gkaggie08 said:
I'm sure there is fraud in the VA disability program, but I don't have evidence other than it is a big fed gov program so odds are high. I don't know how disability ratings transfer to ability to work.
The only anecdotal evidence I know is that my BIL has a disabled vet license plate, so he's at least 50% disabled rating, and he was career AF as a respiratory tech. That's always been a head scratcher, but who knows, maybe he hurt his back lifting equipment or people in a base hospital in Afghanistan. Not my business, so I don't ask.
While I agree that you are owed for injury, reduced life span, quality of life issues, etc., connected to your service, those are owed by the Federal Government, who was your employer. The state of Texas was not
The state of Texas has determined that they value veterans' service and sacrifice above and beyond what the federal government does, and has offered veterans benefits above and beyond the VA. The tax exemption is one of them, and there are further benefits through the Texas Veterans Land Board, the TVC, and others.
Part of that is gratitude. Part of that is attracting veterans, their families, their businesses, and their money to the state. Texas provides a significant amount of service members to the military, and it is a popular destination for military vets and retirees, and all the money, the program funding, and the resources that they bring to the state.