How Does Nevada Safeguard the Rights of Disabled Veterans and Support Their Well-Being?
The benefits and protections provided to disabled veterans under Nevada law aim to support their well-being and reintegration into civilian life while upholding their fundamental rights as citizens. The state offers a variety of programs and services to ensure that veterans receive the necessary assistance and recognition for their service, including financial assistance, healthcare, and employment support. A Las Vegas disability benefits attorney can help you determine which programs may be most beneficial to you as a disabled veteran. An attorney can also assist if you or a loved one have faced rights violations or challenges in receiving the benefits you are entitled to.
What Benefits Are Available to Nevada’s Disabled Veterans?
Nevada veterans living with disabilities may qualify for a wide range of benefits. Eligibility for each program or benefit may vary based on the individual’s disability rating, discharge status, and residency.
Employment Preference and Disability Accommodation
State jobs in Nevada provide a hiring preference for honorably discharged veterans. This preference is in the form of points, which are added to the scores of examinations or competitions used in the hiring or promotion process. Under this system, a veteran receives a ten-point addition to their scores. Federal jobs also give preference to disabled veterans who are interviewing or taking examinations. Veterans who qualify for disability compensation or retirement benefits and their spouses can receive a ten-point addition to their rating or passing exam score.
Once hired, disabled veterans can seek reasonable accommodations from employers to ensure they can perform the necessary tasks for their job. Examples of accommodations may include:
- Accessible software and communications technologies
- Changes to the individual’s workspace layout
- Allowing a service animal to accompany the individual to work
- Providing flexible scheduling to allow the veteran to attend therapy or doctor’s appointments for their impairment
Employers can also offer accommodations in response to observed workplace challenges, or they may be sought by family members, representatives, or health professionals on the disabled veteran’s behalf.
Healthcare and Insurance
Individuals who have served in the military and suffered serious injuries often have complex medical needs. Nevada offers healthcare benefits to disabled veterans through the VA healthcare system. VA benefits include access to hospitals, clinics, and specialized care for service-connected disabilities. The VA also provides life insurance options to ensure financial security for veterans and their families. Nevada National Guard members may receive benefits and compensation under the Nevada Industrial Insurance Act.
Property Tax Exemptions
Veterans who are residents of Nevada and have a service-related disability rating of 60% or more are eligible for a significant property tax exemption. The exact amount of the exemption varies from year to year and is tiered based on the individual’s disability percentage. The exemption can be used for vehicle registration taxes or taxes on real property.
Disabled Parking Privileges
Disabled veterans with a 100% rating qualify for a DMV exemption from state and local parking fees. Veterans with a disability can also request a handicapped placard or license plate that allows them to use specified parking spots. A medical provider must fill out the lower section of the application and attest to the individual’s condition. Even individuals with a moderate or temporary disability can apply for placards if they meet the DMV’s criteria.
Reduced-Cost Recreational Opportunities
Disabled veteran residents with a 50% or higher disability rating who were honorably discharged can get a specialty combination hunting and fishing license for only $15. To apply, the veteran must provide proof of their disability rating and their discharge paperwork. The state also offers a Nevada State Parks Disabled Veteran Permit. This permit grants free entry to state parks and waives certain fees, promoting outdoor activities and enhancing the quality of life for veterans.
How Does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Affect Disabled Veterans?
The ADA safeguards disabled veterans and other individuals with impairments that substantially impact major life activities from discrimination based on a current, past, or perceived disability. The definition of a disability in the ADA is quite broad. It can include both visible impairments, such as blindness, paralysis, and limb loss, and less apparent disabling conditions, like PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and organ system damage. Even if a veteran has not received a disability rating from the VA, they may still be protected under the ADA.
Title I of the ADA makes it illegal for employers to treat individuals unfavorably due to their disability. In addition to requiring employers to make accommodations for disabled employees, the ADA mandates that they make their entire facilities accessible and ensure disabled employees can participate in employer-sponsored social events and training. It is also illegal for employers to harass disabled veterans, request protected medical information, or retaliate against a veteran who has filed a disability discrimination complaint.
What is USERRA and How Does it Help Protect Veterans’ Rights?
Individuals who must leave their employment to serve in the uniformed services often face unique challenges when attempting to return to work, particularly if they have a service-related disability. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is a federal law that aims to protect the employment rights of veterans and current military members. USERRA goes beyond the anti-discrimination laws outlined in the ADA and requires employers to make reasonable efforts to help veterans return to their previous positions. To make this reemployment possible, employers may need to make reasonable modifications to the job or workspace. If the veteran is no longer able to perform their previous job due to their disability, the employer must take steps to help them qualify for a position of equivalent seniority and pay. Reasonable actions may include providing free training or education for a new position.
How Can Our Firm Assist in Protecting Your Rights as a Disabled Veteran?
At Roeschke Law, LLC we understand that disabled veterans have made significant sacrifices for this country, and we are here to advocate for their rights and best interests. It can be overwhelming to navigate the many programs, benefits, and protections available, which can result in individuals not receiving the key support and assistance they need to thrive. If you are a disabled veteran, our knowledgeable attorneys can help you explore your options, apply for benefits, and take action on your behalf if you’ve suffered unfair treatment due to your disability or military deployment. Contact our office today at a href=”tel:8009751866″>800-975-1866 to request a free case evaluation and learn how we can serve you.