New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services and Its Programmes
A cabinet department whose field service officers help with VA claims at no charge and whose State Benefits Division certifies eligibility for the property tax exemptions, licences, plates and scholarships. It also runs a service member and veteran suicide prevention programme and a burn pit registry outreach programme.
Also called: NMSA 9-22-4, NMSA 9-22-12, NMSA 9-22-14, NMSA 9-22A-3, NMSA 20-13-2, Department of Veterans Services, NMDVS, veterans service officer, burn pit registry, suicide prevention, certificate of eligibility.
For: Veteran or service member, spouse, child, survivor.
The Veterans' Services Department Act, chapter 9, article 22, makes the Department a cabinet agency under a Secretary.
What it does for you. The field services division "shall assist veterans and their families with claims for federal veterans' administration compensation, pensions, education, medical care and death benefits" from field offices across the state (section 9-22-12), at no charge. The state benefits division determines eligibility for the property tax exemptions, hunting and fishing licences and plates, manages the Vietnam and children of deceased veterans scholarships, and oversees burial honours and the state cemeteries and memorials (section 9-22-14). A health care coordination division helps with access to care (section 9-22-12.1).
Suicide prevention. Section 9-22A-3, enacted in 2024, establishes the "service members and veterans suicide prevention program" within the Department to connect service members, veterans and families at risk with community and mental health providers and to promote the 988 lifeline and the Veterans Crisis Line.
Burn pits. Section 20-13-2 directs the Secretary to keep a public information programme on the VA burn pit registry, presumptive conditions and how to claim or appeal a rating for burn pit and airborne hazard exposure, for veterans of the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Fees. The Department charges $5 for a duplicate property tax certificate of eligibility (section 7-38-17) and nothing for claims help.
Contact. 1-866-433-8387 or [email protected]; walk-in offices in Santa Fe and Albuquerque accept applications.
Thresholds
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Disclaimer
VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.