Virginia State

Veteran's Benefits

The commonwealth of Virginia provides several veteran benefits. Following is a brief

description of those summarized in this attachment:
 Housing
 Financial
 Employment
 Education
 Recreation
 Burial
 Other Commonwealth Sponsored Veteran Benefits

Housing

The commonwealth of Virginia runs two existing and two soon to be planned long term care
centers:
 Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center (Richmond)
 Virginia Veterans Care Center (Roanoke)
 Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center, Virginia Beach (Opening Early 2020)
 Puller Veterans Care Center, Vint Hill, Fauquier County (Opening Early 2020)

Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center (Richmond)

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Named for two Medal of Honor recipients—Colonel Van Barfoot and Colonel Carl Sitter—this
care center provides the gold standard in quality care for Virginia’s veterans. The Sitter &
Barfoot Veterans Care Center (SBVCC) is located on the campus of the McGuire VA Medical
Center in Richmond, Virginia and is operated by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

This single-level facility features 200 single-occupancy rooms in four nursing units: two 60-
bed skilled nursing care units, one 40-bed skilled nursing care unit and one 40-bed secure
Alzheimer’s dementia unit with enclosed courtyards.

Admission Criteria: Honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces, Virginia residency at the
time of admission or entry into active duty from Virginia, and meet medical requirements for
nursing home care. Spouses are not eligible for admission with veteran. Veterans do not need a
service-connected disability for admission. SBVCC accepts payment from private insurers,
Medicare and Medicaid. Most veterans also qualify for the VA per diem facility credit.

Amenities include Private rooms with private baths—all are handicap accessible and include
a roll-in shower, Barber/beauty shop, Pharmacy, Activity rooms, Lounges, Library, Game room,
Computers with Internet access, walking trail, and landscaped inner courtyards. We are
considered a SMOKEFREE facility. Smoking is prohibited within the building or surrounding
grounds, by residents, at anytime. No smoking includes smokeless tobacco products such as
chewing tobacco and E‐Cigarettes/” vaping” product.
The VA will not provide medications to residents of nursing facilities. The rate for SBVCC is
currently $210.00 per day based on Veterans Administration approval of patient per diem
payment of $110.00. If not approved, the daily rate is $320.

If you have any questions or would like an information packet sent to you, contact the
Admissions Director Kim Elliott at Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center, 1601 Broad Rock
Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 Tel: (804) 371-8000 or email kim.elliott@dvs.virginia.gov. You
can also download a packet at https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/wp-
content/uploads/2020/09/SBVCC-Application-Pack-Rev-9-14-20.pdf. At
https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/wp-
content/uploads/2014/08/SitterBarfootBrochure_2016TriFold07.pdf a brochure is available for
viewing.
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Virginia Veterans Care Center (Roanoke)

The mission of the Virginia Veterans Care Center (VVCC) is to provide affordable, high quality,
comprehensive nursing and domiciliary care to Commonwealth of Virginia residents who are
admitted to the VVCC, are aged or infirm, and are honorably discharged veterans of the United
States Armed Forces.

The Virginia Veterans Care Center has 224 beds in the facility and provides comprehensive, high
quality care with on-site laboratory work, x-rays, physical therapy, podiatry care, and many other
ancillary health care services. The Salem VA Medical Center is also located next door for
additional services for those qualified.

Additionally, the building and grounds offer an array of amenities to include wheelchair
accessible nature trails and deck, library, chapel, barber shop, and billiard room. The facility is
nestled in the landscape of the Blue Ridge mountainside and has been enjoyed by our veterans
since it was opened on Veterans Day, 1992.

The Virginia Veterans Care Center is now a Smoke Free property. If you have any questions or
would like an information packet sent to you, contact the Admissions Director Heather
Whiteheart, Virginia Veterans Care Center, 4550 Shenandoah Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24017 Tel:
(540) 982-2860 ext. 4107 or email heather.whiteheart@dvs.virginia.gov.Daily room rates as of
10/1/2018 are:

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 An admission packet is available at https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/wp-
content/uploads/2018/12/2018-Admission-Application-Packet-for-Web-Packet.pdf

Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center, Virginia Beach (Opening 2022)

The new Jones & Cabacoy veterans care center will be built in the Princess Anne section of
Virginia Beach on a 24-acre site next to the planned extension of Nimmo Parkway. The land for
the site was donated by the City of Virginia Beach at no cost to the state. The 120-bed facility
will feature all private rooms that will be organized into households and neighborhoods that
surround a central community center.

