Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Veterans Commission announced a record-breaking $46.3 million in grants in May 2025. The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance distributed over 200 grants to 175 organizations across Texas, from El Paso to Beaumont. These funds are projected to provide direct services to nearly 40,000 Texas veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses. The grants support organizations that help veterans access services they need but often struggle to obtain on their own. Many veterans face challenges when filing VA disability claims or appealing denied benefits. For those seeking guidance on their claims, a Texas VA disability compensation lawyer can provide the legal support needed to build a strong case. Since 2009, the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance has awarded more than $359 million through over 1,600 grants. The program continues to expand, with the Texas Veterans Commission opening applications for fiscal year 2027 grants in October 2025, making an estimated $31 million available to qualifying organizations.
What Services Do These Grants Fund
The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance supports a wide range of services designed to help veterans and their families. Funding is distributed across four main categories: General Assistance, Housing for Texas Heroes, Veterans Mental Health, and Veterans Treatment Courts. Additionally, grants are available for Veteran County Service Officers who help coordinate local support. Organizations receiving grants provide the following services:
- Clinical counseling and mental health support
- Financial assistance for emergency needs
- Housing repair, modification, and homeless services
- Pro bono legal services for VA claims and benefits
- Transportation programs
- Peer support services
- Family and child support programs
- Trade skills training
The legal services component is particularly important. Many veterans don’t realize they need legal help until their claims are denied or they receive a rating lower than their disabilities warrant. Having access to knowledgeable legal representation can make the difference between a denied claim and the benefits a veteran has earned.
Regional Distribution Across Texas
The $46.3 million in grants was distributed throughout Texas, reflecting the geographic diversity of the state’s veteran population. Major metropolitan areas received substantial funding to serve large concentrations of veterans, while rural areas also received grants to help veterans who live far from major VA facilities. North Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth area received over $10.9 million for 37 organizations serving more than 4,500 veterans across 32 counties. Central Texas received more than $8.5 million for 35 organizations serving over 4,440 veterans across 30 counties. The Houston and Gulf Coast region received over $7.9 million for 38 organizations serving more than 5,200 veterans across 13 counties. San Antonio and South-Central Texas received more than $7.7 million for 28 organizations serving over 6,000 veterans across 40 counties. Even smaller regions received significant support, with the Panhandle receiving over $1.4 million for seven organizations serving more than 520 veterans across 60 counties.
Why Veterans Need Legal Help With Disability Claims
The VA disability claims process is more complicated than many veterans expect. You need medical evidence that links your current condition to your military service. You need to understand how the VA rates disabilities and how multiple conditions combine to determine your overall rating. You need to meet strict deadlines and respond appropriately to requests for additional information. Many veterans are underrated or receive denials because they don’t present their evidence effectively. Secondary conditions often go unrecognized. Mental health conditions may be dismissed or minimized. The appeals process can take months or years without proper legal guidance from A Texas VA disability compensation lawyer. The grants announced in May 2025 include funding for pro bono legal services, recognizing that legal assistance is a vital resource for veterans pursuing disability benefits. However, not every veteran will qualify for pro bono services, and those services may have limited capacity.
Getting The Representation You Need
At Glover Luck LLP, we understand the challenges Texas veterans face when dealing with the VA. The grant funding announced by Governor Abbott demonstrates that Texas recognizes veterans need support navigating the claims process. While these grants help many organizations provide services, some veterans will need dedicated legal representation to get the benefits they deserve. Whether you’re filing an initial claim, seeking a rating increase, or appealing a denial, having someone who understands VA law and procedures can strengthen your case. We can review your medical evidence, identify secondary conditions you may not have considered, and help you present the strongest possible claim. Contact Glover Luck LLP to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you’ve earned through your service.