More than 150,000 veterans call the Mountain State home. It’s the only state in the Union to get its sovereignty by a Presidential proclamation. You’re allowed to take roadkill home for supper here, but whistling while under water is against the law. In Alderson, there’s a law banning anyone from walking a lion, tiger or leopard, even if it is on a leash. And in Nicholas County, members of the clergy aren’t allowed to tell jokes from the pulpit during a church service.
Taxes
West Virginia waives up to $2,000 from taxes for military retirees.
- Homestead Exemption. Veterans with a 100 percent, service-connected disability may be exempt from certain property taxes. If you believe you qualify for this exemption, contact your County Assessor’s office.
Education
- In-state Tuition Rates for Nonresident Veterans. Nonresident recipients of the GI Bill who enroll within three years of their discharge will pay in-state tuition rates.
- Medal of Honor & Purple Heart Tuition Waivers. All public institutions of higher education waive tuition and mandatory fee charges for state residents who have been awarded the Medal of Honor or Purple Heart.
Career
- On request, when applying for a West Virginia state job, veterans’ preference points may be applied to veterans with wartime service and an honorable discharge.
- 10 points given to veterans with a service-connected disability or those awarded a Purple Heart.
- 5 points given to eligible veterans
- WV Division of Personnel. Learn the application process, find job fairs and recruitment events.
- Veterans Upward Bound. Provides academic and student support services addressing the unique needs of student veterans.
- West Virginia Military Connection. One stop shopping for veterans and service members reintegrating into civilian life with an emphasis on resources related to training and employment.
Family
- DVA Outreach Services. There are two veterans outreach social workers employed by West Virginia’s Department of Veterans Assistance.
- Supportive Service for Veterans and Families. Designed to improve the housing stability of very low-income veteran families.
- Supportive Service for Veteran Families Program.
Entertainment
- Fishing/Hunting licenses. Veterans who qualify for federal VA auto grant benefits or who have a 100 percent permanent and total service-connected disability qualify for a free WV hunting and fishing license.
- Admission to State Parks. Veterans and active duty have a year round 10 percent discount on all standard lodge rooms, cabins and campsites operated by West Virginia State Parks.
Housing
- Veterans’ Home. The West Virginia Veterans Home is a 150-bed facility in Barboursville, WV. Residents must have an honorable or general discharge, be ambulatory and independent in all activities of daily living. You need at least 12 consecutive months of active duty service, unless medically discharged for a service connected injury.
Cemetery and Burial
- Veterans residing in the state are eligible to receive certain end of life benefits. The Donnel C Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery is named after Navy Corpsman Senior Chief Donnel C. Kinnard whose awards include the Navy Cross, seven Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star.
- Eligibility Determination Form. Pre-needs determination is intended to simplify and assist the veteran’s next-of-kin at the time of death. This does not reserve a plot or niche at the cemetery. There is no cost for this.
Links or Resources
- West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance
- West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance field offices
- Veterans Bonuses. Bonuses available for military members serving in combat areas. Surviving spouses or dependents may apply by calling (304) 558-3661.
