Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 then press 1
Official Nebraska Veterans' Affairs Seal

Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs

About NDVA

Director John Hilgert photo
NDVA Director John Hilgert

Mission

Our mission is to honor Nebraska veterans and their families by providing excellent service, assistance, and care through:

  • Veterans Services to help veterans identify and access federal and state benefits including disability compensation, pension and healthcare available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA), as well as the Nebraska Veterans Aid fund, tuition waivers and other state services;
  • Nebraska State Veterans’ Homes to ensure eligible veterans and family receive the highest quality assisted living and skilled nursing care at one of four nursing homes across Nebraska; and
  • Nebraska Veterans Cemeteries to ensure eligible veterans and family receive an honorable final resting place maintained to the highest national standards.

Vision

As the state's chief advocate for veterans, the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs will serve as a trusted and reliable resource for Nebraska veterans and their families. NDVA will enhance operational efficiency by promoting consistent program delivery and fostering a culture of excellence, dignity, and respect. 

Core Principles

  • Excellence – Strive to provide the highest quality service in everything we do.
  • Integrity – Act with high moral principle and adhere to the highest professional standards.
  • Advocacy – Be veteran-centric by advancing the best interests of veterans and their families.
  • Accountability – Be proactive and take responsibility for the continual improvement of our agency’s services.
  • Collaboration – Promote idea sharing, communication and teamwork with all resources (including other teammates, agencies, veterans’ organizations, county service officers) to ensure veterans receive accurate information and excellent service.
  • Dignity and Respect – Treat every single person who comes into contact with our organization with honor, understanding and professionalism.

Statutory Authority

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) was created by LB 187 and LB 240 of the 1947 Session of the Legislature. Of note, Nebraska State Veterans’ Homes trace their roots to 1887. LB 340 of the 2017 Session of the Legislature merged the former Department of Health and Human Services Division of Veterans’ Homes into the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, effective July 1, 2017.

Neb. Rev. Stat. 80-314 to 80-322 and 80-325 to 80-337 guide the Nebraska State Veterans’ Homes. Neb. Rev. Stat. 80-401 to 80-415 and 80-901 to 80-903 outline the roles and responsibilities of the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs and provide for state veterans benefits and services. Neb. Rev. Stat.12-1301 established the Nebraska Veteran Cemetery System.

Public Guidance Document Index

Click here to view NDVA's public guidance document index (pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. 84-901.03).