Nebraska: Nebraska Veterans: Disability Benefits & Where to Apply
Nebraska veterans with service-connected disabilities can apply for VA disability compensation through the Lincoln VA Regional Office at 3800 Village Dr, Lincoln, NE 68516, or online at VA.gov using VA Form 21-526EZ. The state also offers a homestead exemption that eliminates property taxes for 100% permanently disabled veterans and their surviving spouses, with no income or home value limits.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Benefit | VA disability compensation, homestead exemption, state veterans homes, vehicle tax exemption |
| Eligibility | Honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge; service-connected condition |
| Application | VA Form 21-526EZ (compensation); Form 458 (homestead exemption); Form 453 (vehicle exemption) |
| Processing Time | 90–180 days for compensation claims; homestead exemption by June 30 deadline |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Required Forms | DD-214, medical records, VA Form 21-526EZ, Form 458, Form 453 |
| Updated For | 2026 |
VA Regional Benefit Office in Nebraska
What it is:Â The Lincoln VA Regional Benefit Office processes disability compensation, pension, education, home loan, and insurance claims for veterans across Nebraska.
Who qualifies:Â Veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses who meet VA eligibility requirements for specific benefit programs.
Why it matters: This is where VA Form 21-526EZ — the application for disability compensation — is processed. Nebraska has one VA Regional Benefit Office, located in Lincoln.
What veterans should do next: File claims online at VA.gov or submit paper claims to the Lincoln office. Veterans can also authorize a County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) to represent them at no charge.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 3800 Village Dr, Lincoln, NE 68516 |
| Toll-Free Phone | 800-827-1000 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM CST |
| Services | Compensation, pension, education, home loan, insurance |
The Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs (NDVA) is headquartered at 301 Centennial Mall South, 4th Floor, Lincoln, NE 68509. The main phone is 402-471-2458. NDVA administers state-level benefits including veterans homes, cemeteries, and the Nebraska Veterans Aid Fund.
VA Medical Centers and Clinics in Nebraska
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityNebraska has two VA medical centers and seven Community Based Outpatient Clinics as part of the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System.
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha VA Medical Center | 4101 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, NE 68105 | 402-346-8800 |
| Grand Island VA Medical Center | 2201 N Broadwell Ave, Grand Island, NE 68803 | 308-382-3660 |
| Bellevue VA Clinic | 1301 Harney St, Omaha, NE 68102 | Contact VA |
| Holdrege VA Clinic | Holdrege, NE | Contact VA |
| Lincoln VA Clinic | 600 S 70th St, Lincoln, NE 68510 | Contact VA |
| Norfolk VA Clinic | Norfolk, NE | Contact VA |
| North Platte VA Clinic | North Platte, NE | Contact VA |
| O’Neill VA Clinic | O’Neill, NE | Contact VA |
| Scottsbluff VA Clinic | Scottsbluff, NE | Contact VA |
What they are:Â VA medical centers and clinics providing primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and prescription medications to enrolled veterans.
Who qualifies:Â Veterans who served in active military service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Enrollment priority is based on service-connected disabilities, income, and other factors.
Why it matters:Â These facilities provide comprehensive health care to Nebraska veterans. The Omaha VA Medical Center is an acute, tertiary care facility providing inpatient medical, surgical, and psychiatric care.
What veterans should do next: Apply for VA health care using VA Form 10-10EZ online at VA.gov, in person at any VA facility, or by calling 1-877-222-8387.
Nebraska Homestead Exemption for Disabled Veterans
What it is:Â The Nebraska Homestead Exemption is a property tax relief program that exempts qualified disabled veterans from property taxes on their primary residence.
Who qualifies:Â Nebraska offers homestead exemptions to several categories of veterans:
| Category | Description | Income/Value Limits |
|---|---|---|
| 4V | Veterans with 100% service-connected permanent disability or 100% individual unemployability (TDIU) rating | None |
| 4S | Surviving spouses of qualified veterans | None |
| 5 | Veterans whose home was substantially contributed to by the VA and their surviving spouses | None |
| 7 | Veterans with 100% service-connected temporary disability and their surviving spouses | None |
| 2 | Veterans totally disabled by a non-service-connected accident or illness | Yes — sliding scale |
Why it matters: For 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans (Category 4V), the homestead exemption eliminates property taxes entirely, with no income or home value limits. Veterans who are eligible for a homestead exemption due to being 100% permanently disabled are no longer required to file annually.
