Veterans in Idaho 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 Idaho, most are available to other veterans with lower disability ratings. We share some of these state benefits below.
Don’t fight the VA alone
In this article about Idaho disabled veteran benefits:
- Veteran property tax benefits
- Veteran income tax benefits
- Additional veteran tax benefits
- Veteran vehicle registration benefits
- Veteran education benefits
- Veteran hunting and fishing licenses
- Other VA disability benefits in Idaho
- VA facilities in Idaho
- Idaho military bases with toxic exposure
- Woods & Woods: Idaho VA disability appeal lawyers
- Frequently asked questions
Veteran property tax benefits
Idaho veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 10% or more by the VA may qualify for a property tax reduction, known as the Circuit Breaker program, if they meet certain residency and income requirements. Veterans receiving a VA pension for a non-service-connected disability may also be eligible. This benefit can reduce property taxes on your home and up to one acre of land by $250 to $1,500.
Additionally, veterans with a 100% service-connected VA disability can apply to reduce their property taxes by up to $1,500 through the Veterans Property Tax Deduction program. More information about this program’s requirements and how to apply can be found here.
Veteran income tax benefits
Veterans in Idaho do not pay income taxes on military retired pay.
Qualifying veterans or their un-married widows receiving VA retirement pay can deduct those benefits from their income tax. You can learn more about requirements and the maximum deductible amount here.
Additional veteran tax benefits
Idaho veterans who are 65 or older, or disabled veterans 62 or older, can claim the Grocery Credit. This benefit offsets the sales tax paid on groceries throughout the year. The average annual credit is about $120 per person.
Veteran vehicle registration benefits
Veterans in Idaho with a 100% VA disability rating, or with the loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, severe vision impairment, or blindness, are not required to pay the registration fee for one vehicle. These veterans are also eligible for free disabled veteran license plates. Disabled veteran plates authorize the veteran to use handicapped parking spaces.
Honorably discharged veterans can get a “veteran” designation on their Idaho driver’s license or other ID card. In order to receive this marker, they will need to provide proof of honorable service such as their DD214.
Finally, for a fee, the state offers a variety of specialty plates for veterans, including options for Purple Heart recipients and each branch of the military.
Veteran education benefits
Idaho provides several education benefits for veterans and their families.
A notable one for families of veterans is the Armed Forces and PSO Dependent Scholarship. Idaho residents who are dependents of MIA, deceased, or permanently disabled veterans may qualify for this scholarship. It covers tuition and fees and up to $750 per semester for books and on-campus housing. For more information about eligibility requirements, click here.
Veteran hunting and fishing licenses
Disabled Idaho veterans may be eligible for reduced fees for hunting and fishing licenses and tags. Nonresident veterans may also qualify. To apply, veterans must submit a letter from the VA verifying a service-connected disability rating of 40% or more.
Additionally, Idaho offers the Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Tag Program, which allows qualified organizations to apply for a special big game hunt tag on behalf of a disabled veteran. More information about this program can be found here.
Other VA disability benefits in Idaho
Other benefits in Idaho include free state park campsites and day passes, access to four state veterans homes, and financial assistance grants for honorably discharged veterans in emergency situations.
You can learn more through the Idaho Division of Veterans Services website or the Army’s page on Idaho benefits.
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1) Dealing with that VA requires an expertise that many of us do not possess.
2) Woods & Woods made the difference.
Their savvy expertise in dealing with the VA and their commitment to their clients exemplifies a level of professionalism and commitment that seems not to be the standard in today’s world.
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VA facilities in Idaho
Below we share information about where to find VA facilities in Idaho including regional offices, medical facilities, vet centers, and VA cemeteries.
VA regional offices in Idaho
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 Idaho.
VetSuccess offices in Idaho
VetSuccess on campus (VSOC) offices are located on college campuses around Idaho 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 Idaho
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 Idaho.
Vet Centers in Idaho
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 Idaho
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 Idaho.
Idaho military bases with toxic exposure
Dangerous toxins have been found in the groundwater and soil at various military bases in Idaho such as Mountain Home Air Force Base.
Veterans who were subject to toxic exposure at an Idaho military installation and later developed health complications may be eligible for VA disability benefits. Below is a list of Idaho military bases that have been affected by toxic exposure.
For more information about toxins at Idaho military bases and how exposure may affect your health, check out our Military Bases Toxic Exposure Map.
Woods & Woods: Idaho VA disability appeal lawyers
Woods & Woods is an accredited VA disability law firm that serves veterans nationwide. Our team of VA disability lawyers serves Idaho from Boise to Idaho Falls and everywhere in between. We have helped tens of thousands of veterans across the U.S. fight the VA for the full benefits they deserve.
If you are looking for an experienced and professional VA disability lawyer in Idaho, call us today for your free case evaluation.
Our team is ready to help
Frequently asked questions
Most Idaho disabled veteran benefits are available to a wider range of veterans than just those who are rated at 100%. However, having a 100% VA disability rating is one way Idaho veterans can qualify for reduced property taxes in the state.
100% disabled veterans in Idaho may also be eligible for a free disabled license plate, free vehicle registration, free state park campsites and day passes, and more.
Yes. Idaho has one VA regional office located in Boise. For contact and other information, visit the VA’s website.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
