Veterans in Iowa are eligible for the same 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. Below you will find a list of Iowa disabled veteran benefits.
Don’t fight the VA alone
In this article about Iowa disabled veteran benefits:
Iowa mortgage benefits
The Iowa Military Homeownership Assistance Program awards veterans up to $5,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance when buying a home in Iowa. Veterans can use the program with other home loan programs.
To qualify, veterans must:
- Have served 90 days active duty during qualifying time periods, including Sept. 11, 2001 to present, OR
- Have federal status as an injured service person who served during qualifying time periods, OR
- Be a surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran
In addition, there are requirements related to the home itself and lending approvals. More information can be found at the link above.
Iowa property tax benefits
Iowa offers two property tax benefits for veterans.
The Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Credit gives a full property tax exemption to veterans with a permanent and total disability rating. Disability ratings can be 100% or the veteran may receive TDIU.
To qualify, the veteran also must:
- Own and live in the property
- Declare Iowa as their residence on taxes
- Occupy the property for at least six months out of the year
Veterans who own an Iowa home but are currently living in a nursing home may also be eligible.
This benefit is also available to surviving spouses of qualifying veterans who receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments. The spouse can continue to receive the tax credit as long as they live in the home and don’t remarry.
Additionally, the Military Service Property Tax Exemption gives partial tax exemptions of varying amounts to eligible veterans. These exemptions are based on the home’s value.
Iowa income tax benefits
Military retired pay and VA disability compensation are fully exempt from Iowa state income tax. Military disability retirement pay received as an annuity, pension, or similar allowance due to an injury or illness in service is also exempt from state taxes.
Iowa vehicle benefits
Veterans in Iowa may qualify for a disabled veteran license plate. Veterans who receive the plate are exempt from registration fees on one vehicle and do not have to pay parking fees in areas owned, operated, or metered by city governments.
In addition, the Iowa Department of Transportation waives certain license-related fees for veterans, and veterans can get a veteran designation added to their license or ID.
Iowa education benefits
While there are no education benefits designed specifically for veterans in Iowa, vets in the state can use federal programs, like the GI Bill, at Iowa colleges and universities.
Iowa does, however, offer education benefits for the families of veterans.
First, the War Orphan Tuition Assistance program helps children of Iowa veterans killed in action after Sept. 11, 2001, by offering up to almost $12,000 each year in assistance at Iowa colleges.
Iowa dependents of veterans killed before that date are eligible for $600 per year for a total maximum of $3,000.
Next, the Brandstad-Reynolds Scholarship Fund also offers financial assistance to the children of veterans attending a post-secondary education institution in Iowa.
To qualify, the deceased parent must have:
- Died in service after Sept. 11, 2001
- Been a resident of Iowa
- Had active federal status during their time in the military
Iowa hunting and fishing licenses
Veterans can receive a lifetime hunting or fishing license in Iowa for $7. To qualify, they must have served in active federal service and reside in the state.
Other VA disability benefits in Iowa
Iowa offers some additional VA disability benefits to residents of the state, including:
- The Iowa Injured Veterans Grant.
- Access to the Iowa Veterans Home In Marshalltown
- The Iowa Veterans Trust Fund
You can also find additional benefits and learn more at the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs website.
VA facilities in Iowa
We share more about where to find VA facilities in Iowa including regional offices, medical facilities, and VA cemeteries.
VARO in Iowa
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 and other benefit offices in Iowa.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Des Moines VA Regional Benefit Office | 210 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA, 50309 View on Google Maps |
| Davenport Veteran Readiness and Employment Office | 1910 East Kimberly Road Suite 313 Davenport, IA, 52807 View on Google Maps |
| Cedar Rapids Veteran Readiness and Employment Office | 3165 Williams Blvd. SW Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404 View on Google Maps |
| Veteran Readiness and Employment Office at Sioux City Vet Center | 4280 Sergeant Road Sioux City, IA, 51106 View on Google Maps |
| VA Regional Benefit Satellite Office at Des Moines VA Medical Center | 3600 30th Street Building 3, Room 1943/1945 Des Moines, IA, 50310 View on Google Maps |
| VA Regional Benefit Satellite Office at Iowa City VA Medical Center | 601 Highway 6 West Room 1E52 Iowa City, IA, 52246 View on Google Maps |
| VA Regional Benefit Satellite Office at Waterloo VA Clinic | 4000 University Avenue Waterloo, IA, 50701 View on Google Maps |
VA medical facilities in Iowa
