The PACT Act presumes service connection for dozens of conditions linked to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures — meaning you do not have to prove the link yourself. Here is who qualifies in 2026 and how to file for free.

Filing your first VA disability claim takes five steps: submit an intent to file, gather evidence, get free accredited help, file VA Form 21-526EZ, and attend your C&P exam. Here is exactly how to do each one.

VSOs are free and accredited. Claims companies charge thousands and are often unaccredited. VA-accredited attorneys charge regulated fees for appeals only. Here is the honest comparison veterans need before choosing help.

You never have to pay to file a VA disability claim. Accredited VSOs, county veteran service officers, and state veterans departments all provide free claims help. Here is every free option and how to access each one.

A claim shark is an unaccredited company that charges veterans thousands of dollars for VA claims help that accredited VSOs provide for free. Here is how to spot one, what the new 2026 state laws say, and where to get free, accredited help.

Illinois veterans: claim 2026 property tax exemptions, free IVG tuition, & tax-free retirement. Free, veteran-built guide from Operation Pathfinder.

Missouri veterans: tax-free military retirement, property tax help, and $50/credit-hour Returning Heroes tuition. Free, veteran-built guide from Operation Pathfinder.

Colorado veterans: claim the disabled veteran property tax exemption, military retirement tax break, and expanded Guard tuition. Free, veteran-built guide from Operation Pathfinder.

Tennessee veterans: no state income tax, property tax relief for disabled veterans, and the Helping Heroes Grant. Free, veteran-built guide from Operation Pathfinder.

New PACT Act presumptive conditions for 2026, plus the free 5-minute Intent to File that locks your back-pay date. Veteran-built guide from Operation Pathfinder.

South Carolina veterans: claim 2026 property tax refunds, tax-free military retirement, and free college for your kids. Free, veteran-built guide from Operation Pathfinder.

By the Operation Pathfinder Team Arizona just became one of the best states in the country to be a 100% disabled veteran. A law signed in February 2026 wipes out the property tax bill on your primary residence entirely, on top of tax-free military retirement and a 2.5% flat income tax. Nearly half a million veterans call Arizona home. Here's the 2026 guide to claiming every benefit you qualify for, written by veterans, not lawyers. Operation Pathfinder is 100% free. No fees.

By the Operation Pathfinder Team Michigan is home to roughly 435,500 veterans, and most of them are leaving money on the table. A full property tax exemption that now renews automatically, military retirement that was never taxed here in the first place, and tuition grants for veterans' kids. Here's the 2026 guide to claiming every Michigan state benefit you qualify for, written by veterans, not lawyers. Operation Pathfinder is 100% free. No fees. No commission cuts. We don't

Georgia became markedly more veteran-friendly in 2026, led by a major new military retirement tax exemption. Here's every Georgia state benefit you can claim this year, who qualifies, and how to apply. At a Glance: Georgia Veteran Benefits in 2026 Military retirement: up to $65,000 exempt from state income tax (any age), effective 2026 Property tax: disabled veteran homestead exemption of $126,526 for 100% disabled veterans VA disability compensation is completely tax-free Hi

Pennsylvania pairs tax-free retirement income with a full property tax exemption for disabled veterans. Here's every Pennsylvania state benefit for 2026 and how to claim it. At a Glance: Pennsylvania Veteran Benefits in 2026 Retirement income, including military retirement pay, is not taxed by Pennsylvania Disabled Veterans' Real Estate Tax Exemption: full property tax exemption on a primary residence Income up to $114,647 is presumed to show financial need Civil service hiri

Ohio offers tax-free military retirement, an enhanced disabled veteran homestead exemption, and immediate in-state tuition. Here's every Ohio state benefit for 2026 and how to claim it. At a Glance: Ohio Veteran Benefits in 2026 Military retirement pay and VA disability income are exempt from state income tax Enhanced homestead exemption removes $58,000 of appraised value for 100% disabled veterans Senate Bill 92 provides a full property tax exemption for totally disabled vet

Washington is one of the most tax-friendly states for veterans, with no state income tax and growing property tax relief. Here's every Washington state benefit for 2026 and how to claim it. At a Glance: Washington Veteran Benefits in 2026 No state income tax, so military retirement and all income are untaxed Disabled veteran property tax relief based on disability rating and income VA disability compensation is excluded from the income calculation Tuition waivers for combat-z

New York fully exempts military pensions and offers layered property tax exemptions plus expanded tuition awards. Here's every New York state benefit for 2026 and how to claim it. At a Glance: New York Veteran Benefits in 2026 Military retired pay, SBP, and VA disability are exempt from NY State, NYC, and Yonkers income tax Alternative Veterans property tax exemption reduces assessed value 15%+ Cold War veterans became eligible for the Alternative exemption in December 2025 N

North Carolina is one of the most veteran-friendly states in the country, with major 2026 upgrades to its property tax and education benefits. Here's what you can claim this year and how to apply. At a Glance: North Carolina Veteran Benefits in 2026 Property tax exclusion rising to the first $125,000 of value (effective July 1, 2026) Military retirement is state-tax-free under the Bailey decision Children of Wartime Veterans Scholarship restored with $11M for 2026-27 NC4ME an

The right transition tools cover benefits, careers, education, and health, and most are free. Start with these and use them early to save time and stress. Tools Every Veteran Should Use VA.gov benefits portal, apply for benefits, track claims, and access health records in one place Transition Assistance Program (TAP), workshops on resumes, interviews, and job search GI Bill, tuition, housing, and training funding for you or eligible dependents Military skills translator, conv