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At the end of 2024, over 39% of North Carolina’s 682,000 veterans were living with service-related disabilities, with VA ratings of 70% or higher being the most common. To meet the needs of this highly disabled veteran population, North Carolina offers a strong set of state and county-level benefits that go beyond what the federal VA provides. These state programs are especially valuable for veterans with higher disability ratings, helping reduce financial strain and improve quality of life. 

North Carolina’s state benefits for veterans include property tax exemptions, tuition waivers at state colleges, priority employment services, transportation privileges, as well as discounted hunting and fishing licenses. 

Hill & Ponton’s disabled veterans guide helps North Carolina’s veterans (and veterans’ families) understand which federal and state benefits they may qualify for, and how to access the support they’re entitled to.  

Disabled Veterans Tax Exemptions

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Property Taxes in North Carolina? 

The North Carolina Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exclusion allows the first $45,000 of the appraised value of a permanent residence to be excluded from taxation. This applies to veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition, as determined by the VA, or who receive benefits for specially adapted housing under 38 U.S.C. 2101. Surviving spouses may also qualify. Veterans must apply through their local county tax office by June 1 of each year. Learn more. 

Do Veterans Pay Sales Tax on Vehicles in North Carolina?  

No. North Carolina waives highway use tax on vehicles gifted to disabled veterans from charitable organizations and some other specific transfers. In most cases, however, veterans do pay standard vehicle sales tax unless otherwise exempted under state law. Learn more. 

Transportation Benefits

Do Disabled Veterans Get Free Car Registration in North Carolina? 

Yes, if they are permanently and totally disabled. Veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled due to service connected conditions are eligible for a free registration and license plate for one vehicle. This benefit requires submission of VA disability documentation and is valid as long as the veteran maintains qualifying status. Additional vehicles must be registered at standard rates. 

How to Get Disabled Veteran Plates in North Carolina 

100% disabled veterans (including through Individual Unemployability) can get a free “Disabled Veteran” plate through the NC Division of Motor Vehicles. Veterans with a less than 100% disability (even a 0% rating) are eligible for a “Partially Disabled Veteran” at no additional cost than the regular license plate. Veterans must provide a completed DMV Form MVR-33A and official documentation from the VA verifying their disability status. Learn more. 

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Tolls in North Carolina? 

Disabled veterans in North Carolina do not receive a statewide toll exemption, though individual toll authorities may offer toll waivers under specific conditions. Veterans should check with the toll facility for possible exemptions. 

Education Benefits

Do Disabled Veterans’ Dependents Get Free College in North Carolina? 

North Carolina offers the North Carolina Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans, which provides up to 8 academic semesters of free tuition and fees at approved North Carolina colleges and universities. To qualify, the veteran must have a 100% permanent and total disability, be deceased, or be a former POW or MIA. Applications are administered through the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Learn more. 

Employment Benefits 

North Carolina law mandates that qualified veterans and certain family members receive extra consideration in the recruitment process for state jobs, meaning that veterans seeking jobs receive preference in hiring for state employment opportunities. Eligible veterans include those who served during a period of war or received certain campaign medals, and those with service-connected disabilities. National Guard members are included.  

Veterans can also access free support services through NCWorks: career assessments, labor‑market information, job fairs and workshops, resume and cover‑letter assistance, interview preparation, the use of computers and free internet, and help applying for federal employment and training programs for which veterans receive priority. 

Recreation Benefits

Do Disabled Veterans Get Free Access to North Carolina State Parks? 

Yes. Since September 2024, disabled veterans can get a free Annual Pass (otherwise $90) to North Carolina state parks. The Annual Pass allows year‑round access to equipment rentals, swimming, boat launches, and other recreational activities at participating state parks. How to apply. 

Can Disabled Veterans Get a Free Fishing and Hunting License in North Carolina? 

North Carolina veterans with a service connected disability rating of 50% or more receive a heavily discounted one-time fee Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License for Resident Disabled Veterans from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The license remains valid for life as long as the veteran’s disability rating remains at 50% or greater. Additionally, any legally blind resident can receive a free license for statewide fishing in all public waters including Public Mountain Trout Waters and trout waters on game lands. See how to apply for a hunting and fishing license. 

