What Veterans Don't Know About Their VA Benefits
- CMTJ, LLC
- May 21
- 3 min read
Updated: May 26
Unlocking the Support You've Already Earned - Your VA Benefits
If you’re a U.S. Veteran, chances are you’ve only scratched the surface of the benefits available to you. Most Veterans are aware of disability compensation, but many don’t realize they may be missing out on dozens of other forms of support — from education and home loans to state-level perks like free hunting licenses, property tax breaks, and even college tuition for their children.
In this post, we’ll cover:
Common myths that keep Veterans from claiming benefits
Federal benefits you may not know you qualify for
Powerful non-monetary benefits available state-by-state
How to take action today
Common Misconceptions About VA Benefits
Let’s clear the air on a few widespread misunderstandings:
❌ “If I didn’t serve in combat, I’m not eligible.”
✅Truth: You don’t need combat service to qualify. Many service-connected injuries happen during training or non-combat roles. If your condition began or worsened during your service, you may still be eligible for compensation.
❌ “I can’t apply—I waited too long.”
✅Truth: There is no time limit to file a claim. Even if decades have passed since your service, you can still apply for benefits and back pay may be available from your filing date.
❌ “I was denied once—so I must not qualify.”
✅Truth: Most Veterans are initially denied. That doesn’t mean your case is closed. Many approvals happen on appeal or after submitting stronger evidence. It’s worth a second look—with expert guidance.
Federal VA Benefits You Might Be Overlooking
Beyond monthly disability compensation, the VA offers benefits you may not be using:
🏠 VA Home Loan Program
Buy, build, or refinance a home with zero down payment and no private mortgage insurance. Great for Veterans with limited savings.
🎓 Education & Training (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Covers tuition, books, and even housing for Veterans and their dependents. Some states offer tuition waivers on top of this.
💼 Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
Helps disabled Veterans with job training, resume development, and even funding for education if you’re unable to use your GI Bill.
🩺 VA Healthcare
Access to free or low-cost medical services, including specialists, mental health, and prescriptions. Even non-service-connected conditions may be covered based on your income or other factors.
Non-Monetary Benefits You Didn’t Know You Could Get
Every U.S. state offers its own set of Veteran benefits that go beyond federal programs. These are often underutilized simply because Veterans don’t know they exist.
Here are just a few examples:
✅ State-by-State Non-Monetary VA Benefits (Highlights)
State | Benefit Example |
Texas | Free college tuition for Veterans and their kids (Hazlewood Act), free driver's license |
Florida | No property tax for 100% disabled Veterans, free access to state parks |
California | Tuition fee waiver for dependents, veterans’ homes, priority for state jobs |
Ohio | Free license plates for certain service-connected disabilities, free legal aid for low-income Veterans |
New York | Civil service preference points, veterans' treatment courts, recreation licenses |
Alaska | Free hunting/fishing licenses, veterans land discount program |
North Carolina | Priority admission to nursing homes, property tax relief |
Illinois | Military specialty license plates, state employment preference |
Nevada | Free entrance to state parks, Veterans advocate offices in each county |
Georgia | Free driver's license and ID cards, vehicle tag fee exemption |
🔍 Note: These are just examples. Many states offer dozens of other benefits, including burial services, caregiver support, tuition waivers for dependents, and access to specialized Veteran programs. This topic will be covered in more detail in a future post!
Or, you can explore all your state’s benefits through your state Department of Veterans Affairs website or by visiting the VA’s State Benefits Directory.
Take Action Today
If you’re a Veteran, there’s a good chance you’re leaving benefits on the table—not just money, but services and support systems that could change your quality of life.
At Increase Your VA Benefits, we help Veterans:
Understand what they’re entitled to
Gather strong medical evidence
File and appeal claims with confidence
Maximize their monthly compensation and non-monetary support
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