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Oregon is home to over 260,000 veterans. Approximately 32% receive VA disability compensation, according to the VA Annual Benefits Report. Many are still leaving benefits on the table. If you’re not sure what you’re entitled to receive, based on your rating or your family’s situation, this guide is for you.

Oregon supplements federal VA programs with its own state-level benefits, from property tax relief, home loans and the Veterans Educational Bridge Grant to free hunting licenses and state park access.

This guide breaks down Oregon’s benefits for disabled veterans, explains eligibility requirements, and points to the resources and legal help that can support veterans and their families in claiming everything they deserve.

Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans in Oregon

Oregon Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

Oregon veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 40% or higher qualify for the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption, which reduces the assessed value of their primary residence by up to $31,565.

Unremarried surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability also qualify. Applications are submitted to the county assessor’s office by April 1 of the tax year. Find out more.

Oregon Property Tax Credit for Disabled Veterans (2026–27)

Beginning in the 2026–27 tax year, Oregon will transition from the assessed value reduction to a $575 property tax credit for eligible disabled veterans. This change ensures veterans in areas with lower property assessments receive a consistent benefit. Find out more.

Property Tax Deferral Program

Oregon also offers the Property Tax Deferral Program for veterans receiving Social Security disability benefits, allowing eligible homeowners to defer property tax payments on their primary residence.

Oregon Veterans Income Tax Exemption

VA disability compensation is fully exempt from Oregon state income tax. Military retirement pay received before October 1, 1991 is also fully deductible from Oregon taxable income. SBP, RCSBP, and RSFPP annuity payments follow the same income tax treatment.

Emergency Financial Assistance (OVEFAP)

Oregon’s Oregon Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance Program (OVEFAP) provides short-term emergency aid to veterans facing financial hardship. Contact OVEFAP at (503) 373-2085 for assistance. Find out more.

Housing Benefits for Oregon Veterans

ODVA Home Loan Program

Since 1945, Oregon’s ODVA Home Loan Program has provided over $8 billion in loans to more than 334,000 Oregon veterans.

The program offers below-market interest rates and is available for home purchases only (not refinances). Veterans may use the program up to four times in their lifetime, up to the Fannie Mae conforming loan limit.

Homeless Veterans Assistance

On any given night, approximately 1,400 Oregon veterans experience homelessness. Programs available to help homeless veterans include OVEFAP, HUD-VASH, and the Transitional Residence Program.

Oregon Housing and Community Services

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) offers additional housing assistance programs for veterans, including rental assistance and homebuyer support. Find out more.

Transportation Benefits for Oregon Veterans

Free Vehicle Registration

Under ORS 805.100, Oregon veterans with a qualifying service-connected disability may receive free vehicle registration for one vehicle. The fee is paid one time with no annual renewal fee. Find out more.

Oregon Veteran Specialty License Plates

Oregon offers four types of veteran specialty license plates recognizing military service and branch affiliations. Find out more.

ODVA Transportation Assistance

Oregon ODVA provides additional transportation assistance for veterans who need help getting to medical appointments and other essential services. For a full list of programs, visit Oregon ODVA Transportation Benefits.

Education Benefits for Oregon Veterans

College Credit for Military Service

Oregon public colleges accept American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations for military training and education, allowing veterans to apply service experience toward college credit requirements.

Veterans Educational Bridge Grant

The Veterans Educational Bridge Grant provides up to $5,000 for eligible Oregon veterans pursuing higher education, bridging the gap between GI Bill benefits and educational costs.

Oregon National Guard Tuition Assistance (ONGSTA)

Members of the Oregon National Guard may receive 100% tuition assistance through the Oregon National Guard Tuition Assistance Program (ONGSTA) at Oregon public institutions.

In-State Tuition for Non-Resident Veterans

Non-resident veterans who are domiciled in Oregon on their first day of enrollment at an Oregon public institution qualify immediately for in-state tuition rates, without the standard waiting period. Find out more.

