Tennessee Veteran Benefits

Veterans in Tennessee are eligible for the same federal VA disability benefits 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 Tennessee, most are available to veterans with lower disability ratings. We share some of these Tennessee disabled veteran benefits below.

The information in this article is accurate as of its publication date. Please keep in mind, state benefits may be changed, added, or removed by a state government.

Veteran home loan benefits

Tennessee’s Homeownership for Heroes provides Great Choice Loans along with reduced interest rates and down payment assistance up to 5% or $15,000. It also waives any first-time homeowner requirements.

Veteran property tax benefits

Qualifying disabled veterans in Tennessee may qualify for property tax relief. To be eligible, the veteran must reside in the property, and either:

• Receive permanent and total VA disability, OR
• Have a 100% VA disability rating from being a POW, OR
• Have any level of VA disability for paraplegia, legal blindness, loss of loss of use of two limbs, or qualifying paralysis of the lower half of the body

Exact tax relief amounts vary, but will be calculated on up to $175,000 of the property’s market value. 

Veteran vehicle registration benefits

Disabled veterans’ license plates cost nothing for the first plate. To qualify, veterans must be considered permanently and totally disabled by the VA.

Tennessee also offers many different specialty plates that veterans with lower disability ratings can choose from if they wish to represent their branch of service or status as an award recipient.

Veteran education benefits

If a veteran is not a resident of Tennessee, they can still qualify for in-state tuition. Resident veterans can also enroll in classes earlier than other students at public colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education in the state.

Additionally, Tennessee provides a Helping Heroes education grant to qualifying veterans seeking higher education. Grant amounts may be $1,000 or $500 depending on how many credit hours the veteran is taking in a semester, but they must be taking at least six credit hours to be eligible.

Qualifications for this grant include being honorably discharged and being awarded either the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, or the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal since 9/11. 

Veterans also cannot already have a bachelor’s degree, have been incarcerated, or be in default on an educational loan if they wish to receive this grant. The full list of eligibility criteria can be found on the Army’s benefits website.

Veteran hunting and fishing license

Qualifying Tennessee resident veterans can receive a $10 sport hunting and fishing license. There are two ways to be eligible. If the veteran’s service-connected disability was incurred in war, a 30% VA disability rating will qualify them. Otherwise, the veteran must have a 100% permanent and total disability to qualify for this discount.

Other VA disability benefits in Tennessee

The Tennessee State Veterans Home Board operates four different State Veterans Homes throughout Tennessee. These homes differ, but offer short- and long-term care and skilled nursing for aging or disabled veterans.

The state also provides discounted parks and recreation options for veterans, including 25%-50% off of cabin and campground stays, depending on the season. Free camping and golfing is also available to veterans on special days of the year, including Veterans Day. You can learn more on the Tennessee State Parks website.

To learn even more about Tennessee veterans benefits as well as benefits designed for current service members, Reservists, and their families, you can visit the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services website or check out the Army’s military benefits site.

VA facilities in Tennessee

We share more about where to find VA facilities in Tennessee including regional offices, medical facilities, Vet Centers, and VA cemeteries.

VA regional offices in Tennessee

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 the VARO in Tennessee.

VetSuccess offices in Tennessee

VetSuccess on campus (VSOC) offices are located on college campuses around Tennessee 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 Tennessee

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 Tennessee.

Vet Centers in Tennessee

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 Tennessee

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 Tennessee.

Tennessee military bases with toxic exposure

Dangerous toxins have been found in the groundwater and soil at various military bases in Tennessee such as Arnold Air Force Base and the Memphis Defense Depot.

Veterans who were subject to toxic exposure at a Tennessee military installation and later developed health complications may be eligible for VA disability benefits. Below is a list of Tennessee military bases that have been affected by toxic exposure.

For more information about toxins at Tennessee military bases and how exposure may affect your health, check out our Military Bases Toxic Exposure Map.

Woods & Woods serves veterans in Tennessee

Woods & Woods is an accredited VA disability law firm that serves veterans nationwide. Our team of VA disability lawyers serve Tennessee from Memphis to Nashville 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, including countless veterans in Tennessee, like W.P, an Army veteran who reviewed us on Google:

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If you are looking for an experienced and professional VA disability attorney in Tennessee, call us today for your free case evaluation.

Frequently asked questions