The first thing that must be
understood is that the VR&E program is an “Back to Work Program” and not an
“Let’s go to School” program. If you are a veteran who has a VA disability
rating and an employment handicap, you may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation
& employment services under Chapter 31 of the GI Bill. These services
include - but are not limited to - counseling, training, education and job
placement assistance along with:
• Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills,
interests, and needs.
• Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning.
• Employment services such as job-seeking skills, resume development,
and other work readiness assistance.
• On the Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and non-paid work experiences.
• Financial assistance for post-secondary training at a college,
vocational, technical or business school.
• Supportive rehabilitation services including case management,
counseling, and referral.
• Independent living services for Veterans unable to work due to the
severity of their disabilities.
VR&E Eligibility
Eligibility
and entitlement for VR&E are two different things. You may meet eligibility
criteria, yet not be entitled to services. The first step in the VR&E
process is to be evaluated to determine if you qualify for services. To receive
an evaluation for VR&E services, you must meet the following "eligibility"
criteria:
• Have received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than
dishonorable.
• Have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% -
or a memorandum rating of 20% or more from the VA.
• Submit a completed online application for VR&E services at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov.
Like many VA benefits VR&E has a limited period of eligibility. The
basic period of eligibility in which VR&E services may be used is 12 years from the date of separation
from active military service, or the date the veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected
disability rating, which comes later. The basic period of eligibility
may be extended if a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor determines that a
veteran has a Serious Employment Handicap not your doctor or .
How to apply
Go online an submit a completed application for VR&E
services at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov . We can not help you apply for the
program at this location. If you have any questions pleas go to: https://benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/eligibility_and_entitlement.asp.
Additional
Resources - California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) https://www.dor.ca.gov/
This is another educational resource education for
Californians with Disabilities. Their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor can
work with you to see if you qualify for their education programs or their enhanced,
coordinated vocational services to help obtain and maintain meaningful
employment.
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