Admission Criteria for vets will be honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces, Virginia
residency at the time of admission or entry into active duty from Virginia, and meets medical
requirements for nursing home care. Amenities will include:
 Private rooms with private baths—all are handicap accessible and include a roll-in
shower
 Barber/beauty shop
 Pharmacy
 Activity rooms & Lounges
 Library & Game room

Puller Veterans Care Center, Vint Hill, Fauquier County (Opening 2022)

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The new Puller Veterans Care Center will be built on the former Vint Hill Farms Station in
Fauquier County, which previously served as a United States Army and National Security
Agency facility. The site played a critical role in eavesdropping on enemy communications
during World War II, when it intercepted a message that helped lead to the D-Day invasion of
Normandy. The new care center will deliver top-quality care to Virginia veterans in a home-like
setting. The 128-bed facility will feature all private rooms that will be organized into households
and neighborhoods that surround a central community center.

Admission Criteria for vets will be honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces, Virginia
residency at the time of admission or entry into active duty from Virginia, and meets medical
requirements for nursing home care. Amenities will include:
 Private rooms with private baths—all are handicap accessible and include a roll-in
shower
 Barber/beauty shop and Pharmacy
 Activity rooms and Lounges
 Library and Game room

Financial

Income Tax
Up to $15,000 of military basic pay received during the taxable year may be exempted from
Virginia income tax. For every $1.00 of income over $15,000, the maximum subtraction is
reduced by $1.00. For example, if your basic pay is $16,000, you are entitled to deduct only
$14,000. You are not eligible for the subtraction if your military basic pay is $30,000 or more.
Military personnel must serve on active duty for 90 days or more and can be stationed inside or
outside of Virginia.

For VA National Guard, up to 39 calendar days of service or $3,000 (whichever is less) may be
deducted from your income when filing. This deduction is only available for O-3 and below.

Real Estate Tax Exemption

Veterans rated by the VA as having a 100%, permanent and total, service-connected disability or
who have a service-connected individual unemployable disability rating are exempt from paying
real estate taxes on their primary residence. The exemption is based on the veteran’s disability
rating rather than the level of compensation. The exemption includes property held jointly by a
husband and wife, and applies to the residence and up to one acre of land.

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The surviving spouse of an eligible veteran may also receive the real estate tax exemption if the
veteran died on or after January 1, 2011. As of July 1, 2019, surviving spouses of KIA/DOW
(i.e. killed in action or died of wounds) and 100% disabled veterans are allowed to move and
take the exemption with them.

Employment

Veterans Education Training & Employment (VETE)

The Veterans Education Training and Employment (VETE) directorate of the Virginia
Department of Veteran’s Services ensures that every Veteran or eligible person has post-
secondary educational, training/licensure/certification, entrepreneurial institutions, V3 certified a
full and fair opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential through access to the G.I. Bill
approved employers and Virginia Colleges and Universities. Currently, more than 1000
institutions with various programs are approved in Virginia.
VETE houses the:
 https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/education-employment/state-approving-agency State
Approving Agency for Veterans Education and Training (SAA)
 https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/education-employment/virginia-military-survivors-and-
dependents-education-program Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education
Program (VMSDEP)
 https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/education-employment/employmentv3-vtap-programs
Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program
 https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/education-employment/virginia-transition-assistance-
program-vtap Virginia Transition Assistance Program

State Employment
If an agency uses a scored test by which to evaluate applicants, veterans must receive a credit of
an additional 5% of his or her score or, if the applicant is a veteran having a service-connected
disability rating fixed by the VA, he or she must receive a credit of an additional 10% of his or
her score. 

Virginia Transition Assistance Program (VTAP)

The Virginia Transition Assistance Program (VTAP) offers transitioning service members and
their spouses the best Virginia has to offer. By providing peer-to-peer support through the
transition process, VTAP works alongside the transitioning service member or spouse to make
referrals that address specific needs. The referral services could include, but is not limited to
resume review, introduction to the Virginia Labor Market index, connection with the Virginia
Values Veterans (V3) certified companies for employment, and other DVS programs as

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applicable. The VTAP core areas of focus are those seeking employment, education, and
entrepreneurship, but we will also assist those with needs outside of those three core areas. We
make a commitment to customer service, and always ensure that referrals are completed with
follow up from the VTAP staff.