Employment Benefits for Oregon Veterans

Veterans Hiring Preference

Under ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235, Oregon veterans receive a preference bonus when applying for state government positions:

  • 10 points: Veterans with a service-connected disability
  • 5 points: Honorably discharged veterans without a service-connected disability

HB 4063 allows veterans to receive licensing credit for relevant military training and experience when applying for professional licenses. Find out more.

Service-Disabled Veteran Business Certification

Businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran may apply for SDV certification through Oregon’s Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID). Certified businesses gain access to procurement opportunities and state contracting preferences. Find out more.

Employment Resources for Oregon Veterans

WorkSource Oregon provides priority employment services for veterans, with Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists available in more than 20 cities statewide offering intensive career counseling and job placement assistance.

Recreation Benefits for Oregon Veterans

Oregon State Park Access

Qualifying disabled veterans are eligible for a Special Access Pass that provides free camping and day-use access at 26 Oregon state parks. The pass is valid for four years.

Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife Licenses

Oregon veterans with a disability rating of 25% or higher are eligible for a free combination hunting, fishing, and shellfish license, as well as $25 elk tags. Find out more.

America the Beautiful Pass

Veterans with a permanent service-connected disability can obtain a free America the Beautiful Pass, providing free access to all federal recreation lands, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.

Health Care Benefits for Oregon Veterans

In addition to federal VA healthcare, Oregon provides state-operated programs and facilities for veterans and connects them with healthcare resources, including mental health services and community-based support.

VA Medical Centers in Oregon

Federal VA healthcare in Oregon is provided through three major medical centers across the state.

  • VA Portland Health Care System: 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR 97239
  • Roseburg VA Health Care System: 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97471
  • VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics (White City): 8495 Crater Lake Hwy, White City, OR 97503

Oregon State Veterans Homes

Oregon operates two state veterans homes providing long-term skilled nursing care for eligible veterans:

  • Oregon Veterans Home – The Dalles: 700 Veterans Dr, The Dalles, OR 97058 – 151-bed facility
  • Edward C. Allworth Veterans’ Home – Lebanon: 1110 SW Veterans Way, Lebanon, OR 97355 – 154-bed facility

Eligibility requires an honorably discharged veteran with qualifying service and a physician’s recommendation.

Federal Benefits Available to Oregon Veterans

  • Monthly tax-free compensation payments based on disability rating (calculate it here)
  • Medical care, including mental health services and counseling 
  • Special compensation, Aid & Attendance and other financial benefits 
  • Home loans and housing benefits 
  • Vocational rehabilitation and employment services 
  • Education benefits through the GI Bill 
  • Survivor benefits 
  • Federal hiring preference 

Eligibility for some of these benefits depends on the disability rating percentage. Use the links below to see what federal benefits Oregon 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 Oregon veteran →

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits for Spouse and Dependents

Spouses and family members of 100% disabled veterans may also be eligible for several benefits:

  • CHAMPVA healthcare  
  • DIC eligibility  
  • Education benefits  
  • Property tax exemption continuation  
  • Oregon ODVA Home Loan access for surviving spouses  
  • Access to Oregon state resources  

Benefits for Toxic Exposure

Oregon veterans and veterans who served at a military base in Oregon and developed disabilities may be eligible for compensation and VA benefits. Oregon military bases with known toxin exposure include:

If you served at a base in a different state, find yours on hillandponton.com/toxic-exposure/. Hill & Ponton has decades of experience helping veterans get compensation for conditions caused by exposure to dangerous substances, from burn pits and chemical agents to jet fuel and PFAS.

Getting VA Disability in Oregon

Several local and national resources are available to help guide applicants through the VA disability claims process in Oregon, including county veterans service officers, state-sponsored programs, and VA-accredited attorneys.

How to Apply for VA Benefits in Oregon – Free Guide

Attorney Matthew Hill has written THE book on how to get VA disability compensation and benefits. Get it here free of charge.

Legal Resources for Disabled Veterans

  • County Veterans Service Officers – free accredited claims assistance
  • Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs
  • Oregon Veterans Treatment Courts

Attorneys Specialized in VA Disability Law

Our VA-accredited lawyers represent disabled veterans in Oregon 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.