Veterans in South Dakota 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 South Dakota, most are available to other veterans with lower disability ratings. We share some of these South Dakota disabled veteran benefits below and how to get help with your VA disability benefits.
Don’t fight the VA alone
In this article about South Dakota VA disability appeal lawyers:
- Veteran property tax benefits
- Veteran vehicle registration benefits
- Veteran education benefits
- Veteran hunting and fishing licenses
- Other VA disability benefits in South Dakota
- VA facilities in South Dakota
- South Dakota military bases with toxic exposure
- Woods & Woods: South Dakota VA disability appeal lawyers
- Frequently asked questions
Veteran property tax benefits
South Dakota veterans who have lost, or lost the use of, both legs can qualify for a full property tax exemption if their home has been adapted for wheelchair use. Unremarried widows and widowers of these veterans may also qualify.
Additionally, veterans with a permanent and total VA disability rating are eligible for a property tax exemption of up to $200,000. Surviving spouses of veterans who are considered permanently and totally disabled or who receive DIC benefits can claim a property tax exemption of up to $150,000.
You can learn more on the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Veteran vehicle registration benefits
South Dakota offers several specialty license plates to veterans at a fee. These include branch-specific, Medal of Honor, and POW plates, among others.
Disabled veteran plates are also available to South Dakota veterans who lost or lost the use of an arm or leg or receive total VA disability. The veteran must have incurred their injury or illness in active duty during a time of war or while participating in armed conflict to be eligible.
For information on fees, eligibility criteria, or to submit an application, visit the South Dakota Department of Revenue website.
Veteran education benefits
Honorably discharged veterans in South Dakota can attend undergraduate courses at state universities and technical colleges tuition-free as long as they are not eligible for educational benefits under another federal program like the GI Bill. Veterans may receive a month of free tuition for each month of qualifying service.
The state also provides free tuition for spouses and children of former POWs or MIA service members, as well as for children under 25 whose parent died while on active duty.
Visit the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs website for more details.
Veteran hunting and fishing licenses
Veterans in South Dakota who receive SMC-K, have a VA disability rating of at least 40%, or are former POWs can get a four-year hunting and fishing license at a discounted price.
To apply, visit the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department website.
Other VA disability benefits in South Dakota
Former POWs, veterans rated 100% by the VA, and vets receiving SMC-K are eligible for a free lifetime state park entrance license. This license provides free entry for the veteran and their vehicle to all South Dakota state parks, plus a 50% discount on camping and electrical fees for campsites or cabins.
Veterans also have access to the State Veterans Home in Hot Springs.
For more information about other South Dakota disabled veteran benefits, visit the Army’s website on state benefits.
VA facilities in South Dakota
Below we share information about where to find VA facilities in South Dakota including regional offices, medical facilities, vet centers, and VA cemeteries.
VA regional offices in South Dakota
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 South Dakota.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls VA Regional Benefit Office at Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital | 2501 W 22nd Street Building 38 Sioux Falls, SD, 57105 View on Google Maps |
VA medical facilities in South Dakota
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 South Dakota.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital | 2501 West 22nd Street Sioux Falls, SD, 57105-5046 View on Google Maps |
| Sioux City VA Clinic | 380 West Anchor Drive Dakota Dunes, SD, 57049-5273 View on Google Maps |
| Aberdeen VA Clinic | 3307 10th Avenue Southeast Aberdeen, SD, 57401-8027 View on Google Maps |
| Wagner VA Clinic | 400 West South Dakota Highway 46 Wagner, SD, 57380-9369 View on Google Maps |
| Watertown VA Clinic | 4 19th Street Northeast Watertown, SD, 57201-3936 View on Google Maps |
| Fort Meade VA Medical Center | 113 Comanche Road Fort Meade, SD, 57741-1002 View on Google Maps |
| Hot Springs VA Medical Center | 500 North Fifth Street Hot Springs, SD, 57747-1480 View on Google Maps |
| Rapid City VA Clinic | 2165 Promise Road Rapid City, SD, 57701-8981 View on Google Maps |
| Pierre VA Clinic | 1615 North Harrison Suite 20 Pierre, SD, 57501-2383 View on Google Maps |
| Pine Ridge VA Clinic | Hospital Road-Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Pine Ridge, SD, 57770 View on Google Maps |
| Cheyenne River VA Clinic | 220 East Prairie Road Eagle Butte, SD, 57625 View on Google Maps |
| Winner VA Clinic | 660 West 2nd Street Winner, SD, 57580-1218 View on Google Maps |
Vet Centers in South Dakota
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 |
|---|---|
| Rapid City Vet Center | 21 East Omaha Street Rapid City, SD, 57701 View on Google Maps |
| Sioux Falls Vet Center | 5020 S. Broadband Lane Suite 100 Sioux Falls, SD, 57108 View on Google Maps |
VA cemeteries in South Dakota
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 South Dakota.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Black Hills National Cemetery | 20901 Pleasant Valley Dr Sturgis, SD, 57785 View on Google Maps |
| Fort Meade National Cemetery | Old Stone Road Sturgis, SD, 57785 View on Google Maps |
| Hot Springs National Cemetery | VA Medical Center Cemetery Access Road Hot Springs, SD, 57747 View on Google Maps |
| Sicangu Akicita Owicahe Veterans Cemetery | 27404 U.S. Hwy 83 White River, SD, 57579 View on Google Maps |
| Akicita Owicahe Lakota Freedom Veterans Cemetery | 202-35 BIA 2 Kyle, SD, 57752 View on Google Maps |
| Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Veterans Cemetery | 453851 BIA 10 Sisseton, SD, 57262 View on Google Maps |
| South Dakota Veterans Cemetery | 25965 477th Ave Sioux Falls, SD, 57104 View on Google Maps |
South Dakota military bases with toxic exposure
Dangerous toxins have been found in the groundwater and soil at various military bases in South Dakota such as Ellsworth Air Force Base.
Veterans who were subject to toxic exposure at an South Dakota military installation and later developed health complications may be eligible for VA disability benefits.
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: South Dakota VA disability appeal lawyers
Woods & Woods is an accredited VA disability law firm that serves veterans nationwide. Our team of VA disability lawyers serves South Dakota from Sioux Falls to Rapid City 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 South Dakota, call us today for your free case evaluation.
Everyone was extremely professional and seemed to be very concerned with my case. They always keep me informed about my case and the process. I would recommend in a minute.
M.S., an Army vet in Oklahoma
From a Google review for Woods & Woods
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Because of the nature of VA disability law, the attorneys at Woods & Woods help veterans in every U.S. state and territory get the benefits they’re owed.
Disabled veterans in South Dakota may qualify for various benefits, including property tax exemptions, reduced or free tuition to state schools, free lifetime state park passes, and more.
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.