Over time, VTAP has developed a refined network of employers and other resources that have
made a commitment to our transitioning service members and their spouses. Through that
network, VTAP partners to offer multiple connection points with those seeking employment
through networking events, job fairs, hiring events, and electronic communications promoting
jobs and events. We want service members and spouses to start thinking about transition early!
Through outreach and services, VTAP provides a strong case for why a transitioning service
member should call Virginia home post-transition. The goals of VTAP ARE
 Peer to Peer support to transitioning service members and their spouses
 Outreach for the Commonwealth of Virginia, answering the question “Why Virginia?”
 Partner with federal, state, local, nonprofit, and employers to provide the best possible
resources to our service members and spouses

If you are a transitioning service member, Veteran or spouse looking for employment, sign up
for the VTAP Newsletter called the Transition Connection. VTAP collects job postings from
employers looking to hire veterans and spouses and sends them out twice each week to our list of
subscribers. Each posting will host a unique set of job openings for all levels of occupations all
across the Commonwealth. We also include upcoming events for you as well and key
information you need to know as a Virginia Veteran. In order to join the subscription list, click
here. If you are an employer or resource provider and would like to receive a copy of the
Transition Connection, sign up here.

VTAP works to increase connection points between employers and transitioning service member
through a variety of events. For descriptions of upcoming events and a list by date, please see
below.
 HIRE VETS NOW Hiring and Networking Events If you are still transitioning and
want an opportunity to meet employers in a more casual environment, join us at one of
our hiring and networking events hosted throughout the state with the Virginia Chamber
of Commerce Foundation and other local partners.
 Hiring Events and Job Fairs Hiring Events and Job Fairs offer an opportunity for
transitioning service members and their spouses to interact with employers in traditional
job fair style events, “speed-dating” style hiring events, and other employment events. To
see a list of upcoming events, subscribe to the Transition Connection and get the most up-
to-date information.
 Employment Workshops VTAP facilitates Employment Workshops across the
Commonwealth that will give transitioning service members and their families and
opportunity to do some hands-on work on your resume and practice your interviewing
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 skills. To see a list of upcoming events, subscribe to the Transition Connection and get
the most up-to-date information.
 Upcoming VTAP Events! Go to https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/education-
employment/virginia-transition-assistance-program-vtap and click on the appropriate
website indicated to o determine when the next Hiring and Networking Event, resume
writing workshop, or Financial Planning Basics webinar events are scheduled.

Veterans Career Transition Program

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services is pleased to offer the resources of the Onward to
Opportunity in Partnership with the Veterans Career Transition Program (O2O-VCTP) to
eligible Virginia transitioning Service Members, Veterans and family members through the
Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University.

O2O-VCTP is a free, comprehensive career training, certification and employment program

designed to launch you into your next career with over 30 industry-recognized learning paths and
courses as part of three career tracks: Customer Service, Information Technology, and Business
Management. The program offers classroom and web-based training to accommodate all types of
learners. Transitioning service members, veterans and military families can also benefit from the
uniquely military employment pipeline with direct connections to career-path counseling, job-
ready training and access to over 400 brand name employers.

To learn more visit: http://onward2opportunity-vctp.org/the-program/.

Education Assistance

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program

The Military Survivors and Dependents Program (VMSDEP) provides educations benefits to
spouses and children of military service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or
who became at least 90 percent disabled as a result of military service in an armed conflict.
Military service includes service in the United States Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces
Reserves, the Virginia National Guard, or the Virginia National Guard Reserves. Armed conflict
includes military operations against terrorism or as the result of a terrorist act, a peace-keeping
mission, or any armed conflict after December 6, 1941. This program may pay for tuition of fee
at any state-supported college or university in Virginia. Benefits are available for up to 36
months.

Honorary Diplomas for World War II Veterans

Veteran Honorary High School Diplomas recognize the life experiences of veterans who were
unable to complete their high school education because of service in the armed forces during

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World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Since the first honorary diplomas were
issues in 2001, more than 1,000 have been awarded to veterans of these three wars.