What veterans should do next: File Form 458 with your county assessor between February 1 and June 30 each year.
Homestead Exemption Application Steps
Obtain Form 458. The Nebraska Department of Revenue sends preprinted applications to county assessors in January. County assessors mail applications to prior-year applicants in February.
Complete the application. Fill out Form 458 and Schedule I (if applicable).
Attach required documentation. Include your VA benefit summary letter showing 100% permanent disability, DD-214, and any other required documents.
File with your county assessor. The filing period is February 1 through June 30.
Track your application. Contact your county assessor for status updates.
Income Limits for Homestead Exemption
There are no income and homestead value limits for categories 4V, 4S, 5, and 7. Income limits on a sliding scale apply only to categories 1, 2, 3, and 6.
Nebraska Disabled Veteran Vehicle Tax Exemption
What it is:Â A property tax exemption on one motor vehicle and one mobile home owned and used by a qualified disabled veteran.
Who qualifies:Â Any veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who was discharged with a characterization of honorable or general (under honorable conditions) and has a service-connected disability as follows:
A veteran who has lost the use of or has undergone amputation of two or more extremities, or has undergone amputation of one or more extremities and has lost the use of one or more extremities
A veteran whose vision is so impaired as to seriously limit their ability to engage in ordinary vocations and activities of life
Why it matters:Â This exemption eliminates property taxes on one vehicle and one mobile home, reducing the financial burden on severely disabled veterans.
What veterans should do next: File Form 453 with your county treasurer or assessor.
| Property Type | Filing Deadline | Where to File |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Home | April 1 annually | County Assessor |
| Motor Vehicle | 15 days before to 30 days after registration date | County Treasurer |
A certificate from the Department of Veterans Affairs stating that the applicant meets one of the above criteria and that the disability is service-connected must be attached to the application.
Note:Â Exemption from motor vehicle tax does not exempt the motor vehicle from sales and use taxes or wheel tax.
Nebraska State Veterans Homes
Nebraska operates four state veterans homes providing assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care to honorably discharged veterans, spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents.
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home | 4510 East 56th Street, Kearney, NE 68847 | 308-865-6000 |
| Eastern Nebraska Veterans’ Home | 12505 Harrison Tull Drive, Bellevue, NE 68123 | 402-595-2180 |
| Norfolk Veterans’ Home | 600 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701 | 402-370-3330 |
| Western Nebraska Veterans’ Home | 1102 West 42nd Street, Scottsbluff, NE 69361 | 308-632-0300 |
Eligibility:Â Veterans who served on active duty with an honorable or general discharge and members of the Nebraska National Guard with active duty for training who have lived in Nebraska at least two years during their lifetime. Spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents are also eligible.
Cost: Members are admitted without regard to their financial situation. Cost is based on each individual’s income and assets. Those who are able to are required to pay a portion of their care costs, but there is no fixed cost.
How to apply:Â Apply through your County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO), apply to the home directly, or apply through a recognized veteran service organization.
Nebraska State Veterans Cemeteries
Nebraska operates two state veterans cemeteries — the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance and the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Grand Island.
| Cemetery | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance | 2610 County Road 57, Alliance, NE 69301 | 308-763-2958 |
| Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Grand Island | 3270 West Capital Ave, Grand Island, NE 68803 | 308-661-1987 |
Services offered:Â Casket or cremation burial, military funeral honors, memorial services, pre-needs counseling, memorial graves, and civic and volunteer opportunities. All services are provided at no cost to veterans or their families.
Eligibility:Â Active duty service members whose death occurred while on active duty; veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable who meet minimum service requirements; Reserve and National Guard veterans entitled to retired pay.
The Omaha National Cemetery and Fort McMcPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell are federal VA cemeteries also located in Nebraska.
