Texas Disabled Veteran Benefits

Veterans in Texas are eligible for the same federal VA disability compensation as veterans in any other state. However, each state offers some of its own unique benefits for veterans who are considered disabled by the VA. While some benefits are available only for 100% disabled veterans in Texas, most are available to veterans with lower disability ratings. We share some of these state benefits below.

Veteran home loan/mortgage benefits in Texas

Texas has three different state loan programs for disabled veterans. To be eligible for any of the loan programs, an individual must currently be an active duty service member, a member of Texas’ National Guard, a qualifying Reservist, or a veteran with an other than dishonorable discharge. 

The programs include:

1. Land Loans – Through this program, veterans have the opportunity to take out a loan to purchase land at beneficial interest rates and terms. There is a minimum requirement of a 5% down payment.
2. Home Loans – This program provides qualifying veterans with the opportunity to take out a low-interest home loan with little to no money down.
3. Home Improvement Loans – The Veterans Land Board helps eligible veterans make repairs, modifications, and improvements to their home. The program provides “below-market” interest rate loans to veterans of up to $25,000 to make these improvements.

Texas property tax for disabled veterans

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating are exempt from paying Texas property taxes. Veterans with lower VA disability ratings are also eligible for varying levels of exemption. The amount is determined based on the rating as follows: 

• 100% VA disability or veterans receiving TDIU: full property tax exemption
• 70% to 99% VA disability: $12,000 property tax exemption 
• 50% to 69% VA disability: $10,000 property tax exemption 
• 30% to 49% VA disability: $7,500 property tax exemption 
• 10% to 29% VA disability: $5,000 property tax exemption

Veteran vehicle registration benefits

Veterans and spouses may be eligible for expedited processing when registering or licensing a motor vehicle. Additionally, Texas waives initial license and application fees for veterans.

Veteran education benefits in Texas

Through the Hazelwood Act, veterans, spouses, and dependent children in Texas may be granted free tuition for up to 150 credit hours at a state-funded public college or university. This also includes most fee charges, but does not include textbooks, supplies, or living arrangements.

The Hazelwood Act has fairly strict eligibility requirements which can be found here, but many Texan veterans will qualify.

Texas also offers an On-the-Job training program which allows veterans to learn a trade on the job instead of attending a formal institution to earn their degree.

Veteran hunting and fishing licenses

Resident and qualifying non-resident veterans who:

• Have a disability rating of 50% or higher, or
• Have lost the use of a foot or leg, and 
• Are receiving disability compensation from the U.S.

All qualify for a free Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package in the state of Texas. The license does not apply to waterfowl hunting.

Veteran income tax benefits in Texas

Texas does not have state income tax.

Other veteran benefits in Texas

Texas also offers a variety of additional benefits and programs for veterans to ensure they have the best opportunities and help post-service.

Texas provides state veteran homes for veterans, spouses, and gold star parents. Tenants can choose between a private or semi-private room. Memory care units are also an option. State veteran homes provide a variety of therapies including, but not limited to speech therapy, physical therapy, and music therapy.

Veterans with at least a 60% disability rating and an honorable discharge may qualify for a driver’s license or ID card fee to be waived.

Additionally, when a veteran requests medical records for a disability claim, they will not be charged a fee in Texas.

Additional resources:

Texas veterans can learn more about additional resources they may be eligible to use below.

• Military Veteran Peer Network
• Texas Veterans Commission
• TexVet

VA facilities in Texas

Below we share information about where to find VA facilities in Texas including regional offices, medical facilities, vet centers, and VA cemeteries. 

VA regional offices in Texas

Each state has at least one VA regional office (VARO) that provides in-person services to help veterans with VA benefits and claims. Offices also offer information about veteran medical help, education and career counseling, memorial benefits, aid for homeless veterans, and more. Below is a list of VAROs in Texas. 

VetSuccess offices in Texas

VetSuccess on campus (VSOC) offices are located on college campuses around Texas and the country. These partnerships between schools and the VA aid veterans in obtaining educational benefits and find their best path forward when seeking a degree.

VA medical facilities in Texas

VA medical facilities offer medical information and assistance for veterans. Vets may also receive their compensation and pension (C&P) exam at many of these facilities. The VA uses the information gathered at a C&P exam to determine how severe a veteran’s condition is and whether it is service connected. Below is a list of VA medical facilities in Texas.

Vet Centers in Texas

Vet Centers provide Veterans with counseling and referral services, many of which are community based. These centers also offer services for family members of veterans.

VA cemeteries in Texas

VA cemeteries can be found all over the U.S. and are dedicated resting places for those who honorably served their country. Veterans or families can make arrangements to be laid to rest in a VA cemetery. Qualifying spouses of veterans may also be eligible. You can find eligibility requirements for VA cemeteries here. Below is a list of all VA cemeteries in Texas.

Texas military bases with toxic exposure

Dangerous toxins have been found in the groundwater and soil at various military bases in Texas, including Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, and Laughlin Air Force Base.

Veterans who were subject to toxic exposure at a Texas military installation and later developed health complications may be eligible for VA disability benefits. Below is a list of Texas military bases that have been affected by toxic exposure.

For more information about toxins at Texas military bases and how exposure may affect your health, check out our Military Bases Toxic Exposure Map.

Woods & Woods: VA disability lawyers for Texas veterans

Our accredited VA disability law firm serves veterans nationwide. Our team of VA disability lawyers serves Texas from Dallas to Houston and everywhere in between. We have helped tens of thousands of veterans across the U.S. fight the VA for the full benefits they deserve, including countless veterans in Texas, like J.G., a Marine veteran:

---

If you are looking for an experienced and professional VA disability lawyer in Texas, call us today for your free case evaluation.

Frequently asked questions