Find Your Benefits:
Around 36% of Nevada’s veterans are living with service-connected disabilities: in 2024, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs registered 75,656 receiving disability compensation. Over half of these veterans are rated at 70% or higher, making local and state support especially important.
To serve this large disabled population, Nevada provides a variety of veteran benefits at state and county levels, in addition to federal VA compensation. These include property tax exemptions, free vehicle registration, college tuition assistance, employment opportunities, and more.
The Hill & Ponton guide helps Nevada’s disabled veterans (and their families) understand the full range of state and federal benefits available to them. It explains eligibility for the programs offered by the state of Nevada and links to additional resources that veterans can use to maximize their benefits.
Property Tax Exemptions & Housing Assistance
Do Disabled Veterans Pay Property Taxes in Nevada?
Yes, but Nevada offers a significant property tax exemption for veterans with a service-connected disability of 60% or greater. The amount of the exemption increases based on the veteran’s disability percentage and is applied to the assessed value of a home or vehicle. As of 2024, the exemption amounts are:
- 60%–79% disability: $10,000 of assessed property value
- 80%–99% disability: $15,000 of assessed property value
- 100% permanent disability: $20,000 of assessed property value
Those with disability ratings under 60% can still benefit from the Veterans’ Exemption, which applies to the first $2,000 of assessed property valuation. Learn more.
The Disabled Veterans’ Exemption requires the veteran to be a bona fide resident of Nevada, meaning they must have lived in the state for at least six months or possess a valid Nevada driver’s license or ID that doesn’t indicate seasonal residency. Surviving spouses may also qualify if they were married and cohabiting with the disabled veteran for at least five years before the veteran’s death, have not remarried, and are Nevada residents.
To apply for either property tax exemption, veterans must contact their local county assessor’s office. Application forms may be available for download online through the assessor’s website. Required documentation includes an honorable discharge certificate (e.g., DD-214) and documentation verifying the percentage of service-connected disability.
Housing Assistance Programs
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) provides housing and financial assistance to low-income veterans and those facing homelessness or housing insecurity. Veterans can access emergency housing programs, request mediation during eviction proceedings, qualify for preferential home loans, and receive free assistance from VA-accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs). Find out more.
Transportation Benefits
How to Get Disabled Veteran Plates in Nevada
Nevada residents with a service-connected disability can apply for a Disabled Veteran license plate for a one-time fee of $8.50, with no ongoing renewal charges. This license plate allows the vehicle to park in handicap-accessible spots and waives all state and local parking fees. Veterans are eligible for Disabled Veteran license plates in Nevada if they are rated 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or have any service-connected disability that qualifies the veteran for a standard handicapped placard (e.g., permanent mobility impairment). Veterans must apply in person and bring proof of service-connected disability from the VA. More info on the Nevada DMV site.
Education Benefits
Do Disabled Veterans’ Dependents Get Free College in Nevada?
Nevada doesn’t have education benefits specifically for disabled veterans or their dependents but does offer a tuition waiver to the children and surviving spouses of service members in Nevada identified as POW or MIA, or who were killed in the line of duty while serving in the Nevada National Guard.
Purple Heart recipients are also eligible for a tuition waiver. Additionally, out-of-state veterans honorably discharged within five years before the date of matriculation, as well as all veterans who were stationed in Nevada when discharged, are considered residents of the state for tuition purposes in the Nevada System of Higher Education.
Employment Benefits
Disabled veterans receive the highest veteran hiring preference when applying for jobs within Nevada state government and benefit from programs like the Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP). Veterans can meet with Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVERs) and DVOP specialists who can help with job placement, resume development, interview coaching, and overcoming employment barriers. The Career Enhancement Program (CEP) supports qualified veterans with both classroom and on-the-job training.
Eligible veterans and their spouses are given priority of service by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, which means they are served ahead of non-veterans in job searches, training programs, and employment services funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. The EmployNV Career Hubs ensure that veterans are prioritized and connected with employers and include Veterans Representatives (typically veterans themselves) specially trained to provide veteran-specific employment assistance.
For veteran entrepreneurs, the Nevada Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) provides customized business training, mentorship, and assistance with funding and contracting opportunities.
Recreation Benefits
Do Disabled Veterans Get Free Access to Nevada State Parks?
Yes. The Veteran Annual Entrance permit provides free entrance to all parks in the state system for 12 months. In addition, honorably discharged disabled veterans residing in Nevada can get a Disabled Veteran Permit for only $30 per year, which allows unlimited entrance and use of camping and boat launch facilities in all parks. Find out more about veteran park permits.
Do Disabled Veterans Receive Discounts for Fishing and Hunting Licenses in Nevada?
Yes. Nevada veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more and have received an honorable discharge or certificate of satisfactory service can get a specialty combination hunting and fishing license for just $15 from the Nevada Department of Wildlife. The Resident Disabled Veteran Specialty Combination Hunting and Fishing License is valid for one year from the date of purchase, with a nominal processing fee added. See the license application.
Healthcare Benefits
While Nevada veterans benefit from many federal and state resources, access can be limited for some types of health care, such as dental services. At the Reno VA Hospital, only about 5% of the 56,000 enrolled veterans qualify for dental care. To be eligible, a veteran must have a 100% service-connected disability, have suffered an injury to the mouth or jaw during service, or have been a prisoner of war. The vast majority of veterans are left seeking other options which they might not afford.
