VA Benefits Colorado – The Insider’s Guide

Hi Veterans, Brian Reese here from VA Claims Insider, and today, I’ll be covering some of the VA Benefits Colorado veterans can expect in their home state.

If you’re a disabled veteran living in the beautiful home of the Rocky Mountains:, then listen up, because this guide is for you!

The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) exists to serve Colorado veterans and their families. With nearly 400k veterans living in Colorado, the CDVA provides a robust array of state benefits to supplement the federal benefits and services that veterans have earned and deserve as a result of their selfless and honorable military service.

>> Click HERE to download the FREE Veteran Benefits brief compiled by the Colorado Division of Veteran’s Affairs

Okay, let’s jump into the details where I’ll cover all the Veteran and VA benefits Colorado has for you!

Overview of VA Benefits Colorado Has to Offer

Colorado’s veteran population ranks 17th according to the most recent available data from the U.S. Census Bureau (released in July 2019):

• Adult Population: 4.3 million (21st)
• Veteran Population: 372,857 (17th)

Colorado is in the top 20 of lowest unemployment for vets, and also does a better job than most other states at helping veterans stay above the poverty level.

• Veteran Unemployment: 4.0% (30th overall)
• Veteran Poverty Rate: 6.3% (33rd)

Veterans in Colorado also tend to be much healthier than most other states. 

• Veterans with a Disability: 26.2% (43rd)

It’s fortunate that Colorado sees fewer veterans living with disabilities than most other states, because living on disability in Colorado can be difficult. The state has a high cost of living (34th) and has the third highest cost of housing in the U.S. (housing affordability ranking: 48th). 

The median income of veterans in Colorado is $43,987.

Colorado also currently ranks last in the U.S. for new job opportunities for veterans (50th).

Despite being average or low in most economic rankings for veterans, Colorado does get relatively high marks for overall quality of life (15th overall). This is a trend often seen in states where more people are active and there is more rural country.

With all that said, let’s take a closer look at the benefits for disabled veterans in Colorado. 

VA Benefits Colorado: Disabled Veterans

The Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs administers a range of state-sponsored benefits for disabled veterans and their dependants such as financial, housing, employment, education, recreation, and other benefits.

The Veterans Affairs Central office is located in Denver, Colorado. Their Community Care website with quick links is located here.

Veterans Benefits Administration

Colorado Veterans: Financial Benefits 

Property Tax Exemption

There is a Property Tax Exemption for 50% of the first $200,000 of a home’s value for 100% permanently and totally disabled service-connected veterans. If you are receiving 100% disability solely as a result of an individual unemployability rating you do not qualify.

Income Tax On Retired Military Pay

Military retirees ages 55 – 64 can exclude up to $20,000 retired military pay from their taxable income, those 65 and over can exclude up to $24,000. Same rules apply for Survivor Benefit Plan payments.

Military Family Relief Fund

Colorado may provide grants for families of reservists/guard members called to active duty or to families of active duty members serving in a combat zone.

These grants are intended to help families defray the costs of food, housing, utilities, medical services, and other expenses.

Resource: https://www.colorado.gov/vets

VA Benefits Colorado: Housing & Healthcare Benefits

Colorado Veterans Health Administration Centers

VA Benefits Colorado: Department of Mental Health

The VA Medical Center provides counseling and resources for all veterans of all eras. They are located at:

VAMC
1055 Clermont Street
Denver, CO 80220-3808

VAMC is a 24/7/365 VA organization, staffed by combat veterans to refer veterans and their families to Vet Centers around the country for readjustment counseling. They also provide peer-to-peer counseling for vets in crisis without suicidal ideation. You can reach VAMC at 877-WAR-VETS.

Veterans Crisis Line

If you or a veteran you love is having thoughts of suicide, there are resources available in Colorado to help in an emergency. The Veterans Crisis Line is a toll-free, confidential resource connecting Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified caring responders.

Veterans and their loved ones can:

• call 1-800-273-8255 Press 1 or
• chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net or
• Send us a text at 838255

to receive free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 day per year even if they are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.

