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New York law

Veterans Legal Services Laws in New York.

Veterans benefits are predominantly federal, administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. New York supplements federal benefits through the NY Department of Veterans Services (DVS) — formerly Division of Veterans' Affairs — which administers state Veterans Service Officers, state veterans cemeteries, and various state programs. New York offers property-tax exemptions for veterans (eligible funds exemption, alternative veterans exemption, or Cold War veterans exemption). New York also has a comprehensive state Veterans Health Service including state veterans homes (Long Island, Oxford, Montrose, Batavia, St. Albans).

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key New York Statutes

Federal VA Disability Compensation38 U.S.C. § 1110 et seq.

Monthly compensation for service-connected disabilities, rated 10–100%. No income limit.

Alternative Veterans ExemptionRPTL § 458-a

Property tax exemption for veterans who served during wartime. Base exemption 15% of assessed value; combat veterans additional 10%; service-connected disabled veterans additional up to 50% (capped at specified dollar amounts by locality).

Cold War Veterans ExemptionRPTL § 458-b

Property tax exemption for peacetime service during Cold War era. 10-15% of assessed value, subject to local-option adoption.

NY Department of Veterans ServicesN.Y. Exec. Law Article 17

Administers five state veterans homes, state veterans cemetery, and a network of Veterans Service Officers who assist with federal VA claims.

State law

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in New York.

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