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 Iowa.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Spirit Lake VA Clinic | 1850 Royal Avenue Spirit Lake, IA, 51360-1092 View on Google Maps |
| Des Moines VA Medical Center | 3600 30th Street Des Moines, IA, 50310-5753 View on Google Maps |
| Iowa City VA Medical Center | 601 Highway 6 West Iowa City, IA, 52246-2209 View on Google Maps |
| Mason City VA Clinic | 478 Tiffany Drive Mason City, IA, 50401-1534 View on Google Maps |
| Marshalltown VA Clinic | 201 East Merle Hibbs Boulevard Marshalltown, IA, 50158-4758 View on Google Maps |
| Quad Cities VA Clinic | 2826 West Locust Street Davenport, IA, 52804-3354 View on Google Maps |
| Waterloo VA Clinic | 4000 University Avenue Suite 100 Waterloo, IA, 50701-5656 View on Google Maps |
| Dubuque VA Clinic | 2600 Dodge Street Suite A1 Dubuque, IA, 52003-7159 View on Google Maps |
| Fort Dodge VA Clinic | 530 South 25th Street Fort Dodge, IA, 50501-3601 View on Google Maps |
| Carroll VA Clinic | 311 South Clark Street Suite 275 Carroll, IA, 51401-3086 View on Google Maps |
| Cedar Rapids VA Clinic | 3500 Dalton Way West Town Center Suite 300 Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404-2564 View on Google Maps |
| Shenandoah VA Clinic | 2043 A Avenue Shenandoah, IA, 51601-4505 View on Google Maps |
| Knoxville VA Clinic | 1607 North Lincoln Street Knoxville, IA, 50138-3399 View on Google Maps |
| Ottumwa VA Clinic | 1020 North Quincy Avenue Suite 1 Ottumwa, IA, 52501-3821 View on Google Maps |
| Decorah VA Clinic | 1106 Military Boulevard Decorah, IA, 52101-2451 View on Google Maps |
| Coralville VA Clinic | 2213 2nd Street Coralville, IA, 52241-1205 View on Google Maps |
| Burlington VA Clinic | 1000 North Roosevelt Avenue Burlington, IA, 52601-1988 View on Google Maps |
| South Des Moines VA Clinic | 1211 East Army Post Road Des Moines, IA, 50315-5957 View on Google Maps |
| Des Moines VA Clinic | 1223 Center Street Community Resource & Referral Center (CRRC) Suite 17 Des Moines, IA, 50309-1016 View on Google Maps |
| Linn County VA Clinic | 3117 First Avenue Southeast Suite A Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402-4403 View on Google Maps |
| Davenport VA Clinic | 415 North Perry Street Community Resource & Referral Center (CRRC) Davenport, IA, 52801-1617 View on Google Maps |
| Iowa City VA Clinic | 400 South Clinton Street Iowa City Federal Building Iowa City, IA, 52240-4105 View on Google Maps |
Vet Centers in Iowa
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.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Des Moines Vet Center | 1821 22nd Street Suite 115 West Des Moines, IA, 50266 View on Google Maps |
| Sioux City Vet Center | 4280 Sergeant Road Suite 104 Sioux City, IA, 51106 View on Google Maps |
| Cedar Rapids Vet Center | 4250 River Center Court, Northeast Suite D Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402-7547 View on Google Maps |
VA cemeteries in Iowa
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 VA cemeteries in Iowa.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Oakdale Cemetery Soldiers' Lot | 2501 Eastern Ave Davenport, IA, 52807 View on Google Maps |
| Keokuk National Cemetery | 1701 J St Keokuk, IA, 52632 View on Google Maps |
| Iowa Veterans Cemetery | 34024 Veterans Memorial Dr Adel, IA, 50003 View on Google Maps |
Iowa military bases with toxic exposure
Dangerous toxins have been found in the groundwater and soil at various military bases in Iowa such as the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown. Veterans who were subject to toxic exposure at an Iowa military installation and later developed health complications may be eligible for VA disability benefits.
For more information about toxins at Iowa military bases and how exposure may affect your health, check out our Military Bases Toxic Exposure Map.
They made me feel like I was important and that my claim was important. With the VA process as complicated and time-consuming as it is, Woods & Woods was there for me every step of the way. I thank them very much for their hard work and compassion. I could have never done this on my own.
D.W., Navy veteran from South Carolina
From a Google review for Woods & Woods
Woods & Woods: Iowa VA disability appeal lawyer
Woods & Woods is an accredited VA disability law firm that serves veterans nationwide. Our team of VA disability lawyers serve Iowa from Council Bluffs to Des Moines and everywhere in between. We have helped tens of thousands of veterans across the US fight the VA for the full benefits they deserve, including countless veterans in Iowa.
If you are looking for an experienced and professional Iowa VA disability appeal lawyer, call us today for your free case evaluation.
Don’t fight the VA alone
Frequently asked questions
Yes, veterans pay property taxes in Iowa. However, the state has two property tax benefits for qualifying veterans.
The Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Credit gives a full exemption to certain veterans with a permanent disability rating of 100% or permanent TDIU. The Military Service Property Tax Exemption also gives partial tax exemptions of varying amounts to veterans.
Due to the nature of VA law, most VA disability lawyers can work with veterans nationwide. The accredited lawyers at Woods & Woods work with veterans in all U.S. states and territories, including Iowa.
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.