Counseling Services

• Art of Redirection Counseling
• Give an Hour
• Military Mental Health
• People House
• Aspen Pointe
• Soldiers Project
• Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)

Additional Emergency and Mental Health Services

• Colorado Crisis Services 1-844-493-TALK (8255) – offering 24/7 walk-in and phone assistance
• 911 or VA Medical Center emergency room
• Psychiatric Emergency Services 303-393-2835
• 24 Hour Nurse Line 866-360-8020
• PTSD and Addiction | Causes, Symptoms & Getting Help
• The Recovery Village | Substance Abuse Resources for Veterans

VA Benefits Colorado: State Veterans Homes

Colorado’s State Veterans Homes serve honorably discharged veterans, veterans’ spouses/widows and “Gold-Star” parents, any of whose children died while serving in the Armed Forces. Residents enjoy the camaraderie of sharing activities and daily life with other veterans, friends and family. 

Each location provides: 24 hour nursing care, Meals, Physician services & restorative therapy, Transportation, Diversified activities, and an all-inclusive rate. 

Additionally, the following services are offered:

Long-term care

• These services include skilled nursing care; 
• speech, physical and occupational therapy; 
• social activities; and 
• assistance with bathing, dressing and other daily activities. 

Short-term rehabilitation

• Individuals seeking to return home following a qualifying hospital stay can work to regain skills and improve physical strength, endurance and aerobic capacity through Medicare-certified rehabilitation services.

Domiciliary cottages (similar to assisted living)

• The Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake (Monte Vista) offers assisted living-like services in 48 recently renovated cottages.  

Memory care services

• Specialized care for individuals with dementia is offered in all State and Veterans Nursing Homes. Secure units are available at the State Veterans Home at Fitzsimons, Florence, Rifle and Walsenburg. 

Short-term “respite” care

• Respite care can provide a helpful option when homecare providers are unavailable. These short-term stays are offered at the State Veterans Homes at Florence, Homelake, Rifle and Walsenburg.

End-of-life/hospice services

• Comfort-oriented care is offered at all State and Veterans Nursing Homes.

Contact Information and capacity for each facility:

Fitzimmons – Tel: 720-857-6400/6500F, 1919 Quentin Street, Aurora, CO 80045 (180 beds)  

Florence – Tel: 800-283-2668, 903 Moore Drive, Florence, CO 81226 (120 beds)

Homelake – Tel: 1-888-838-2687 or 719-852-5118.3881F, Mail: PO BOX 97, Homelake, CO            81135, 

Monte Vista – 3749 Sherman Ave., Monte Vista, CO 81144 (40 operating beds in the domiciliary unit and 60 beds in nursing care service)

Rifle – Tel: 1-800-828-4580 or 970-625-0842/3706F, 851 East Fifth Street, Rifle, CO 81650 (100 beds)

Walsenburg – Tel: 1-800-645-8387 or 719-738-5000/5138F, 235400 US HWY 160, Walsenburg, CO 81089 (120 beds)

Resource: https://www.colorado.gov/vets

Colorado Disabled Veteran Benefits: Employment Benefits

State Employment Veterans Preference

Colorado gives veterans’ preference in the form of extra points added to the state employment examination. Eligibility requirements are as follows:

Five-point preference for:

• Honorably separated active duty veterans who served during a time of war or in receipt of a campaign medal.
  
• Spouse of a veteran unable to work because of a service-connected disability
  
• Widow/widower of a deceased veteran who was or would have been entitled to veterans’ preference.

Ten point preference for:

• Honorably separated veterans who are receiving VA disability or pension.

Resource: https://www.colorado.gov/vets

Colorado Disabled Veteran Benefits: Education Benefits

Tuition Assistance  

Any member of the Colorado National Guard is eligible for state tuition assistance, up to 100% tuition paid at any CO state-funded school depending on funding available. State funding can be used in conjunction with Federal Tuition Assistance. 

Eligibility: Colorado National Guard members must serve 2 years for each year granted.  