To obtain an honorary diploma, a veteran may submit a statement to the Veterans Education Unit
of the Virginia Department of Education describing his or her serve, The location of the last
school attended, and affirming that he or she was unable to complete high school upon return to
civilian life The guidelines also allow family members and veterans' organizations to submit this
information on behalf

Credits2Careers
Credits2Careers evaluates your military experience for college credits and lets you see how they
apply to VCCS programs that support your career goals. The colleges in the Virginia Community
College System are committed to evaluating your military experience and granting college
credit. This credit, Credit for Prior Learning, can then be applied to meet the academic
requirements of a degree or certificate program at that college – so you complete the degree or
certificate you need for a future career – faster and at a lower cost. Credits2Careers also helps
you explore careers based on either your military background or your personal goals and interest
and VCCS programs that prepare you for the career you choose. Create a C2C account and load
your military transcript to get a complete estimate of college credits for your military experience,
explore careers, find VCCS degrees that help your career, search jobs…and more! Click here to
visit the Credits2Careers Website.

Recreation

Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans 

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries offers a free lifetime hunting and fishing
license, and a discounted saltwater license for Virginia resident veterans who are totally and
permanently service-connected disabled. They also offer annual discounted hunting and
freshwater fishing licenses to 70% and greater service-connected disabled veterans as well as a
discounted hunting, fishing, and saltwater license for non-resident permanently disabled
veterans. Refer to https://dwr.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/annual-hunting-fishing-license-
for-partially-disabled-veterans.pdf. For non-resident Totally and Permanently Disabled Veterans
refer to https://dwr.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/annual-hunting-fishing-license-for-non-
resident-totally-and-permanently-disabled-veterans.pdf.

Active Duty Hunting & Fishing License

Active duty members stationed in Virginia can get hunting & fishing licenses for the resident
rate. (https://license.gooutdoorsvirginia.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx?
utm_source=veterans_resources&utm_medium=link&utm_content=active_duty_licenses)

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State Park Admission
Veterans with 100 percent VA disability are eligible for free admission and parking and
admission for the pass holder and anyone needed to assist them at Virginia state parks. The pass
also covers boat launch and horse trailer parking and a 50 percent discount on camping,
swimming, shelters and equipment rental. You do not need to be a Virginia resident to qualify.
Forstate park fees refer to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/parkfees and
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/feespasses.pdf.

Burial

Burial Services
Upon request VA will assign a gravesite, open and close the grave, order and place the grave
marker, and provide perpetual care for the veteran and their spouse/ eligible dependent.
Additionally, they offer the veteran the three following choices: Casketed Ground Burial,
Cremation Ground Burial, or Cremation Above-Ground inurnment in our Columbarium Niches.
There is no cost to the veteran for these services. For the spouse/ eligible dependent, the cost is
$300. Go to https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Cemetery-Brochure-
2013-07.pdf to download cemetery brochure.

For expediency, the veteran may apply prior to death to determine eligibility for interment in the
cemetery. You can download a copy of the pre-application form at www.dvs.virginia.gov. Please
remember that in addition to the pre-application form, you must submit documentation of
military service (DD 214 or equivalent) and a copy of a marriage certificate, if applicable. You
must also inform cemetery management of other dependent eligibility status at time of
application.

Eligibility Requirements for Interment - Members of the U.S. Armed Forces who die on active
duty, who retire from military service, or who are honorably discharged are eligible for burial in
one of Virginia's veterans cemeteries Under certain conditions, the following persons are also
eligible for interment:
 Members of the reserve components of the Armed forces, such as the Army National
Guard or Air National Guard.

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  Members of the Reserve Officer's Training Corps of the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
 Any Citizen of the United States who served in the Armed Forces of any government
allied with the United States during wartime.
 Any Commissioned officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or
the Regular or Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.
 American merchant seamen who served actively during World War II.
 Anyone who dies while enroute to be inducted into military service.

Dependents - The legal spouse (or widow or widower) and/or an unmarried minor child under
age 21 meets eligibility requirements. In addition, an unmarried adult child who, before the age
of 21, became permanently incapable of self-support because of physical or mental disability
may also be interred.

Unclaimed Cremains – The Virginia VA invites all funeral homes, hospitals, prisons,
crematories, and other facilities holding unclaimed cremains to join the Virginia Military Funeral
Honors for Unclaimed Veterans’ Cremains Program. To provide a list of unclaimed cremains at
your facility or to request assistance or information, contact: Virginia Department of Veterans
Services, Albert G. Horton, Jr., Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5210 Milners Road. Suffolk, VA
23434 Tel: (757) 255 · 7217. Participating organizations will receive a certificate recognizing
their participation in the Virginia Military Funeral Honors for Unclaimed Veterans’ Cremains
Program. Participating organizations will also be recognized on the program’s website once it is
established. And, as support for this program grows, we expect positive media coverage
recognizing the commitment made by all program participants.

