WASHINGTON -- Military veterans who obtain help from caseworkers qualify for $6,225 more on average in annual VA benefits. But in Nevada there is a severe shortage of caseworkers, according to information given to a House subcommittee on Wednesday.

Service officers employed by state or county government, or by organizations like the Disabled American Veterans, play key roles in helping applicants gather medical and service records, fill out forms, present claims and form appeals.

Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., said the VA makes it too complicated to apply for benefits.

"If the VA were doing its job and doing it correctly, we wouldn't need the service organizations to do this," Berkley said after a House Veterans Affairs subcommittee held a hearing on caseworker services.

"I am grateful (caseworkers) they do it because it helps veterans, but ought the government not be providing this benefit?"

Veterans living in rural Nevada may have to drive 400 miles to see a caseworker, said Tim Tetz, executive director of the Nevada Office of Veteran Services.

Testifying at the hearing, Tetz said the state employs six caseworkers to help 300,000 veterans in the state. Coupled with caseworkers at veterans groups, there are still more than 10,000 veterans per service officer, he said.

Tetz said he planned to ask the upcoming Nevada Legislature to double his caseworker staff.

Veterans who receive a 10-page benefit summary usually ask for help understanding it, said Ann Knowles, president of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.

The VA offers national training programs for service officers, but there is no requirement take them.

The competency level among caseworkers "can be extreme," said Blake Ortner, associate legislative director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America.