Tuition Assistance for Children of POWs, MIAs, or Disabled/Deceased ARNG 

Free tuition in certain State-support schools for children of prisoners of war or persons missing in actions who were Colorado residents when they entered the Armed Forces, or for children of Colorado National Guardsmen who died or were permanently disabled while on State active duty limited to dependents who do not qualify for Federal Education benefits. 

Operation Recognition  

Operation Recognition is a program to award High School diplomas to deserving and qualified WWII, Korea and Vietnam Era Veterans. Operation Recognition, is authorized by Colorado State Law and is offered by the Colorado Board of Veterans Affairs in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Association of School Boards.

Resource: https://www.colorado.gov/vets

Colorado Disabled Veteran Benefits: Recreational Discounts, Licenses & Passes

Hunting and Fishing Privileges 

Fishing license: No fee for:

1. Member of the Armed Forces stationed as a resident patient at a military hospital or convalescent station,
   
2. Any resident patient at a USDVA hospital located within the State,
   
3. Any Veteran who is permanently and totally disabled.

Small Game Hunting and Fishing License: Free lifetime combination

Eligibility:  Resident Veteran with a service-connected disability of 60% or more.

State Park Admission for Disabled Veterans

Veterans with a Disabled Veterans license plate receive free admission to any state park or recreation area.

Colorado resident disabled veterans with at least a 60% disability can get discounted admission to all Colorado state parks with a Columbine pass.

Resource: https://www.colorado.gov/vets

Colorado Disabled Veteran Benefits: Vehicle Licenses, Plates & Privileges

Special Vehicle License Plates  

The State provides plates at no cost to the Veteran for recipients of the Medal of Honor, recipients of the Purple Heart, to certain disabled wartime Veterans, special disabled (50%+)Veterans license plates, and special license plates for former POWs. Plates for honorably discharged Veterans may be purchased for nominal fee.

VA Benefits Colorado: Burial

National Cemetery Administration

A burial benefits can help service members, Veterans, and their family members plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Family members can also order memorial items to honor the service of a Veteran. Find out how to apply for the burial benefits you’ve earned, and how to plan for a burial in advance or at time of need.

To learn about scheduling a burial for a veteran, call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at
800-535-1117 or visit one of the regional links below.

VA Benefits Colorado: Summary

By the numbers, Colorado tends to be one of the more desirable states for veterans to live in, despite the economic challenges they may face.

However, it is notable that, despite having a high concentration of veterans compared to Colorado’s population, the number of disabled veterans residing in Colorado remains low.  

It seems the main benefits of living in Colorado is for veterans able to take advantage of its natural beauty and openness.

Overall, Colorado ranks among the middle states when it comes to taking care of their disabled veteran population (32nd in veteran health care).

But veterans in Colorado capable of taking advantage of the amazing outdoor opportunities will find that the state is willing to accommodate. Other benefits afforded by Colorado to its disabled veterans are fairly standard as compared to most other states.

If you are in Colorado and are looking to make the most out of their benefits extended toward veterans, you will want to visit the state portal for veterans at https://www.colorado.gov/vets

There you will find access to many of Colorado’s benefit programs as well as the VA benefits Colorado offers, including specific contact information regarding each benefit available. 

For a location of VA hospitals, treatment centers, and other resources in Colorado, you can go to the VA’s directory at: https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?STATE=CO&dnum=ALL

About the Author

Brian Reese is a VA expert, author, and founder of VA Claims Insider – “The Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.”

More than 300,000 military members and veterans come to the VA Claims Insider and Military Disability Made Easy websites each month to get educated on the VA and DoD disability process.

Learn more >> About VA Claims Insider HERE. <<

Brian’s frustration with the 8-step VA disability claims process led him to create “VA Claims Insider,” which provides disabled veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned to win their VA disability compensation claim in less time.

He is also the CEO of Military Disability Made Easy, which is the world’s largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability, and has served more than 6,000,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013.

Veterans can download one of his #1 most downloaded FREE eBooks right here right now: “The Secret Guide to 833 Ratable VA Disabilities” by clicking HERE now.

Brian is a former active duty Air Force officer with extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to southern Afghanistan in 2011 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).