Nebraska Veterans Aid Fund
What it is:Â Nebraska Veterans Aid (NVA) is a temporary emergency fund established in 1921 to assist veterans and their dependents who experience a financial hardship.
Who qualifies:Â Veterans and their spouses or dependents who are legal residents of Nebraska on the date of application and experience an unforeseen emergency disrupting their normal method of living when other resources are not immediately available.
Why it matters:Â NVA can be used for food, fuel, shelter, wearing apparel, medical or surgical aid, and funeral expenses. In FY 2024, $1,178,568 was distributed to veterans and their families. Over $61 million has been distributed since the fund was created.
What veterans should do next: Apply through a County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) or Post Service Officer of any recognized veterans service organization. Applications are then submitted to the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs for review.
Nebraska Education Benefits for Disabled Veterans
What it is:Â Nebraska offers education benefits including a tuition waiver for dependents of eligible veterans and a reservist tuition credit.
Waiver of Tuition: Dependents of eligible veterans can apply to have up to 100% of their tuition charges and tuition-related fees waived at the University of Nebraska campuses, Nebraska state colleges, and Nebraska community colleges. Non-tuition expenses including housing, meals, parking, and books are not covered.
Reservist Tuition Credit: Nebraska residents who are members of a Nebraska-based unit of the Active Selected Reserve may be eligible for a 75% tuition credit (or 50% if pursuing a graduate or professional degree) at University of Nebraska campuses, Nebraska state colleges, and Nebraska community colleges.
What veterans should do next: Contact the financial aid office at your chosen institution or the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs for application procedures and eligibility details.
Nebraska Military Retirement Pay Exemption
What it is:Â Nebraska fully exempts military retirement benefits from state income tax.
Who qualifies: All military retirees. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2022, all military retirees may exclude 100% of military retirement benefits from Nebraska taxable income to the extent included in federal adjusted gross income (AGI).
Why it matters:Â This exemption makes Nebraska one of the most tax-friendly states for military retirees.
What veterans should do next:Â Claim the exclusion on your Nebraska individual income tax return. Enter the military retirement benefits amount on Line 28 of the Nebraska return.
Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Disabled Veterans in Nebraska
What it is: Nebraska offers a Disabled Veteran’s Lifetime Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish/Fur Harvest Permit at no fee, with all state stamps included.
Who qualifies: A Nebraska resident veteran rated 50% or more service-connected, or 100% non-service-connected and drawing a VA pension. A veteran aged 64 or over pays $5 for the small game permit.
Why it matters:Â This benefit provides lifelong hunting and fishing access to disabled veterans at no cost, supporting outdoor recreation and quality of life.
What veterans should do next:Â Apply through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Certification of 50 percent or total disability must be signed by the USDVA Manager.
Nebraska Veterans Registry
What it is:Â The Nebraska Veterans Registry allows veterans to register their veteran status with the state.
Who qualifies:Â Any Nebraska veteran.
Why it matters:Â Registration helps the state connect veterans with benefits and services they have earned.
What veterans should do next: Visit veterans.nebraska.gov to register.
How to Apply for VA Disability Compensation in Nebraska
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
DD-214Â or equivalent discharge documents
Photo ID
Medical records related to your condition
Dependency records (if claiming dependents)
Income information (for pension and health care)
Step 2: Complete VA Form 21-526EZ
This is the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. Apply online at VA.gov, or submit paper applications to the Lincoln VA Regional Office.
Step 3: Work with a CVSO
Contact your County Veterans Service Officer for free assistance. CVSOs can help complete forms, gather evidence, and submit claims correctly the first time. They can also file appeals if a claim is denied.
Step 4: Track Your Claim
Create an account on VA.gov to check claim status, upload additional evidence, and receive decision notifications. Processing times vary but typically range from 90 to 180 days for initial compensation claims.
VA Disability Compensation Rates in Nebraska (2026)
VA disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free payment to veterans with service-connected disabilities. Rates are set federally and are the same in every state, including Nebraska.
| Disability Rating | Monthly Rate (Veteran Alone) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,134.00+ |
| 60% | $1,437.00+ |
| 70% | $1,810.00+ |
| 80% | $2,103.00+ |
| 90% | $2,362.00+ |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
Rates effective December 1, 2025, reflecting the 2.8% COLA for 2026. Veterans with dependents receive higher rates. VA disability compensation is not taxed by the federal government or the state of Nebraska.
