Veterans in Kentucky 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. We share some of the Kentucky veteran benefits below.
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In this article about Kentucky veteran benefits:
- Veteran property tax benefits
- Veteran income tax benefits
- Veteran vehicle registration benefits
- Veteran education benefits
- Veteran hunting and fishing license
- Other Kentucky veteran benefits
- VA facilities in Kentucky
- Kentucky military bases with toxic exposure
- Woods & Woods serves Kentucky disabled veterans
- Frequently asked questions
Veteran property tax benefits
Veterans who are at least 65 years old or have been deemed totally disabled by the VA may be eligible for a property tax exemption on their primary residence. The amount of the maximum exemption changes every two years, but was $46,350 in 2023-2024.
Veteran income tax benefits
Veterans can exclude up to $31,110 of military retired pay income from income taxation.
Kentucky also does not tax VA disability benefits, DIC benefits, or military disability retirement pay received as a pension, annuity, or similar allowance.
Veteran vehicle registration benefits
Veterans can select a special military plate or disabled veterans license plate. Kentucky also offers a variety of specialty plates for veterans, including options for former POWS, Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients, and each branch of the military.
Kentucky veterans who were honorably discharged can also receive a veteran designation on their license.
Veteran education benefits
Kentucky provides tuition fee waivers to dependent children, spouses, or survivors of veterans who are 100% disabled or died in active duty or due to service-connected disability, or served during wartime and become totally disabled (not related to service). If the veteran has died, they must have passed away while living in Kentucky. Full eligibility and contact information can be found on the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs website.
Veteran hunting and fishing license
Veterans with at least a 50% service-connected disability rating can acquire a three year disabled sportsman license which costs $12. Veterans 65 and older can also qualify for this discount. More information can be found on the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website.
The license includes combination Hunting and fishing licenses, all Deer Permits, Spring Turkey Permit, Resident Fall Turkey Permit, Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit, and Trout Permit.
Other Kentucky veteran benefits
Kentucky provides some additional state-level benefits to veterans.
Kentucky has four state veterans homes for veterans in need of skilled nursing care.
The Kentucky Homeless Veterans Program provides resources and connections to veterans who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.
The Kentucky Women Veterans Program helps better assure that women have equitable access to Kentucky veteran benefits.
Information about other Kentucky veteran benefits, federal benefits, and state resources can be found here.
VA facilities in Kentucky
We share more about where to find VA facilities in Kentucky including regional offices, medical facilities, Vet Centers, and VA cemeteries.
VA regional offices in Kentucky
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 Kentucky.
VetSuccess offices in Kentucky
VetSuccess on campus (VSOC) offices are located on college campuses around Kentucky and the country. These partnerships between schools and the VA aid veterans in obtaining educational benefits and find their best path forward when seeking a degree.
VA medical facilities in Kentucky
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 Kentucky.
Vet Centers in Kentucky
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 Kentucky
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 Kentucky.
Kentucky military bases with toxic exposure
Dangerous toxins have been found in the groundwater and soil at various military bases in Kentucky such as Fort Campbell. Veterans who were subject to toxic exposure at a Kentucky military installation and later developed health complications may be eligible for VA disability benefits.
For more information about toxins at Kentucky military bases and how exposure may affect your health, check out our Military Bases Toxic Exposure Map.
“I will definitely be recommending their services to any and all Veterans I speak to. They did a fantastic job and were really helpful in my time of need. They do exactly what they say they’re gonna do. Saying thank you just doesn’t feel like it’s enough. I had so much trouble getting my 100% rating until these fantastic people took my case and made that happen. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Thank you Woods & Woods.”
D.C., Marine veteran from Kentucky
From a Google review for Woods & Woods
Woods & Woods serves Kentucky disabled veterans
Woods & Woods is an accredited VA disability law firm that serves veterans nationwide. Our team of VA disability lawyers serve Kentucky from Bowling Green to Louisville 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 Kentucky.
If you are looking for an experienced and professional VA disability attorney in Kentucky, call us today for your free case evaluation.
Our team is ready to help
Frequently asked questions
Totally disabled veterans or those who are 65+ can receive varying levels of property tax exemption in the state.
However, Kentucky does not have any other benefits designed solely for 100% disabled veterans. Disabled veterans in Kentucky may also be eligible for discounted hunting and fishing licenses and military retirement pay income tax deduction.
Kentucky offers tuition fee waivers to dependents of veterans who are 100% disabled, but these are designed for spouses and children to receive, not the veteran.
Veterans in Kentucky can exclude up to $31,110 of military retired pay income from income tax. Additionally, military disability retirement pay should not be included in taxable income if it is presented to the veteran as an annuity, pension or allowance related to service connected personal injury or disability.
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.
