When I first started my quest for veterans benefits, I had no idea there was a benefit called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, now called Veteran Readiness and Employment.
I had not heard of it, didn’t know what it was, and when I finally did hear the phrase, it just sounded like one more VA scam – like one of those benefits that sounds great but you can never get it in reality.
But oh no, my friend, Vocational Rehabilitation is anything but a scam.
It is one of the best VA benefits offered to veterans. With Vocational Rehabilitation, you begin to gain control of your life and move towards a meaningful existence. You can use it with the GI Bill. A former service-member can use it without the GI Bill.
Whether you have the GI Bill does not matter, except that it may impact the amount of money you get each month for subsistence payments from the agency. (With Post 9/11 GI Bill entitlement, the amount you get each month is usually a lot higher.)
That said, any way you slice it, Vocational Rehabilitation can be a great tool to help you pull ahead in life. Eligible veterans, especially those with service-connected disabilities, can benefit from the various programs and services provided by the VA through the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program.
The VR&E program is designed to assist veterans with at least one service-connected disability in achieving meaningful employment, emphasizing the concept of ‘veteran readiness’.
I’ve written a few tips for you to help you understand and get started on the road to Vocational Rehabilitation. These include tips to help you win your disability compensation claims. Click on each link to read what you want:
- My First Voc Rehab Meeting
- Biggest Lies Voc Rehab Tells Disabled Veterans
- Disabled Veterans Sample FOIA Letter
- How To Get A Higher Disability Rating
- Sample Disability Compensation Letter
For a little feedback on why I include disability is because the resources in Voc Rehab can help you increase your disability rating. It’s quite a deal that way. Voc Rehab pays for your education and while you become smarter, you also get to use certain academic and clinical expert resources to help fight for a fair disability rating.
Not back, right?
Understanding What Vocational Rehabilitation Is
Generally, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a lifeline for individuals with disabilities, designed to help them prepare for, find, and maintain meaningful employment. Avaliable services at the state and federal level do differ as do eligibility requirements.
State level VR services, for example, are not conditional on discharge statuses like the infamous bad conduct discharge called “dishonorable discharge” from active duty.
This program offers a comprehensive range of services and support to break down barriers and pave the way to vocational success.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, gain new qualifications, or find a job that suits your abilities, Vocational Rehabilitation can be the key to unlocking your potential and achieving your career goals.
The VR&E program offers various tracks within its employment program, each focusing on different aspects of employment support, such as long-term services (i.e. college), reemployment assistance, rapid access to employment, and self-employment support.
Eligibility and Application Process for Serious Employment Handicap
To access Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. For veterans, this typically involves having a service-connected disability rating and an employment handicap or serious employment handicap.
The application process involves submitting an application called a VA Form 28-1900 to your local VA Regional Office or VR&E office, where your eligibility will be assessed. Veterans can submit their applications either online, in person at a VA regional office, or via mail, highlighting the importance of the regional office in the application process.
Be prepared to provide documentation of your disability, employment history, and vocational goals to support your application.
The basic period of eligibility for VR&E benefits lasts 12 years from the discharge date for those discharged before January 1, 2013, and can be extended under certain circumstances, such as having a serious employment handicap (SEH). An SEH means the person has a significant vocational impairment.
Veterans who were discharged after that date are eligible to use the program without worrying about the 12-year time limit.
To be eligible, former service-members also needs a serivce-connected disability rating of 10% or higher.
The Role of a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)
A VRC plays a pivotal role in your journey through the Vocational Rehabilitation process. Think of your VRC as your personal guide and advocate, dedicated to helping you overcome employment barriers and achieve your career aspirations.
Their primary mission is to work closely with you to identify your strengths, weaknesses, and career goals, and then develop a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored to your unique needs. Or, that is what the VRC is supposed to do. Frequently, veterans complain their counselor acts more like a gatekeeper than someone trying to help.
During your initial evaluation, your VRC will start by conducting comprehensive assessments to determine the extent of your employment handicap and serious employment handicap. This step is crucial as it helps in crafting a rehabilitation plan that outlines your employment goals, intermediate objectives, and the services and resources needed to achieve them.
But their role doesn’t stop there if you are approved for benefits.
Your VRC will provide ongoing vocational counseling and guidance, helping you make informed career decisions. They will facilitate job training and skills development to enhance your employability, ensuring you are well-prepared for the job market. Additionally, they will assist you in finding suitable employment that matches your aptitudes, abilities, and interests.
Throughout this process, your VRC may collaborate with other professionals, such as medical experts, educators, and employers, to ensure you receive comprehensive support. Their ultimate goal is to empower you to achieve your employment goals and improve your overall quality of life.
