) 558 2101 | 📧 ude.cpehvw%40snaretev
      💼 Employment Services
      🟩 Veterans preference in state hiring.
      🟩 WorkForce WV — veteran employment reps, resume help, and training grants.
      🌐 https://workforcewv.org | 📞 (800) 252 5627 | 📧 gro.vwecrofkrow%40snaretev
      🌳 Recreation & Licenses
      🟩 Lifetime hunting/fishing licenses for 100% disabled veterans (free).
      🟩 Discounted licenses for other eligible veterans.
      🟩 Reduced fees for camping at WV state parks for disabled veterans.
      📍 WV Division of Natural Resources
      🌐 https://wvdnr.gov | 📞 (304) 558 2754 | 📧 vog.vw%40ofnI.RND
      ⚖️ Legal Assistance
      🟩 Free legal help for veterans through WVU Veterans Advocacy Law Clinic and Legal Aid of WV.
      🌐 https://law.wvu.edu/clinics/veterans-advocacy-law-clinic | 📞 (304) 293 7249
      🌐 https://www.lawv.net | 📞 (866) 255 4370 | 📧 ten.vwal%40ofni
      ⚰️ State Veterans Cemeteries
      🟩 Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery (Institute, WV) offers free burial for veterans and nominal cost burial for spouses/dependents.
      📍 130 Academy Drive, Dunbar, WV 25064
      🌐 https://veterans.wv.gov/state-facilities | 📞 (304) 746 0026 | 📧 vog.vw%40yretemec
      💡 Additional WV Specific Programs
      🟩 Veterans Transportation Program — free rides for VA medical appointments.
      🌐 https://veterans.wv.gov/benefits | 📞 (304) 558 3661
      🟩 WV Veterans Bonus Program — cash bonuses for eligible service in specific conflicts.
      🌐 https://veterans.wv.gov/bonus | 📞 (304) 558 3661
      ________________________________________
      Disclaimer:
      This is NOT an official handout from DoD, VA, DOL nor FFSC but created by Dr. Tony Astro, PhD, GCDF, CMCS, CCSP as part of his class & capstone counseling. To reach out for correction and additional information connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyastro. You can also subscribe to his Military Benefits and Transition page for an update on this at https://www.linkedin.com/company/tonyastro.

       

    West Virginia Veteran Welcome Guide

    Welcome to West Virginia, Veterans!

    Your guide to benefits, deals, and life in the Mountain State.

    Key Veteran Benefits

    • Full Military Retirement Pay Exemption: West Virginia does not tax military retirement pay, providing a significant financial advantage for career veterans.
    • Property Tax Exemption: 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans may be exempt from property taxes on their primary residence.
    • Education Waivers: Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients receive a full tuition waiver at West Virginia public colleges and universities.

    Top 10 Things to Do

    1. Explore New River Gorge National Park and walk across the iconic bridge.
    2. Visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, a town steeped in Civil War history.
    3. Hike to the top of Seneca Rocks for breathtaking views.
    4. See the stunning waterfalls at Blackwater Falls State Park.
    5. Tour the West Virginia State Capitol and Museum in Charleston.
    6. Experience the unique underground tour at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine.
    7. Go whitewater rafting on the Gauley or New River.
    8. Drive the Highland Scenic Highway for incredible mountain vistas.
    9. Visit The Greenbrier, a historic luxury resort in White Sulphur Springs.
    10. Explore the mysterious Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston.

    Why West Virginia is a Great Place for Veterans

    As a transition counselor, I see many veterans seeking a lower cost of living and a higher quality of life, and West Virginia delivers on both fronts. The full tax exemption on military retirement pay combined with affordable housing makes it one of the most financially sound states for career retirees. Your hard-earned pension and benefits go much further here, reducing financial stress during the transition to civilian life.


    Beyond the financial benefits, the state's motto, "Montani Semper Liberi" (Mountaineers Are Always Free), embodies a spirit of independence and resilience that resonates with the military community. The wild, beautiful landscapes offer a therapeutic escape and endless opportunities for hunting, fishing, and hiking—activities that many service members enjoy. For veterans who value community, self-sufficiency, and the peace of the outdoors, West Virginia provides a welcoming and supportive environment to build their next chapter.

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    Veteran Benefits Directory

    StateVET: your fast track to state benefits, offices, and verified links

    Search or browse all 50 states + DC. Each page centralizes veterans’ benefits, state VA departments, FFSC/transition contacts, and trusted resources—curated by Dr. Tony Astro.

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