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By Chuck N. Baker 
(Reno) – Men and women join the military for many reasons. For a number of Americans, one of the main goals of military enlistment is education. Thousands have taken advantage of the G.I. Bill that offers college financing for veterans who are eligible. That is one of many advantages offered by the federal government, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.  
 
But for those eligible veterans who are fortunate to reside in Nevada, there are a number of additional no-cost benefits that only Nevada residents can apply for and are eligible. Under continuous development and leading-edge improvement by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, there is no competition between the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (NVA). Rather, the NDVS offers adjunct benefits as a way to further honor the men and women who, either by birth or by choice, have chosen to make the Silver State their home. 
 
According to a NDVS spokesperson, “The State of Nevada provides benefits for eligible veterans including assistance with claims, in-state tuition, free legal services, employment training and rehabilitation, and even such seemingly minor cost-saving activities such as hunting and fishing licenses and Department of Motor Vehicles privileges.” 
 
If a dollar amount were ever given to all the benefits to veterans offered by the State, the total would add up to more than hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions over time. But in Nevada, those who have served the nation are eligible for several different fee and tax breaks. Although Nevada’s benefits program has its roots in State government starting years ago, Governor Brian Sandoval has directed and oversees an on-going expansion of the veterans benefits program. He is often quoted saying he is dedicated to making Nevada the most military and veteran-friendly state in America, and his actions have proven his words to be true. 
 
It would take a book-length report and then some to detail all of the many State benefits and services offered to veterans. Readers are encouraged to visit the NDVS website (noted below) to learn all that is offered. But below are some of the items explained in closer detail. 
 
Filing Claims  
Assistance with filing of claims with the DVA is available not only for veterans, but their family members too. The claims are for service-connected disabilities, non-service connected pensions and other related issues. Once filed, there may be follow up work regarding appeals, representation at hearings, guidance with requests for discharge upgrades and other topics that need further personal efforts.  
 
Women Veterans  
In recent years closer attention has been given to issues and needs concerning women veterans. The Nevada Women Veterans Program serves female veterans and active duty women stationed in Nevada, as well as their families. NDVS provides a Women Veterans Coordinator to synchronize events and opportunities statewide to assist in understanding available benefits. More than that, the program honors the legacy of all women who have served in the armed forces. Additionally, Nevada established a Women Veterans Advisory Committee to provide insight and recommendations to address the unique challenges and needs of women veterans. In the last session of the Legislature, Nevada lawmakers agreed one member of this Committee, along with one member of Nevada’s Student Veterans Advisory Committee would have a seat on the statewide Veterans Advisory Commission.  
 
Fee and Tax Breaks  
There are many state and county tax exemptions available to veterans. For example, the County Assessors Office offers eligible veterans an annual tax exemption, and select disabled veterans are offered exemptions under certain conditions. The programs are aimed at service exemptions, property taxes, free hunting and fishing licenses and other government fees and levies. Each program has specific guidelines and the programs may also be different for various counties. Attention to detailed requirements is necessary, and NDVS will assist veterans in checking each topic carefully before veterans apply. 
 
Where to Find More Information  
The NDVS website provides more detailed information in an easy to understand format. Just a few of the overall topics, in addition to those above, include benefits for Education, Employment, Finance, Health and Wellness, Housing Assistance, Legal Help, Transportation, Veterans Appreciation and Community Councils, Indigenous Peoples and Minority Programs, Military and Family Outreach Support, Veterans Home Admission and Burial and Memorial Programs.  
 
For details and access to all the NDVS programs, go to www.veterans.nv.gov.  
 
These programs are designed to make life a little bit easier for those who have served our nation honorably, whether such individuals served in combat or not. Nevada appreciates each and every honorably discharged veteran and current military member, as well as their families who provide needed emotional and psychological support. The benefits are backed by the entire State, and by the thousands of employees and volunteers who are dedicated to serving those who served.