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By Rob Williams 
(Statewide) ‚Äì The Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) is currently conducting an Outreach Program to connect with LGBTQ veterans who were discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) and previous Department of Defense policies.  
 
Current statistics indicate approximately 14,500 LGBTQ service members were discharged under DADT. NDVS is working to connect with LGBTQ veterans who were discharged in an improper or inequitable manner without aggravating factors. 
 
Veterans who were discharged less than honorably due to their LGBTQ orientation are encouraged to work with an NDVS Veteran Service Officer (VSO) to: 
‚Ä¢ Upgrade the character & narrative of their discharge 
‚Ä¢ Update the separation and reentry codes on their DD-214 
Having a veteran’s discharge upgraded can give access to benefits such as education, job and vocational training as well as VA home loans and health care. Such benefits may not have been available to veterans with less than honorable discharges. 
 
NDVS has a team of Nevada Veterans Advocates (NVAs) who are located throughout Nevada. They can help answer general questions about veteran benefits and help get the paperwork organized for upgrade appeals.  
Our VSOs will file the actual appeal and advocate for the LGBTQ veteran. The contact info for making an appointment with one of our VSOs is as follows: 
 
Reno ‚Äì (775) 321-4880 
Las Vegas ‚Äì (702) 224-6025 
Elko – (775) 777-1000