Wisconsin VA Disability Attorneys
Our team of Wisconsin VA disability attorneys is here to help Wisconsin veterans file their disability claims, dispute a claim denial and more. Contact us today for a FREE consultation on your VA disability claim!
FAQs About VA Disability Benefits
What VA Benefits Are Wisconsin Veterans Eligible For?
Wisconsin veterans are eligible for disability compensation as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, financial support for veterans with limited income, vocational rehabilitation, healthcare at VA medical facilities and educational benefits.
Who Qualifies for VA Disability Benefits?
To qualify for VA benefits, you must be a U.S. Military veteran who has served on active duty, active duty for training, full-time National Guard duty or inactive duty for training. You must have a current injury, illness or chronic condition linked to your time in service.
What Injuries, Illnesses and Medical Conditions Qualify for VA Compensation?
A variety of service-related injuries, illnesses and medical conditions can qualify you for VA disability benefits and compensation.
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Cancer Caused by Toxic Chemicals and Conditions
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Chronic Back Pain and Disability
- Severe Hearing Loss
- Mental Health Disorders
How Do I File for VA Disability in Wisconsin?
You can file for a VA disability claim online at www.va.gov/disability or you can fill out a downloadable application and turn it into the regional office in Janesville, WI. VABenefits Attorneys is available to answer your questions about the VA benefits application
What Do I Do When a VA Disability Claim is Denied?
A VA disability claim can be complicated and a lot can go wrong in the process. If your disability claim is denied, VABenefits Attorneys can help you file a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) appeal, request a Higher Level Review (HLR), file a Supplemental Claim or present your case to a Veterans Law Judge.
What Are Wisconsin State Veterans Benefits?
- Wisconsin Veterans Homes
- Tax-Free Retirement and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Payments
- Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credits
- Assistance to Needy Veterans Grant (ANVG)
- Veterans Retraining Grants for Unemployed Veterans
- Veterans Preference for State Civil Service
- Wisconsin G.I. Bill Benefits
- VetEd Education Grant Program
- Wisconsin Veterans Cemeteries
Understanding Wisconsin’s Veteran-Specific Benefits
Veterans in Wisconsin may qualify for state and local programs that supplement federal VA disability compensation. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) administers a number of these initiatives, offering financial, medical, educational, and housing assistance. Even if you already receive federal VA benefits, exploring these Wisconsin-based programs can often result in additional financial relief or services for you and your family.
Key Wisconsin veteran benefit programs include:
Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit
Eligible veterans with a 70 % or greater service-connected disability may qualify for a full property tax credit on their primary residence. This credit can save thousands of dollars each year.
Assistance to Needy Veterans Grant (ANVG)
Helps low-income veterans and dependents pay for essential expenses like housing, utilities, transportation, or medical bills.
Veterans Retraining Grants
Provides funds to help unemployed veterans gain new job skills or professional certifications.
Wisconsin G.I. Bill
Covers tuition and fees at all University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Technical College System campuses for eligible veterans, spouses, and children.
VetEd Education Grant Program
Offers up to eight full semesters of funding for qualified Wisconsin veterans pursuing higher education.
State Veterans Homes and Cemeteries
Long-term care facilities are available in King, Union Grove, and Chippewa Falls, providing skilled nursing and rehabilitative care for Wisconsin veterans.
These programs often have unique eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. Veterans can start the process by contacting their local County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) for guidance and application assistance.
County Veterans Service Offices (CVSOs) in Wisconsin
Every county in Wisconsin has a CVSO staffed by trained advocates who specialize in helping veterans navigate the VA system and Wisconsin’s state benefits. CVSOs can help gather military service records, medical documentation, and assist with filing or appealing disability claims.
Common services offered by CVSOs include:
Wisconsin VA Regional Offices and Medical Centers
Although Wisconsin does not have its own VA Regional Office dedicated exclusively to the state, veterans can receive assistance through nearby VA offices and medical centers. These include:
William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital – Madison, WI
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center – Milwaukee, WI
Tomah VA Medical Center – Tomah, WI
VA Outpatient Clinics in Green Bay, Appleton, Wausau, La Crosse, and Superior
Each facility provides a variety of services, from primary and specialty care to mental health and rehabilitation. Having your care documented within the VA system can also strengthen future disability claims and appeals.
