Veteran discrimination is a form of discrimination that is perpetrated against war veterans, often related to employment, housing, and various other sectors of their public life. This can happen in various different ways, such as denial of housing, denial of employment, and otherwise unjust treatment based on their veteran status.
In recent years, there have been lawsuits based on veteran discrimination filed by veterans who allege they were mistreated or discriminated against based on their military service. Typically, these cases allege that the business failed to accommodate the requirements of the specific veteran or to provide them with the same opportunities given to non-veterans.
Employers of veterans are required to provide reasonable accommodations for a worker who has an impairment because of their military service. This may include physical accommodations as well as accommodations for mental health, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In addition, an employer is legally prohibited from engaging in employment discrimination against disabled veterans when making hiring, firing, or promoting decisions. These requirements apply to employers that have at least 15 workers, in addition to some public institutions and government organizations.
If a Texas veteran has any questions or concerns related to discrimination in any form, it is essential to schedule a legal consultation in Texas.
Are Veterans Covered by the ADA in Texas?
A veteran is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in Texas. This law gives rights to individuals with disabilities, including veterans, and requires employers to give them reasonable adjustments so they can complete their job duties.
Employers are not permitted to discriminate against employees due to their disability and are required to make a reasonable effort to help them be able to perform their work tasks. The ADA applies to employers with at least 15 workers, certain public institutions, and government organizations.
There are also some municipalities and states that provide extra protections to veterans, which can provide more protections than the federal laws. Texas lawyers can help Texas veterans determine what protections they are provided and request any accommodations they need.
What Are Common Examples of Veteran Discrimination in Texas?
There are many different ways that veteran discrimination can occur in Texas, including:
- Discrimination in Hiring, Promotion, and Other Employment Decisions: This happens when an employer discriminates against a veteran in hiring, promoting, or other employment choices.
- Harassment: This can include on-the-job harassment of a disabled veteran, such as facing insulting remarks, insults, or intimidation.
- Housing Discrimination: A veteran can suffer prejudice when renting or purchasing a residence.
- This can occur when the veteran is charged more rent or fees because of their status as a veteran.
- Access to Public Services: Veterans may face discrimination when trying to access public services, including healthcare, education, and public transportation.
- Abuse: A disabled veteran may face abuse as well as these forms of prejudice. Abuse can happen in different ways, including verbal or physical abuse, and can occur due to a handicap or misconception about disabled people.
Discrimination against veterans that have a disability is another form of discrimination that veterans can face, both at work and where they live. For example, an employer may not provide accommodations, such as a place to sit if needed, which may prevent them from being able to complete their job duties.
If a Texas veteran is having any type of issues with discrimination, whether it is at work, at a rental property, or with access to care, it is essential to reach out to an attorney for help.
If I Suffer From Veteran Employment Discrimination in Texas, What Remedies Are Available to Me?
If an individual faces veteran employment discrimination, there may be many different options available to them based on the specific facts of the case. Examples of the types of remedies that a Texas veteran may be able to obtain for discrimination include:
- Back pay: Back pay is the money a worker would have earned if they have not been discriminated against.
- An individual may be entitled to back pay if they were not hired for a position or were passed over for a promotion because of their veteran status.
- Front pay: Front pay is the amount of money a worker would have received if they had not been discriminated against.
- If they were wrongly dismissed, they may be entitled to compensation for the time it would take for them to find another job.
- Reinstatement: If an individual was wrongly terminated or demoted, they may be eligible to get their old job back in certain situations.
- Compensatory Damages: These are intended to compensate an individual for their financial losses, future financial losses, emotional anguish, pain and suffering, or other injury the veteran incurred due to the prejudice.
- Punitive damages: Punitive damages are meant to penalize an employer for their egregious discriminatory conduct and to dissuade others from participating in future similar behavior.
A Texas workplace discrimination attorney can help a veteran obtain the maximum amount of compensation possible by presenting the best evidence possible on their behalf. An attorney may also be able to negotiate with the employer to reach a settlement that works for both parties.
What Other Protections Exist for Veterans?
Texas veterans may also have other protections and safeguards in addition to those provided under the Veterans with Disability Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in federally funded activities and programs, which includes government subcontractors and contractors.
A disabled veteran may be eligible to receive reasonable employment accommodations, including specialized equipment or reduced job assignments. A veteran will also be protected against facing punishment for exercising their legal rights as a disabled veteran.
A disabled veteran in Texas may also be provided additional protections under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. This Act prohibits discrimination against individuals who serve in the military, Reserve, National Guard, and provides protections for those who serve.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Assistance With Veteran Discrimination Laws in Texas?
If you are a Texas veteran who has faced discrimination of any kind, it is essential to reach out to a Texas employment discrimination lawyer to help defend your rights and obtain any compensation you are entitled to. Your attorney will be able to explain the possible types of legal claims you may have and the best steps to take to resolve your issue.
Your employment discrimination attorney will help you navigate the legal system, investigate your situation, and help gather evidence that supports your claim. Your attorney will also be able to communicate and negotiate with your employer to help you settle your issue outside of the courtroom, saving you money and time.
You can use LegalMatch in as little as 15 minutes to find a Texas employment discrimination attorney who is prescreened, licensed, and ready to help you resolve your discrimination issue. Simply submit your question or concern on the website and you will be able to choose a lawyer in your area as well as input any other preferences or needs you have, such as communication and language preferences.
Jose Rivera
Managing Editor
Editor
Last Updated: Aug 27, 2025