Nebraska County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs)
What they are:Â County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) are county employees who provide free, accredited assistance with VA claims and benefits.
Who qualifies:Â Any veteran, dependent, or surviving spouse in Nebraska can use CVSO services at no charge.
Why they matter:Â CVSOs help veterans complete VA Form 21-526EZ, gather supporting evidence, submit claims, and file appeals. They also assist with Nebraska Veterans Aid applications.
What veterans should do next: Contact your county CVSO. CVSOs are employed by their respective counties, not NDVA or the state of Nebraska. A complete directory is available at veterans.nebraska.gov/cvso.
Example CVSO Offices:
| County | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Douglas County | 4502 S 13th St, Omaha, NE 68183 | 402-444-6006 |
| Lancaster County | 555 S 10th St, Lincoln, NE 68508 | Contact county |
| Adams County | 300 N. Joseph Ave, Hastings, NE 68901 | 402-461-7162 |
| Box Butte County | 524 Box Butte Ave., Ste. D, Alliance, NE 69301 | Contact county |
Vet Centers in Nebraska
Nebraska has two Vet Centers providing readjustment counseling and mental health services.
| Vet Center | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha Vet Center | 2428 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68105 | 402-346-6735 |
| Lincoln Vet Center | 3119 O Street, Suite A, Lincoln, NE 68510 | 402-476-9736 |
| Sioux City Vet Center (serves northeast Nebraska) | 1551 Indian Hills Drive, Sioux City, IA 51104 | 712-255-3808 |
Vet Center services include individual and group counseling, marriage and family counseling, bereavement counseling, and referrals to VA and community resources. Services are available at no cost to eligible veterans, regardless of VA health care enrollment status.
The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7: call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
Common Mistakes Nebraska Veterans Make
Mistake 1: Missing the June 30 homestead exemption deadline. The filing period for Form 458 is February 1 through June 30. Missing this deadline means losing the exemption for that tax year.
Mistake 2: Filing for the homestead exemption without VA certification. Category 4V, 4S, and 5 exemptions require a VA benefit summary letter or certification. Without it, the application is incomplete.
Mistake 3: Assuming the vehicle exemption covers all vehicles. The exemption applies to one motor vehicle and one mobile home only.
Mistake 4: Filing the vehicle exemption at the wrong time. For motor vehicles, the application must be filed with the county treasurer not more than 15 days before and not later than 30 days after the registration date.
Mistake 5: Overlooking the Nebraska Veterans Aid Fund. Many veterans are unaware of this emergency financial assistance program. Applications must be made through a CVSO.
Mistake 6: Not updating dependent information with the VA. Veterans with dependents who do not update their VA records may miss additional compensation for spouses and children.
Appeals Process for Nebraska Veterans
If VA denies a claim or assigns a lower rating than expected, veterans have appeal options. The appeals process begins with filing a Notice of Disagreement within one year of the decision date.
| Appeal Option | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Supplemental Claim | Submit new evidence | 30–90 days |
| Higher-Level Review | Senior reviewer examines decision | 60–120 days |
| Board Appeal | Veterans Law Judge reviews case | 1–3 years |
A CVSO can assist with all levels of appeal at no charge. Veterans may also choose to work with an accredited attorney or claims agent, though these representatives may charge fees.
PACT Act Benefits for Nebraska Veterans
The PACT Act expanded VA benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazards. Nebraska veterans who served in qualifying locations or eras may be eligible for presumptive service connection for certain conditions.
Who qualifies:Â Veterans who served in the Gulf War era, post-9/11 era, or at specific locations with toxic exposure. Surviving family members may also qualify for benefits.
How to apply:Â Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with DD-214, medical records showing diagnosis, and proof of service in a qualifying era or location. No nexus letter is required for presumptive conditions.
Why it matters:Â Presumptive conditions do not require veterans to prove a direct link between their service and their condition. The VA automatically assumes the connection.