Common VA Disability Claims for Wisconsin Veterans
Veterans across Wisconsin file claims for a wide variety of service-connected conditions. The following are some of the most common disability claims seen in the state:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions
Hearing loss and tinnitus, especially among National Guard and Reserve members exposed to weapon fire or aircraft noise
Musculoskeletal injuries – chronic back, knee, or shoulder pain caused by years of physical activity during service
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – often tied to training accidents or vehicle collisions
Agent Orange and other toxic exposure conditions, particularly among Vietnam-era veterans
Each of these claims requires careful documentation, medical evidence, and proof of service connection. Wisconsin attorneys and accredited representatives can help veterans gather the right evidence to maximize their VA rating.
What to Do if Your VA Claim Is Denied in Wisconsin
Unfortunately, many veterans receive denials or ratings that don’t reflect the full extent of their disability. In Wisconsin, there are several legal options for challenging a VA decision:
Higher-Level Review
A senior VA reviewer re-examines the claim without new evidence to identify potential errors.
Supplemental Claim
Allows you to submit new and relevant evidence, such as updated medical evaluations or “buddy statements.”
Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
You can request a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge in person, by video, or virtually.
An experienced VA benefits attorney familiar with Wisconsin’s regional VA procedures can identify gaps in evidence, prepare medical opinions, and argue your case effectively. The appeal process can be complex, but persistence, documentation, and representation can make the difference.
State Tax and Financial Benefits for Wisconsin Veterans
Wisconsin provides several tax exemptions and financial incentives for disabled veterans and their families:
Property Tax Relief
The Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit can exempt eligible homeowners from paying property taxes on their primary residence.
Income Tax Exemption
VA disability compensation is fully exempt from Wisconsin state income tax.
Military Retirement Pay
Wisconsin excludes military retirement pay and survivor benefits from state income tax as of 2022.
Business & Employment Benefits
Wisconsin offers veteran-owned business certifications and tax credits for employers who hire veterans.
These financial benefits can substantially reduce the cost of living and reward those who have served the country.
Education, Retraining, and Career Opportunities
The Wisconsin G.I. Bill is among the most generous state programs in the nation. It covers tuition and fees for qualifying veterans and their dependents at Wisconsin public universities and technical colleges, often after federal G.I. Bill benefits are exhausted.
Additional resources include:
VetEd Education Grant Program
Tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate programs in Wisconsin.
Veterans Employment & Training Service (VETS)
Helps veterans find suitable employment through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
Apprenticeships & Skilled Trades
Many Wisconsin companies offer veteran-friendly apprenticeship opportunities in manufacturing, energy, and transportation sectors.
For veterans transitioning out of the military, these programs can provide a stable path toward a new career.
Wisconsin Veterans Homes and Long-Term Care Options
Wisconsin operates three State Veterans Homes designed to offer high-quality nursing and rehabilitative care:
Applications can be submitted through your CVSO or directly via the WDVA website.
Wisconsin Veterans Cemeteries and Burial Benefits
Wisconsin’s veterans are honored through three state veterans cemeteries located near the state homes listed above. Burial is available for eligible veterans, spouses, and dependents at no cost for the veteran.
Each cemetery provides perpetual care and memorial services in a peaceful setting. The WDVA coordinates applications and scheduling with local funeral homes and VA offices.
Even if you already qualify for burial in a national cemetery, Wisconsin’s state cemeteries are often closer for family members and offer the same level of honor and respect.
Local Wisconsin Veterans Organizations and Support Services
Beyond federal and state agencies, community-based veteran organizations across Wisconsin play a major role in providing practical and emotional support. These groups help with everything from benefit applications to job networking and counseling.
Prominent organizations include:
Real-Life Example: A Wisconsin Veteran’s Appeal Success
Case Study – Green Bay, WI:
A Navy veteran initially received a 30 % disability rating for PTSD, despite documented nightmares and difficulty maintaining employment. After obtaining new medical evaluations and a detailed statement from his spouse, his attorney filed a Supplemental Claim supported by additional evidence. The VA reviewed the case and increased his rating to 70 %, resulting in more than $1,000 in additional monthly compensation and eligibility for Individual Unemployability benefits.
Stories like this are common — persistence and evidence matter. Whether you’re located in Milwaukee, Madison, Eau Claire, or Wausau, help is available to ensure you receive the benefits you’ve earned.
The above case studies are representative examples based on typical VA claim outcomes and are provided for illustrative purposes only. Past results do not guarantee future results.
Frequently Asked Questions for Wisconsin Veterans
Next Steps for Wisconsin Veterans
If you’re a veteran in Wisconsin, don’t navigate the VA system alone.
Start by:
Gathering your service and medical records.
Contacting your county’s CVSO to determine eligibility for both federal and state programs.
Reaching out to a VA-accredited attorney for help appealing denied or underrated claims.
With the right guidance and documentation, Wisconsin veterans can secure the benefits they’ve rightfully earned through service to our country.
