Geography Over Service: The Unequal Distribution of VA Benefits

ByBNW TEAM

Military service is a national duty, but the benefits veterans receive afterward depend heavily on where they live. A new study from CCK Law reveals striking disparities in the distribution of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, showing how geography can determine the level of support a veteran receives.

Billions in Spending, Unequal Outcomes

In 2023, the VA spent $301 billion on veterans’ benefits, nearly five percent of all federal spending. The U.S. veteran population stands at about 16.2 million, including 1.1 million individuals rated 100% disabled due to service-related conditions.

On the surface, large states collect the most funds. Texas, California, and Florida top the list, with tens of billions allocated. Yet the per-capita figures tell a different story:

  • California: $12.8 billion distributed to 1.6 million veterans (~$8,000 per veteran).
  • Texas: $13.5 billion to 1.5 million veterans (~$9,000 per veteran).
  • Vermont: $500 million to 34,000 veterans (~$14,700 per veteran).
  • Alaska: $1.2 billion to 64,000 veterans (~$18,700 per veteran).

This means that an Alaskan veteran receives more than twice the average support of a Californian veteran, despite both serving the same country.

The States Paying the Highest Averages

States leading in per-veteran spending aren’t the most populous. Instead, smaller states with higher rates of service-connected disability dominate the list:

  • West Virginia — $12,070 per veteran
  • Maine — $11,943
  • Arkansas — $11,708
  • Kentucky — $11,481
  • Mississippi — $11,289
  • National average — ~$9,800

West Virginia illustrates the pattern. About 8% of its population are veterans, above the national 6% average, and 35% live with service-connected disabilities, qualifying for higher benefits. Maine follows a similar trend, with an older veteran population and additional property tax exemptions.

The Role of Age and Demographics

The demographics of each state’s veteran community strongly influence benefit totals. States like Florida, where nearly half of veterans are over 65, spend heavily on healthcare and long-term care. Younger states, like Texas, direct more toward disability compensation and education.

Nationwide, the veteran age breakdown in 2024 was:

  • 65+ years: 50.5%
  • 45–64 years: 33.7%
  • 18–44 years: 15.8%

This spread underscores why older states see higher spending levels.

Growing and Shrinking Totals

Between 2022 and 2024, VA spending rose in several large states:

  • Texas: +7.4% ($12.2B → $13.1B)
  • Florida: +6.3% ($11.2B → $11.9B)
  • California: +4.4% ($13.6B → $14.2B)

Increases were driven by cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and the PACT Act of 2022, which expanded coverage for veterans exposed to toxins such as Agent Orange and burn pits.

But some states lost ground. Illinois fell from $6.4B to $6.2B (–3.1%), while New York dropped from $7.3B to $7.0B (–4.1%), reflecting budget strains and implementation hurdles.

The Rural Access Problem

Funding isn’t the only issue. Veterans in rural or remote states often face major access barriers, including:

  • Long travel times to VA clinics
  • Fewer local legal resources for appeals
  • Limited specialized care options

This means that even where funds exist, veterans may struggle to benefit from them fully.

A System of Inequity

“Veterans have earned these benefits through their service,” said a spokesperson from CCK Law. “But the system is failing to serve them equally. A veteran in Vermont shouldn’t receive significantly more support than one in Florida simply because of where they live.”

The disparities highlight a fundamental inequity: what is supposed to be a uniform federal program operates more like 50 separate systems.

Looking Forward

With veteran populations shifting and new laws like the PACT Act expanding eligibility, the disparities are likely to continue evolving. Policymakers and advocates warn that unless reforms ensure fairer distribution and better access, veterans will remain subject to geographic inequities beyond their control.

For veterans struggling to navigate the system, access to information and legal support is critical. Many are unaware of their full entitlements, leaving billions in potential aid unclaimed each year.

The takeaway is clear: veteran benefits are not distributed equally, and geography remains a major determinant of support. Bridging that gap will require both stronger oversight and better outreach.

For the full state-by-state breakdown and analysis, click here for further information

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