VR & E Program

 

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.