Virginia’s budget supports a number of programs providing services to Virginia’s veterans.
Caring for the Nation’s Veterans is primarily the responsibility of the federal government with healthcare, disability, education, and pension benefits provided for by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Virginia through the Department of Veterans Affairs provides supplemental resources to help veterans residing in the Commonwealth with health care service and accessing their federal benefits. The House Appropriations Committee provides state general fund resources to support the programs and operations of the Department of Veterans Services.
Budget Overview
In FY 2025, the total appropriation for DVS was $173.1 million. Of this amount, $61.7 million (35.7%) was from general funds. In terms of spending, the largest DVS program area is health services, totaling $122.7 million. Only $20.8 million of this amount is from general funds, with the rest provided from federal sources and generated revenues. This funding is provided for Virginia’s three operating veterans care centers. The second largest DVS programmatic area is for benefit services, totaling $37.0 million in FY 2025. This program offers counseling, peer support, and direct services through case management, the Virginia Veteran and Family Support Services program, and the Veterans Education, Transition, and Employment Services program.
Program / Policy Highlights
- Benefit Services
DVS reported nearly 90,000 client contacts through its benefit services offices in 2024. These offices help Veterans apply for and receive benefits provides by the Department of Veterans Affairs, such as healthcare, education, and disability.
- Virginia Values Veterans Program
DVS supported the hiring of 22,760 veterans by companies certified through the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program. This program connects veterans to job opportunities in participating Virginia companies.
- Veterans Care Centers
DVS operates 408 beds at three veterans care centers in the cities of Richmond, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach that provide long-term care services for veterans.
Reports and Presentations
Resources and Deep Dives
Staff Contact