Common Questions
1. Where is the VA Regional Office in Nebraska?
The Lincoln VA Regional Benefit Office is at 3800 Village Dr, Lincoln, NE 68516. The toll-free number is 800-827-1000. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM CST.
2. How many VA medical centers are in Nebraska?
Nebraska has two VA medical centers: the Omaha VA Medical Center and the Grand Island VA Medical Center. Both are part of the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System.
3. What VA clinics are in Nebraska?
VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics are located in Bellevue, Holdrege, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, O’Neill, and Scottsbluff.
4. Do Nebraska veterans get a property tax exemption?
Yes. Nebraska offers a homestead exemption for disabled veterans. Veterans with a 100% permanent service-connected disability or 100% TDIU rating receive a full property tax exemption with no income or home value limits.
5. What is the deadline for the Nebraska homestead exemption?
The filing period is February 1 through June 30 each year. File Form 458 with your county assessor.
6. How long does a VA disability claim take in Nebraska?
Initial VA disability compensation claims typically take 90–180 days to process. Claims filed through the Decision Ready Claims program may be processed faster.
7. Can I get help filing a VA claim for free in Nebraska?
Yes. County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) provide free, accredited assistance with VA claims. Contact your county CVSO or visit veterans.nebraska.gov/cvso for a directory.
8. What is the number for the Veterans Crisis Line?
Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net. The crisis line is available 24/7.
9. Does Nebraska have state veterans nursing homes?
Yes. Nebraska operates four state veterans homes in Bellevue, Kearney, Norfolk, and Scottsbluff. They provide assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care.
10. How do I apply for VA health care in Nebraska?
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ online at VA.gov or submit a paper application to the Omaha or Grand Island VA Medical Center. You can also apply in person at any VA clinic.
11. Does Nebraska tax military retirement pay?
No. Nebraska fully exempts military retirement benefits from state income tax. All military retirees may exclude 100% of military retirement benefits from Nebraska taxable income.
12. What is the Nebraska Veterans Aid Fund?
Nebraska Veterans Aid provides temporary emergency funds to veterans, their spouses, and dependents when an unforeseen emergency occurs. Apply through a County Veterans Service Officer.
13. Are there state veterans cemeteries in Nebraska?
Yes. Nebraska operates the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance and the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Grand Island. Both offer free burial services for eligible veterans.
14. What education benefits does Nebraska offer veterans?
Nebraska offers a 100% tuition waiver for dependents of eligible veterans at state colleges and universities, and a 75% tuition credit for members of Nebraska-based reserve units.
Key Takeaways
The Lincoln VA Regional Benefit Office at 3800 Village Dr handles all VA benefit claims for Nebraska. Call 800-827-1000.
Nebraska has two VA medical centers (Omaha and Grand Island) and seven CBOCs across the state.
100% permanently and totally disabled veterans are exempt from all property taxes on their homestead, with no income or home value limits. File Form 458 between February 1 and June 30.
Nebraska operates four state veterans homes in Bellevue, Kearney, Norfolk, and Scottsbluff.
Two state veterans cemeteries — Alliance and Grand Island — provide free interment for eligible veterans.
Military retirement pay is 100% exempt from Nebraska state income tax.
VA disability compensation is tax-free at both federal and state levels. Rates range from $180.42/month (10%) to $3,938.58/month (100%).
Disabled veterans rated 50%+Â receive a free lifetime hunting/fishing permit.
County Veterans Service Officers provide free claims assistance across Nebraska.
PACT Act benefits are available for veterans with toxic exposure. Apply with VA Form 21-526EZ.
Official Resources
VA.gov — Apply for benefits, check claim status, manage health care: https://www.va.gov
Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs — State benefits, veterans homes, cemeteries: https://veterans.nebraska.gov
Nebraska Department of Revenue — Homestead exemption and Form 458: https://revenue.nebraska.gov
VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System — Health services and clinic locations: https://www.va.gov/nebraska-western-iowa-health-care/
Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 crisis support: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
National Archives — Request DD-214: https://www.archives.gov
SSA.gov — Social Security and Medicare: https://www.ssa.gov
Medicare.gov — Health insurance for 65+: https://www.medicare.gov
USA.gov — Government services and information: https://www.usa.gov
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
