Disabled veterans given easier path to benefits

"We’ve received more complaints from veterans with disabilities in Salt Lake County than the whole rest of the state combined,"

By Arthur Raymond

Deseret News-Disabled veterans facing bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining property tax exemptions in Salt Lake County should have an easier path following a policy shift approved by the County Council Tuesday.

Terry Schow, executive director of the Utah Department of Veteran Affairs, said Tuesday that his office has been besieged with complaints from vets running into trouble securing benefits from the county.

"We’ve received more complaints from veterans with disabilities in Salt Lake County than the whole rest of the state combined," Schow said.

Disabled veterans are eligible for a break on property taxes, collected by the county treasurer, based on the percentage of their disability — a number that is determined by the Veteran’s Administration. Schow said the benefit is offered to vets who have been determined to have a 10 percent or higher level of disability. Each 10 percent increment represents about a $25,000 decrease on the taxable value of their property, up to about $230,000, a number set by the Utah Tax Commission.

The problems vets have run into, according to testimony Schow offered the council Tuesday, is being required to provide multiple verifications for their disability rating, especially in the case of documents that may show different numbers. County treasurer, Larry Richardson said his hands have been tied by statute, notably in cases where there’s conflicting or dated information.