Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)

Benefit Overview: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)

USI is Proud to Offer In-State tuition rates for ALL Chapter 31 recipients in accordance with Section 301, PL 115-251.  See the VMFRC for information.

If you are eligible for VA educational benefits under Chapter 31, your VA assigned case manager must first authorize you. Your case manager will forward VA Form 28-1905 to the school for certification.

You must also fill out the Semester VA Benefit Request Form. Both certifications must be processed prior to each semester attended; failure to do so will delay payment of your benefits. Click the link to complete the USI Semester VA Education Benefit Request Form.  This form MUST be completed each semester you want to file a claim.

POINT OF CONTACT (Evansville Area):

Mr. Mark Reed, VA Vocational Rehabilitation Coordinator

Evansville Vet Center

812-473-5993

mark.reeed1@va.gov.

What is the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program?

The VR&E program is authorized under Title 38, U.S. Code, Chapter 31. It is referred to as the Chapter 31 program. It assists entitled Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap to prepare for, obtain, and maintain a job. It also helps entitled transitioning Servicemembers.

If you are a Servicemember or Veteran with a service-connected disability and not currently able to work, VR&E also offers services to help you live as independently as possible.

Basic period of eligibility

There is a 12-year basic period of eligibility for VR&E services. The period begins on the latter of the following dates:

•  Date of separation from active duty
• Date you were first notified of a service-connected disability rating

 Who is entitled to receive VR&E services?

Active-duty Servicemembers who:

• Expect to receive an honorable discharge
• Obtain a VA memorandum rating of 20 percent or more
• Are participating in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) or have an injury or illness that prevents them from performing military duties
  • Servicemembers participating in IDES are presumed entitled
• Are determined by VR&E to need vocational rehabilitation services

Veterans who: 

• Have received an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge
• Have a VA service-connected disability rating of:
  • 10 percent with a serious employment handicap, or
  • 20 percent or more with an employment handicap
• Are determined by VR&E to need rehabilitation services

How is entitlement established?

You are entitled to services if:

•  You have a 20 percent service-connected disability AND
• You have an employment handicap 

If your service-connected disability is only 10 percent, you must have a serious employment handicap to be eligible.

A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) will work with you to determine entitlement. The evaluation will:

• Assess your interests, aptitudes and abilities
• Assess your service-connected disability and your ability to hold a job
• Include vocational exploration activities and goal development
  • Used to determine suitable employment and maximize independent living
• Explore labor markets and wage information
• Select a VR&E program track
• Develop an individualized rehabilitation plan

What is a Rehabilitation Plan?

This plan provides a detailed outline of VR&E program services. It is individualized to meet the needs of the Servicemember or Veteran. The plan is a signed agreement between the recipient and VA. The following service delivery options may be included in a rehabilitation plan:

• Re-employment
• Rapid employment services for new employment
• Self-employment
• Employment through long-term services
• Independent living services

What other benefits may be provided?

After the plan is enacted, the VRC will provide ongoing counseling, assistance and coordination of services. These include:

• Tutorial assistance
• Job-seeking skills training
• Medical and dental referrals to the Veterans Health Administration
• Adjustment counseling
• Payment of training allowance
• Other services required to help achieve a career and live as independently as possible

How can you apply?

• Apply online: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational- rehabilitation/how-to-apply/
• Fill out VA Form 28-1900, “Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation” (You can find the form at https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-28-1900-are.pdf) and mail it to:

Department of Veterans Affairs

VR&E Intake Center PO Box 5210

Janesville, WI 53547-5210

 For more information:

• Connect with your local VA Regional Office to speak with a VR&E representative. You can find your closest VA Regional Office here: https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/offices.asp
• Call 800-827-1000
• Visit https://va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/