Healthcare Benefits

North Carolina provides disabled veterans with healthcare coverage and treatment of their conditions through VA medical centers and clinics throughout the state:  

  • Asheville VA Medical Center — 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805; Phone: (828) 298‑7911 
  • Durham VA Medical Center — 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC 27705; Phone: (919) 286‑0411 
  • Fayetteville VA Medical Center — 2300 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301; Phone: (910) 488‑2120 
  • Wilmington Health Care Center — 1705 Gardner Road, Wilmington, NC 28405; Phone: (910) 343‑5300 
  • W.G. “Bill” Hefner VA Medical Center — 1601 Brenner Avenue, Salisbury, NC 28144; Phone: (704) 638‑9000 
  • Brunswick County CBOC — 18 Doctors Circle, Units 2 & 3, Supply, NC 28462; Phone: (910) 754‑6141 
  • Goldsboro CBOC — 2610 Hospital Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534; Phone: (919) 731‑4809 
  • Hamlet CBOC — 100 Jefferson Street, Hamlet, NC 28345; Phone: (910) 582‑3536 
  • Jacksonville CBOC — 4006 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville, NC 28546; Phone: (910) 353‑6406 
  • Robeson County CBOC — 139 Three Hunts Drive, Pembroke, NC 28372; Phone: (910) 272‑3220 
  • Sanford CBOC — 3112 Tramway Road, Sanford, NC 27332; Phone: (919) 775‑6160

North Carolina Veterans Homes 

The state operates four skilled nursing care facilities for eligible veterans: Fayetteville, Black Mountain, Salisbury, and Kinston. These homes provide long-term care, rehabilitation, and support services for veterans who have an honorable discharge and are state residents. Find out more. 

Burial and Survivor Benefits

Veterans who received an honorable discharge and meet North Carolina residency requirements can be buried at one of the state’s four veterans cemeteries at no cost: 

  • Black Mountain State Veterans Cemetery 
  • Jacksonville State Veterans Cemetery 
  • Salisbury State Veterans Cemetery 
  • Spring Lake State Veterans Cemetery 

Services include a grave site, marker, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care. Surviving spouses and eligible dependents may also qualify, though fees may apply for non-veterans. To qualify, the veteran must have either been a legal North Carolina resident for at least 10 years or a state resident at the time of death. Veterans should apply through the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. 

In addition, federal burial benefits are available for eligible veterans and their families, including burial in a VA national cemetery, government-issued headstones or markers, a U.S. flag for the casket, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. If the veteran’s death is service-connected, the VA may reimburse up to $2,000 in burial expenses. Learn more about burial and survivor benefits. 

Federal Benefits Available to NC Veterans 

Besides North Carolina’s specific benefits, disabled veterans also get a wide range of federal VA disability benefits, including: 

Eligibility for some of these benefits depends on the disability rating percentage. Use the links below to see what federal benefits North Carolina veterans can get with a rating of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, etc. 

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits 

Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive the highest level of federal VA benefits, including:

  • Full monthly VA compensation  
  • Full VA healthcare coverage  
  • Dental care  
  • Adaptive equipment grants  

See all federal benefits for a 100% disabled North Carolina veteran → 

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits for Spouse and Dependents 

Spouses and family members of 100% disabled veterans may also be able to get several benefits: 

  • CHAMPVA healthcare  
  • DIC eligibility  
  • Education benefits  
  • Continued property tax exemption  
  • Access to North Carolina state resources  

Benefits for Toxic Exposure

Veterans who served at contaminated military bases or who were exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, or other environmental hazards may qualify for additional VA benefits. Bases in or near North Carolina with known toxic exposure issues include: 

If you served at a base in a different state, you can find yours on our toxic exposure map: https://www.hillandponton.com/toxic-exposure/. 

Getting VA Disability in North Carolina 

Getting through the VA disability claims process can be tricky, but there are local and national resources to help guide you. These resources include local veteran groups, state-supported VA services, and experienced disability attorneys. 

How to Apply for VA Benefits in North Carolina – Free Guide 

Attorney Matthew Hill has written THE book on how to get VA disability compensation and benefits. And it’s yours free of charge. We also offer a free online course for easy, immediate access.  

North Carolina State Legal Aid and Resources 

Help from Experienced Lawyers 

Our VA-accredited lawyers proudly represent North Carolina veterans who were denied or underrated by the VA, with no upfront costs. Contact us for a free evaluation – even if we don’t take your case, we’ll point you in the right direction!