Cemetery Locations –

Amelia Cemetery

Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia, VA 23002. The
cemetery is open to the public for visitation everyday during daylight hours. The cemetery
administrative office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for
federal and state holidays. The cemetery administrative office may be reached at (804) 561-1475

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during business hours. After hours calls will be returned the next business day. A cemetery team
member will also be available on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. to schedule services for the next
week. Please call (804) 561-1475 and listen to the message. The message will provide you with
the contact number for the “duty scheduler” for that Saturday. Funeral directors should call (804)
561-1475 during normal business hours to schedule interment services. If a cemetery team
member does not answer, please leave a message – your call will be returned no later than the
next business day. Go to https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Amelia-Pre-
Application-Form-NEW-as-of-10.6.2020-DRAFT.docx to download a copy of the pre-
application form.

Suffolk Cemetery

Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434. The
Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery is open to the public for visitation every day
during daylight hours, including weekends and holidays. The cemetery administrative office is
open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for federal and state holidays.
The cemetery administrative office may be reached at (757) 255-7217 during business hours.
After hours calls will be returned the next business day On Saturdays from 9:00am to 3:00pm, a
cemetery team member will be available to assist families in locating grave or cremation sites.
Funeral directors should call (757) 255-7217 during normal business hours to schedule interment
services. If a cemetery team member does not answer, please leave a message – your call will be
returned no later than the next business day. A cemetery team member will also be available on
Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. to schedule services for the next week. Please call 757-255-7217
and listen to the message, which will provide you with the contact number for the “duty
scheduler” for that Saturday. Go to https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/wp-
content/uploads/2020/11/Albert-G.-Horton-Jr.-Pre-Application-Form-NEW-as-of-10.6.2020-
DRAFT.docx to download a copy of the pre-application form,

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 Dublin Cemetery

Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 5550 Bagging Plant Road, Dublin, VA  24084. The
cemetery is open to the public for visitation everyday during daylight hours. The cemetery
administrative office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for
federal and state holidays. The cemetery administrative office may be reached at (540) 674-6893
during business hours. After hours calls will be returned the next business day. A cemetery team
member will also be available on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. to schedule services for the next
week. Please call (540) 674-6893 and listen to the message. The message will provide you with
the contact number for the “duty scheduler” for that Saturday. Funeral directors should call (540)
674-6893 during normal business hours to schedule interment services. If a cemetery team
member does not answer, please leave a message – your call will be returned no later than the
next business day. A cemetery team member will also be also be available on Saturdays from 9
a.m. – 3 p.m. to schedule services for the next week. Please call 757-255-7217 and listen to the
message. The message will provide you with the contact number for the “duty scheduler” for that
Saturday. interment services. Go to https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/wp-
content/uploads/2020/11/Southwest-VA-Dublin-Pre-Application-Form-NEW-as-of-10.6.2020-
DRAFT.docx to download a copy of the pre-application form,

Other Virginia State Benefits

Help Line
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or you’re concerned about one, responders at the Veterans Crisis
Line 1-800-273-8255 (press 1) offer help that can make a difference. Caring, qualified VA
responders are standing by to provide free and confidential support — 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, 365 days a year — even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.
Responders will work with you to get through any personal crisis. Get the support you’ve
earned! You can also text for support to 838255.

Boots to Suits
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Boots to Suits is a clothing voucher program for male and female Virginia veterans transitioning
from military life to civilian careers. It is administered by The Clothes Rack at Stratford Hills, a
service of Junior League of Richmond. Boots to Suits provides veterans with two complimentary
career outfits, enabling them to look and feel their best for job interviews and non-military work
environments. Military spouses who are job-seeking and the main household provider are also
eligible for this opportunity. In order to obtain a voucher, call the VTAP main line at 804-786-
8060. For more information, click on Boots to Suits Flyer.

License Plates
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers a variety of veteran and military-
related license plates. To obtain eligibility requirements, personalization, and purchase
information click on the below titles of the plates shown.

