VA Resources for Veterans
Free veteran downloads, explainer videos, Florida veterans benefits, and veteran-owned business resources.
Free Resources
Free Downloads
for Veterans
These tools are designed to help you prepare, document, and win your claim. Email us to request any resource — we'll send it directly to you at no charge.
Free
VA Disability Claim Checklist
A complete checklist of everything you need to gather before filing — DD-214, medical records,
buddy statements, nexus letters, and more. Don't file without it.
Official VA How-to-File guide at va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim.
Request Free Download →
Free
C&P Exam Preparation Guide
How to prepare for your Compensation and Pension exam. Learn why you must describe your
worst days, not your best — and exactly how to document your symptoms before you walk in.
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Free
Nexus Letter Template
A structured template to give your doctor so they can write an effective nexus letter.
Includes the exact language VA raters look for: "at least as likely as not" and proper diagnostic framing.
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Free
PTSD Documentation Worksheet
Captures the specific symptoms, triggers, worst-day descriptions, and occupational/social
impairments VA raters use to assign your PTSD rating. Fill this out before your C&P exam.
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Free
Buddy Statement Guide
A guide for fellow service members writing a buddy statement (VA Form 21-10210) on your behalf.
Explains what to include, how to describe what they witnessed, and why it matters to raters.
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Free
DBQ — Disability Benefits Questionnaire Forms
DBQs are standardized forms your private doctor completes to assess the severity of your service-connected condition for the VA. Using a completed DBQ from your own doctor can reduce or eliminate the need for a VA C&P exam — giving you more control over your rating.
Official DBQ forms at va.gov/disability/va-claim-exam.
Access DBQ Forms →
Free
Rating Increase Strategy Guide
Already rated but believe you should be higher? This guide covers secondary conditions,
new and material evidence, when to file supplemental claims, and how to document worsening conditions.
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Video Guides
VA Explainer Videos
Watch official VA guidance and expert breakdowns on claims, PACT Act, and getting the most from your benefits. These are published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Videos are hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs official YouTube channel. MAVTG does not control video content. For the complete VA video library, visit youtube.com/@DeptVetAffairs.
State-Specific Guide
Florida Veterans Benefits
Florida is consistently ranked among the top states for veterans. Beyond federal VA benefits, Florida provides a powerful stack of state-level programs — most of which require a separate application.
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Florida: One of the Most Veteran-Friendly States in the Nation
Florida has over 1.5 million veterans — the third largest veteran population in the U.S. The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs (FDVA) administers dozens of benefits exclusively for Florida residents. Many are completely separate from VA federal benefits and require their own applications through the state.
Full Homestead Property Tax Exemption
Florida veterans with a 100% permanent service-connected disability receive a complete exemption from property taxes on their primary residence (homestead). This exemption also transfers to a surviving spouse. Worth thousands of dollars per year.
Apply at your County Property Appraiser ↗
Veterans' Preference in Employment
Florida law provides Veterans' Preference to eligible veterans when applying for state and county government jobs. This includes additional points in scoring, priority in hiring, and preference during layoffs. Eligible for honorably discharged veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Florida Veterans' Preference ↗
Florida Veterans' Homes
The State of Florida operates six veterans nursing homes and one assisted living facility providing skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitation services to eligible Florida veterans. Priority given to veterans with service-connected disabilities.
floridavets.org/homes ↗
Florida Free Tuition for Veterans
Veterans who were Florida residents when they entered military service may be eligible for tuition waivers at Florida public colleges and universities. Children of 100% P&T veterans may also qualify for the Hazlewood Scholarship equivalent at Florida public schools.
Florida Education Benefits ↗
Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Florida residents who are totally and permanently disabled veterans (100% rating) are eligible for a complimentary lifetime hunting and freshwater fishing license. Apply through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
FWC License Info ↗
Disabled Veteran License Plates
Florida offers free disabled veteran (DV) specialty license plates for eligible veterans. 100% P&T veterans pay no annual registration fees. Apply through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles with your VA rating letter.
FL DV Plate Info ↗
Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs
Call: 727-319-7440 | Web: floridavets.org
floridavets.org ↗
Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET | State Veterans Service Officers are available at no charge to help you access all state benefits.
Entrepreneurship & Business
Veteran-Owned Business
Resources
Military service builds the skills that build great businesses — leadership, discipline, execution under pressure. The federal government and the VA maintain programs specifically designed to help veterans start, grow, and win contracts.
SBA Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)
The Small Business Administration operates 22 Veteran Business Outreach Centers nationwide offering free business planning, mentorship, referrals to capital, and federal contracting guidance to veterans and military spouses.
Find Your VBOC ↗
VA Veteran Entrepreneurship Program
VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program supports self-employment as a viable outcome for disabled veterans. If traditional employment is not feasible due to your service-connected disabilities, VA can fund business equipment, training, and start-up costs.
VA Self-Employment Program ↗
Boots to Business (B2B)
A free SBA entrepreneurship education program for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. Boots to Business covers business model development, market research, access to capital, and connecting with local mentors. Offered on military installations and online.
Boots to Business Info ↗
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
The federal government sets aside contracts specifically for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. If you have a service-connected disability and own a business, SDVOSB certification gives you access to a $20B+ annual federal contracting set-aside. Certify through SBA.gov.
SDVOSB Certification ↗
Patriot Express / SBA Veteran Advantage Loans
SBA loan programs provide reduced fee structures for veterans, active duty service members, and military spouses seeking financing. The SBA Veterans Advantage reduces loan fees by 50% on qualifying SBA 7(a) loans and offers an expedited review process.
SBA Business Loans ↗
Veteran Entrepreneur Portal
VA's central hub for veteran entrepreneurship resources — connecting veterans to training, certifications, mentors, and financial support in one place. Also includes state-by-state resources and industry-specific guidance.
VA Veteran Business Portal ↗