Nearly 100 veterans attended a job fair on January 15, 2026, hosted by the National Veterans Outreach Program at its downtown San Antonio office on North Main. Texas Public Radio reported that employers from Boeing, Border Patrol, staffing agencies, and companies representing engineering, security, builder supply, and restaurant industries set up tables to speak with job seekers about opportunities. The event highlighted a common challenge for transitioning veterans: converting military skills into qualifications that civilian employers recognize and value. Many veterans leave service with specialized training and leadership experience, but struggle to translate those capabilities into resume language that matches job openings. For veterans dealing with service-connected disabilities, the transition becomes even more complicated. A San Antonio veterans disability lawyer can help veterans secure proper disability ratings that provide financial stability during career transitions. Sergio Dickerson, president and CEO of the American G.I. Forum and the National Veterans Outreach Program, explained that the organization helps veterans translate their military skills into resumes that match employer openings. This support proves valuable for veterans who spent years in military roles that don’t have direct civilian equivalents.
The Connection Between Disability Ratings And Employment
Many veterans at job fairs are managing service-connected disabilities while seeking employment. The relationship between disability compensation and employment affects financial planning in several ways. Veterans with higher disability ratings receive more monthly compensation, which can supplement income from part-time work or provide a safety net during job searches. Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) becomes relevant for veterans whose service-connected disabilities prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment. Veterans rated below 100% but unable to work due to service-connected conditions may qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100% rate. Understanding whether you qualify for TDIU or need a higher disability rating can make the difference between financial hardship and stability. Veterans often don’t realize they’re underrated until they struggle to find or keep employment. A 40% rating versus a 70% rating means hundreds of dollars difference each month. When you’re dealing with medical expenses related to service-connected conditions while trying to work, that gap matters.
What Veterans Need To Know About Ratings
The VA assigns disability ratings based on how service-connected conditions affect your ability to function. The process involves medical evidence, service records, and sometimes additional examinations. Common issues that affect both ratings and employment include:
- Physical injuries that limit the type of work you can perform
- Mental health conditions like PTSD that affect workplace interactions
- Chronic pain that impacts concentration and stamina
- Sleep disorders that interfere with maintaining regular schedules
- Hearing loss or tinnitus that creates communication challenges
Secondary conditions often go unrecognized during initial claims. A back injury might lead to depression. Sleep apnea might develop because of other service-connected conditions. These secondary issues affect both your health and your ability to work, but they won’t be compensated unless you file for them. A San Antonio veterans disability lawyer can help you with this process.
How Legal Representation Helps Veterans
The claims process requires understanding VA regulations, gathering appropriate medical evidence, and presenting your case effectively. Many veterans file initial claims without legal help and receive denials or ratings lower than their conditions warrant. By the time they realize something went wrong, they’ve lost months or years of back pay. Veterans transitioning to civilian employment need financial stability. An accurate disability rating provides that foundation. If you’re rated too low, you’re not receiving the full compensation you earned through your service. If conditions that should qualify for TDIU aren’t properly documented, you might be struggling to work when you should be receiving full compensation. At Glover Luck LLP, we help San Antonio veterans fight for the disability benefits they’ve earned. Whether you’re filing an initial claim, seeking a rating increase, or appealing a denial, having someone who understands VA law can strengthen your case. We can review your medical evidence, identify secondary conditions you may not have considered, and help you build the strongest possible claim. Contact Glover Luck LLP to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you secure the benefits you deserve while you focus on your career transition.