173rd Airborne

Air Force Cross

Air Force Reserve

Army

Army Reserve

Bronze Star

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 Bronze Star Motorcycle

Bronze Star Valor

Chosin Reservoir Survivor

Coast Guard

Coast Guard Auxiliary

Coast Guard Reserve

Combat Infantryman

Desert Shield/Storm Veteran

Disabled Veteran

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Disabled Veteran Motorcycle

Distinguished Flying Cross

Distinguished Service Cross

Enduring Freedom Veteran

Former Prisoner of War

Gold Star

Iraqi Freedom Veteran

Korean War Veteran

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 Legion of Valor of the USA

Marine Corps - Semper Fidelis

Marine Corps League

Marine Corps Motorcycle

Marine Corps Reserve

National Guard

National Guard Retired

Naval Aviator

Naval Reserve

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 Navy Cross

Oceana Naval Air Station

Pearl Harbor Survivor

Purple Heart

Purple Heart Motorcyle

Silver Star

Special Forces Association

Support Our Troops

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 U.S. 3rd Infantry Regiment

USS Cole

Veteran Armed Forces

Veteran Armed Forces Motorcycle

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Vietnam Veteran

Vietnam Veterans of America

Virginia Defense Force

World War II Veteran

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Veteran and Family Support
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) Virginia Veteran and Family Support
(VVFS) is continuing services to Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) as the
Commonwealth deals with the COVID-19 pandemic. Offices are open for in person
appointments approved public meetings, virtual and phone appointments. We are serving our
SMVF population as before, but with certain protocols and screenings in place to ensure the
safety of our staff, customers and community partners. To ensure for everyone’s safety, all
visitors will be screened prior to entering our offices and face coverings are required. There will
not be lobby or waiting room availability and we ask all visitors to respect our social distancing
and mask protocols. Frequent disinfection of all high-touch surfaces occur frequently throughout
the day and after each visitor to our offices.

The VDVS VVFS program provides personalized service options such as behavioral health,
rehabilitative, and supportive services for the SMVF community. If you or your family have an
urgent or emergency situation requiring in person assistance, please let us know when you
contact us. To determine whether your local office is open on a particular day, contact 1-877-
285-1299 and your call will be routed for assistance. Be sure to clearly state your name, a return
phone number, and your location. Appointment requests may also be made electronically by
clicking on https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/request-an-appointment. VVFS places special
emphasis on assisting service members, veterans, and families on their road to recovery from the
effects of stress-related injuries (such as combat stress, post-traumatic stress or military sexual
trauma) or traumatic brain injuries. This includes:
 Veterans of any era who are Virginia residents
 Members of the Virginia National Guard not in active federal service
 Virginia residents in the Armed Forces Reserves not in active federal service
 Family members of veterans and members of Guard and Reserve not in active federal
service

Through a regional consortia of Community Service Boards (CSB), brain injury services
providers and other public and private services providers VVFS offers the following services to
veterans and their families:
 Assessment of individual and family needs and direct provision of needed medical,
behavioral health, or rehabilitative services available through public and private treatment
programs

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  Linkages to veterans benefits services, transportation, housing, employment, and
education assistance programs
 Veterans networking, peer support groups, and family support groups throughout
Virginia

Contact numbers for services are:

 Statewide Toll Free Number: 1-877-285-1299
 North Region: Regional Director – Caleb Johnson: 804-229-8240 & Senior Resource
Specialist – Brittany Jones: 540-471-4804
 East Region: Regional Director – Sybil Lane-Moorer – 757-224-5208 Ext 2207 & Senior
Resource Specialist – Michele Johnson – 757-224-5208 ext 2208
 West Region: Regional Director – Leanna Craig – 540-556-9112 & Senior Resource
Specialist – Kristi Holt – 540-357-1113
 Central Region: Regional Director – Ben Shaw – 804-690-3217, Senior Resource
Specialist – Eric Dueweke – 804-839-1599, and Senior Veteran Peer Specialist –
Anthony Swann – 540-840-3003

-o-o-O-o-o-

For contact information and benefits assistance visit the Virginia Dept. of Veterans Services
website http://www.dvs.virginia.gov. For additional information on Virginia’s benefits for
veterans refer to https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Puller-VCC-
presentation-5-24-17.pdf

[Source: http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/virginia-state-veterans-
benefits.html November 2020 ++]

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