Services Offered in Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent Living Services
Before we jump into the tips, I want to mention the federal VR&E program is not the only game in town. There are state run programs that have some similarities to the federal program like covering tuition without a montly subsistence payment.
These programs also are designed to help you overcome obstacles and achieve your career aspirations. They provide vocational counseling, job training, resume development, and independent living services. Whether you need assistance with education, job placement, or adapting to a new work environment, vocational rehabilitation provides the resources and support you need to succeed.
Now, the Department of Veterans Affairs‘ VR&E program supports only veterans with service-connected disabilities in achieving meaningful employment. By tailoring services to your unique needs, these programs ensure you have the tools and guidance necessary to thrive in the workforce.
VR E Benefits Tip 1: Prepare Your Documents
Before your initial evaluation appointment, it is key to collect your relevant documents.
Most documentation will already be in possession of VRE, but they will want to see a copy of your most recent resume and any academic transcripts. Agency officials may also ask for you to help fill out the VA Form 28-1902w prior to the meeting. If they do, be sure to read over the document carefully.
Gather all necessary documents, such as medical records and employment history, to support your application.
VR E Benefits Tip 2: Research
Before your first appointment, it is also crucial to do your homework.
What does this mean?
It means you need to start reading over various resources that are freely available online to help wrap your head around the process.
Start by understanding the eligibility criteria and application process to ensure you meet the requirements. The VR&E program, offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, provides support and services to veterans with service-connected disabilities to help them achieve meaningful employment.
The most important thing you need to explain during your first appointment is how exactly your SCDs impact your ability to gain or maintain suitable employment.
Also, research personal stories online from veterans who tried to win these VA benefits to understand first hand experiences like learning in a hands on environment about VR E benefits.
VR E Benefits Tip 3: Find an Established Career Goal
Next, you will need to select an established career goal you’d like to pursue assuming you do not get denied due to existing training or transferable skills.
I usually tell veterans to select the vocational goal of their dreams that is also consistent with their aptitudes and interests. Pick a career you can achieve that will also make you happy over the long run.
If you do not like people, avoid careers that require frequent human interaction.
VR E Benefits Tip 4: Rehabilitation Planning 101
Once you identify your career goals, you need to start sketching out a rehabilitation plan in your mind that outlines your path to suitable employment.
Here is what I mean.
If you want to become a physician, start to plan out a few different paths to accomplish the goal. Select the type of physician and training that is a good fit for you. For example, some aspiring physicians want to be a medical doctor while others what to be a doctor of osteopathic medicine.
These two paths require two different types of medical school training. You will need to consider which type of training and path is ideal for you. Additionally, you may want to pre-plan which path is also best suited for your career goal through residency training after medical school.
VR E Benefits Tip 5: Engage Actively with your Counselor
Finally, prepare for meetings with your vocational rehabilitation counselor by listing questions and concerns to discuss. Thorough preparation will set you up for success and make the process smoother.
Your vocational rehabilitation counselor is your supposed to be an ally in this journey, so it’s essential to engage actively with them. However, not every counselor treats veterans seeking Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits fairly.
While is is important to be truthful in your statements, be wary of carrying on with your responses where you are at risk of providing too much information. Overwhelming a counselor with irrelevant information can adversely inpact a claim. That said, if you did your homework, it should be find to be open and honest about your needs, goals, and any challenges you face.
Participate fully in developing your rehabilitation plan, but be aware some counselors may not allow you to provide input. If your agency official is forceful about your plan’s development, be aware this type of treatment is against VA regulations. The counselor is supposed to collaborate with you, not be bossy.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification on any aspect of the process. Follow through on agreed-upon actions and commitments to demonstrate your dedication to achieving your goals.
A strong, collaborative relationship with your counselor will significantly enhance your chances of success.
Conclusion
Vocational Rehabilitation is more than just a program; it’s a lifeline for eligible veterans seeking to overcome employment barriers and achieve their career goals.
With the support and services provided, veterans can take control of their lives and move towards a meaningful existence. The guidance of a VRC is invaluable in this journey, as they help develop a personalized rehabilitation plan that addresses your unique needs and goals.
By offering access to vocational counseling, job training, and employment services, the Vocational Rehabilitation program helps veterans:
- Overcome employment barriers and achieve their career goals
- Improve their overall quality of life
- Increase their disability rating and compensation
- Enhance their employability and job prospects
- Achieve independent living and self-sufficiency
Understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and services provided by the Vocational Rehabilitation program is essential. By working closely with a VRC, veterans can navigate the path to suitable employment and improved well-being. This program is a valuable resource, empowering veterans to achieve their employment goals and enhance their quality of life.