Veterans with a 70% VA disability rating unlock major state-level benefits beyond federal perks available at a 70% rating. These include property tax relief, tuition discounts, job preferences, housing support, and more. Benefits vary by state, and knowing what’s available can save thousands annually. From free park access to waived license fees, understanding these opportunities can significantly improve a veteran’s financial stability and quality of life.
Why That 70% VA Disability Rating Matters
That 70% rating isn’t just a number. It’s the line that flips your eligibility in a big way for both federal and state benefits. You start getting priority access to programs, higher monthly compensation, and in many states—you become eligible for veteran-specific exemptions and services.
Federal benefits are solid—you probably already know about those. But state benefits? That’s where a lot of undervalued help sits. Some guys move states just to leverage them. 70% VA disability benefits in Florida look very different than 70% VA disability benefits in Texas.
Real Talk: What Vets Usually Ask Me
- “What benefits do I get at 70% VA disability in my state?”
- “Can I really get a full property tax exemption with this rating?”
- “Is it true I can enroll my kid in state college for free?”
- “Should I move to a different state to get better benefits?”
- “How does this actually get started? Who do I even call?”
Top 10 State Benefits for VA Disability
1. Property Tax Relief
This is big. In states like Texas and Florida, veterans with a 70% rating can get a serious cut—or 100% exemption—on their property taxes. Not across the board, though. Here’s an example: Texas offers a partial property tax exemption starting at 70% disability. That could save you thousands every year. Compare that to California, where the benefit kicks in more fully at the 100% rating.
Pro tip: If your tax bill is high, this benefit alone makes a state move worth it for some vets.
2. State Veterans Homes
Every state runs its own version of veterans’ homes. Most offer priority admission for vets with a 70% VA disability. That means if you’re needing long-term care, you could skip long waitlists entirely. These homes aren’t your average nursing home. A lot of them are better funded, more specialized, and staffed by people trained to work with vets.
3. Free or Discounted Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Outdoor guys, this one’s for you. With that rating, most states will hand out licenses at a massive discount or completely free. Hunting and fishing are more than hobbies. For many of us, it’s therapy. Use that benefit. Go where you feel calm. You’ve earned that.
4. Free or Reduced Tuition for You and Your Kids
Let’s be real—college tuition is no joke. But in states like South Carolina, Colorado, and New Mexico, veterans with a 70% VA disability rating can unlock college tuition waivers or deep discounts for both themselves and their dependents.
Even better, those benefits stack with GI Bill benefits.
Your child could go through 4 years of college without you or them paying a dime. If you’ve got kids planning for school, this one is gold.
5. Hiring Preference and State Employment Perks
States love to support vets in hiring—especially at a 70% rating. You get preference for:
- State job applications
- Certifications
- On-the-job training programs
Nevada, for instance, gives automatic interview offers to qualifying veterans. Same with Arizona. If you’re shifting careers or trying to land steady work, this gives you an edge.
6. Vehicle Registration Discounts or Exemptions
Several states reduce excise tax, waive registration fees, or offer free license plates to veterans at 70% disability rating. In Utah, you’ll get reduced registration and a special VET plate. In Alaska, you could flat-out skip registration fees. It’s one of the smoothest benefits to use. You’ve gotta register your car anyway—might as well not pay full freight.
7. Priority Access to Veterans’ Benefits Counselors
If you’re having trouble filing claims, managing appeals, or just figuring all this out, most states offer Veterans Benefits Counselors (VBCs). With a 70% VA disability rating, you usually jump to priority status. That means quicker responses and more personalized help. And these counselors mean business—they know the ins and outs better than 90% of random support reps. Use them.
8. Housing Assistance Programs
Some states offer adaptive housing grants, rental help, or mortgage aid programs tailored to disabled vets. Let’s say you’re in Illinois—there’s a whole loan and grant program to help you make your home more livable if you’ve got mobility issues from service-connected injuries. At a 70% rating, your chance of qualifying just jumped.
9. Discounted or Free Admissions to State Parks
Simple but worth mentioning. If you’re into hiking, camping, boating—most states with great outdoor parks (think Oregon, Minnesota, Washington) will let you in for free or a token fee. Some offer lifetime passes. Get that pass—you’ve earned some peace.
10. Exemptions from License Requirements (Professional and Occupational)
Wanna be a contractor, barber, or work in real estate? In states like North Carolina and Georgia, your 70% rating can help waive expensive certification requirements or exam fees. We’re talking hundreds of dollars saved, plus less red tape. If you’re starting your own business or pivoting hard, these waivers help you go faster.
Real Veterans, Real Wins
One buddy of mine, Tony, was paying over $6,000/year in property taxes before he took advantage of Texas’ partial exemption. Now? Around $700 each year. Another friend’s daughter got her full tuition covered in South Carolina because of her dad’s 70% VA disability rating. That saved their family well over $25K. Not knowing your benefits is expensive. Way more expensive than taking a day to call your state benefits coordinator or check their vet affairs website.
FAQs
How do I find what’s available in my state with a 70% VA disability rating?
Start with your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs website or visit a local VSO (Veteran Service Officer). They’ll know your state’s benefit list inside-out.
Are state benefits different from federal VA disability compensation?
Yes. Federal VA disability pays you monthly and covers health/education nationally. State benefits are layered on top—things like tax breaks and local perks.
Is 70% the threshold for extra benefits?
For a lot of states—yes. Some bonuses kick in at 50%, others wait until you’re permanently and totally disabled. But 70% is where the doors swing wider.
Conclusion:
A 70% VA disability rating does more than increase your federal perks—it opens the door to powerful state benefits that can ease financial pressure and improve your family’s quality of life. From major property tax savings to tuition help and career support, these programs vary widely by state. Don’t leave money or opportunities on the table—research your state’s offerings and take full advantage of the support you’ve earned through your service.