Woods and Woods is an accredited VA disability law firm that serves veterans nationwide. Our team of VA disability lawyers serves California from San Francisco to San Diego and everywhere in between. We have helped tens of thousands of veterans across the U.S. fight the VA for the benefits they deserve, including countless veterans in California, like B.C., a Navy veteran:
“Woods and Woods are the only attorneys I would recommend for veterans, they did a great job for me. 100 percent P&T disability, very caring and understanding. They will not quit until they win. I am so thankful for what they did for me.”
B.C., a Navy veteran in California
From a Google review for Woods & Woods
If you are looking for an experienced and professional VA disability lawyer in California, call us today for your free case evaluation.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
VA disability benefits in California
Veterans in California are eligible for the same federal VA disability compensation as veterans in any other state. However, each state offers some of its own unique benefits for veterans who are considered disabled by the VA. While some benefits are available only for 100% disabled veterans in California, most are available to veterans with lower disability ratings. We share some of these state benefits below.
Veteran home loan/mortgage benefits
Nearly all California veterans qualify for a CalVet home loan, including those who served during peacetime and even some individuals currently on active duty. The amount awarded to a veteran depends on what they can afford and the type of property the veteran owns or wants to purchase. The only requirements are 90 days of active duty service and an honorable or under honorable conditions discharge.
Veteran property tax benefits
California veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating or who receive TDIU may be eligible for property tax exemption benefits. Those who qualify are divided into two categories: basic and low-income. In the basic category, a veteran can receive an exemption of up to $100,000, and in the low-income category, a veteran can receive an exemption of up to $150,000.
Veteran income tax benefits
California does not have any income tax benefits for veterans. All military retirement pay and pension income is taxable in the state of California. However, VA disability compensation is a tax-free benefit regardless of where the veteran resides.
Veteran vehicle registration benefits
California veterans who have a 100% VA disability rating from a condition that impairs their mobility are eligible for a vehicle registration fee waiver. Veterans who have been awarded a Medal of Honor or are former prisoners of war are also eligible to receive this waiver.
Veteran education benefits
California offers a variety of education benefits and programs to veterans. Most education benefits can be collected for up to 36 months from the time the vet starts the program, with some exceptions.
Through these programs, veterans, dependents, and spouses may be eligible for tuition and fee waivers, in-state tuition rates, scholarships, career counseling, and other benefits. Only one program or benefit for training can be used at a time.
California State University specifically offers benefits and opportunities to veterans and family members including financial support, career and academic support, and priority admission and registration. Vets can also receive academic credit for military courses and experience.
For more information about education benefits in California, you may speak to a university’s Veteran Success Center.
Veteran hunting and fishing licenses
Veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or greater are eligible for a discounted sport fishing and hunting license in California. The fee for qualifying veterans is $9.98 after discounts.
Low-income seniors (65 years or older) may also qualify for a sport hunting and fishing license at $9.53, regardless of whether they receive VA disability.
Finally, California offers free sport hunting and fishing licenses to residents who have certain visual impairments or are severely physically or developmentally disabled.
Other veteran benefits in California
California also offers several other state benefits for veterans. The state has eight Veterans Homes for aging and disabled vets who require care. These homes offer memory care, independent living, assisted living, or skilled nursing care.
In addition to the CalVet home loan and mortgage program and the California property tax benefits, there are multiple resources to help veterans and their families with housing and financial needs.
VA facilities in California
Below we share information about where to find VA facilities in California including regional offices, medical facilities, vet centers, and VA cemeteries.
VA regional offices in California
Each state has at least one VA regional office (VARO) that provides in-person services to help veterans with VA benefits and claims. Offices also offer information about veteran medical help, education and career counseling, memorial benefits, aid for homeless veterans, and more. Below is a list of VAROs in California.
VetSuccess offices in California
VetSuccess on campus (VSOC) offices are located on college campuses around California and the country. These partnerships between schools and the VA aid veterans in obtaining educational benefits and finding their best path forward when seeking a degree.
VA medical facilities in California
VA medical facilities offer medical information and assistance for veterans. Vets may also receive their compensation and pension (C&P) exam at many of these facilities. The VA uses the information gathered at a C&P exam to determine how severe a veteran’s condition is and whether it is service connected. Below is a list of VA medical facilities in California.
Vet Centers in California
Vet Centers provide veterans with counseling and referral services, many of which are community-based. These centers also offer services for family members of veterans.
VA cemeteries in California
VA cemeteries can be found all over the U.S. and are dedicated resting places for those who honorably served their country. Veterans or families can make arrangements to be laid to rest in a VA cemetery. Qualifying spouses of veterans may also be eligible. You can find eligibility requirements for VA cemeteries here. Below is a list of all VA cemeteries in California.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Veterans in California with a 100% VA disability rating are eligible for the following benefits:
Home loan assistance
Property tax exemption benefits
A wide range of education benefits
Reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses
Vehicle registration fee waivers for veterans who are rated 100% disability due to a condition that limits mobility.
Education benefits such as tuition and fee waivers, in-state tuition rates, scholarships and career counseling. California State University also offers scholarships and additional aid to veterans and families who qualify.
Applying for and receiving state veterans benefits typically involves working with multiple agencies and organizations. These may include an educational institution, a home loan program or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. In California, many benefits are distributed by CalVet.
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
