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Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services - Chapter 31

What is the Vocational Rehabilitation 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, find, and maintain a job. It also helps entitled transitioning Servicemembers. If you are a Veteran or Servicemember 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 service?

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 2 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 Veteran or Servicemember. The plan is a signed agreement 3 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?

 

Article Source: 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Source URL: 
https://www.benefits.va.gov
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, June 19, 2019
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