The Adopt a Vet Dental Program (AAVD) answers this need by providing low-income veterans with free dental care from volunteer dentists and lab partners who donate their time and services. To qualify, veterans must be full-time Nevada residents enrolled with the VA, have a VA primary care provider, follow their medical care plans, maintain sobriety for at least one year, and fall at or below 225% of the federal poverty level.
Veterans can apply for assistance through AAVD by visiting adoptavetdental.org, calling 775-470-8707, or visiting their office at 1301 Cordone Ave, Suite 100, Reno, NV 89502. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., by appointment only.
Nevada VA Health Care Facilities
- VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, 6900 North Pecos Road, North Las Vegas, NV 89086 – Phone: 702-791-9000
- Reno VA Medical Center, 975 Kirman Avenue, Reno, NV 89502 – Phone: 775-786-7200
- Pahrump VA Clinic, 220 South Emery Street, Pahrump, NV 89048 – Phone: 775-751-2053
- Henderson VA Clinic, 2920 North Green Valley Parkway, Suite 200, Henderson, NV 89014 – Phone: 702-791-9020
- Laughlin VA Clinic, 3650 South Point Circle, Suite 205, Laughlin, NV 89029 – Phone: 702-298-5575
- Elko VA Clinic, 762 14th Street, Elko, NV 89801 – Phone: 775-738-0188
- Ely VA Clinic, 1301 East Aultman Street, Suite 106, Ely, NV 89301 – Phone: 775-289-3612
- Fallon VA Clinic, 345 West A Street, Fallon, NV 89406 – Phone: 775-428-6161
- Gardnerville VA Clinic, 1330 Waterloo Lane, Suite 101, Gardnerville, NV 89410 – Phone: 775-782-5265
- Silver Springs VA Clinic, 3595 US Highway 50 East, Suite 3, Silver Springs, NV 89429 – Phone: 775-577-5555
- Winnemucca VA Clinic, 705 East 4th Street, Winnemucca, NV 89445 – Phone: 775-623-0788
Nevada State Veterans Homes
Nevada operates two state veterans homes providing skilled nursing and rehabilitative care to honorably discharged veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star parents:
- Nevada State Veterans Home – 100 Veterans Memorial Dr, Boulder City, NV 89005 | (702) 332-6711
- Northern Nevada State Veterans Home – 36 Battle Born Way, Sparks, NV 89431 | (775) 827-2955
Burial and Survivor Benefits
Veterans, their spouses and dependents may be laid to rest in one of Nevada’s two State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries, located in Fernley and Boulder City. Burial for the veteran is provided at no cost and includes the opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government-issued headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. For eligible spouses and dependents, the current fee is $450.
Surviving spouses and dependents are also eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), survivor pension, health care, education benefits and other VA federal and state benefits. Learn more.
Federal Benefits Available to Nevada Veterans
In addition to Nevada’s specific benefits, disabled veterans also get a wide range of federal VA disability benefits, including:
- Monthly tax-free compensation payments based on disability rating (calculate it here)
- Medical care, including mental health services and counseling
- Home loans and housing benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation and employment services
- Education benefits through the GI Bill
- Survivor benefits
- Federal hiring preference
Eligibility for some of these benefits depends on the disability rating percentage. Use the links below to see what federal benefits Nevada veterans can get with a rating of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, etc.
- 50% VA disability benefits
- 60% VA disability benefits
- 70% VA disability benefits
- 80% VA disability benefits
- 90% VA disability benefits
100% Disabled Veteran Benefits
Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive the highest level of federal VA benefits, including:
- Full monthly VA compensation
- Full VA healthcare coverage
- Dental care
- Adaptive equipment grants
See all federal benefits for a 100% disabled Nevada veteran →
100% Disabled Veteran Benefits for Spouse and Dependents
Spouses and family members of 100% disabled veterans may also be able to get several benefits:
- CHAMPVA healthcare
- DIC eligibility
- Education benefits
- Continued property tax exemption
- Access to Nevada state resources
Benefits for Toxic Exposure
Veterans who served at contaminated military bases or who were exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, or other environmental hazards may qualify for additional VA benefits. Bases in or near Nevada with known toxic exposure issues include:
- Naval Air Station Fallon
- Creech Air Force Base
- Hawthorne Army Depot
- Nellis Air Force Base
If you served at a base in a different state, you can find yours on our toxic exposure map: www.hillandponton.com/toxic-exposure/.
Getting VA Disability in Nevada
Getting through the VA disability claims process can be tricky, but there are local and national resources to help guide you. These resources include local veteran groups, state-supported VA services, and experienced disability lawyers.
How to Apply for VA Benefits in Nevada – Free Guide
Attorney Matthew Hill has written THE book on how to get VA disability compensation and benefits. And it’s yours free of charge. We also offer a free online course for easy, immediate access.
Nevada State Assistance and Resources
- Veterans Service Officers (VSO)
- Attorney General’s Office of Military Legal Assistance (OMLA)
- Veterans Treatment Court
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) provides a range of legal and reintegration support programs for veterans, especially those involved in the criminal justice system. These efforts aim to ensure that all veterans have access to the services and resources they need to reintegrate into civilian life successfully. Veterans Treatment Courts serve as an alternative to traditional criminal courts by focusing on rehabilitation over punishment. They assist veterans struggling with issues like PTSD, substance use, or mental illness by connecting them with treatment programs and VA services.
Help from Experienced Lawyers
Our Las Vegas VA-accredited lawyers proudly represent Nevada veterans who were denied or underrated by the VA, with no upfront costs. Contact us for a free evaluation – even if we don’t take your case, we’ll point you in the right direction!