Veteran Readiness and Employment

Predating the G.I. Bill and even the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program was formed through the Soldier’s Act of 1918. It was formerly known as the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program and is often referred to as Chapter 31. The purpose of the program is to help veterans with a service-connected disability gain employment in the civilian workforce. This is achieved by following set tracks based on each individual veteran’s or servicemember’s circumstances.

Support-and-Services Tracks

Each track provides a unique approach to your situation with counseling and sometimes education or training tailored to your needs.

• Reemployment
  For those who wish to receive help returning to their jobs
• Rapid access to employment
  For those seeking to find a job that fits their current skillset
• Self-employment
  For those wanting to start their own business
• Employment through long-term services
  For those who wish to receive education or training for a different career path
• Independent living
  For those who are limited in their ability to perform activities of daily living and need assistance

Eligibility

The VR&E program is available to both veterans and active duty servicemembers who meet certain criteria.

Eligible veterans must not have received a dishonorable discharge and must have a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Veterans who were discharged before January 1, 2013, are eligible for 12 years after either the date they were separated from active duty or the date they received their first service-connected disability rating from the VA, whichever is later. This eligibility period may be extended under certain circumstances.

Veterans who were discharged on or after January 1, 2013 do not have a time limit on eligibility.

Active duty servicemembers may be eligible for VR&E benefits if either of the following is true:

• They are in the process of being discharged from the military due to an illness or injury that occurred while on active duty.
• They have a 20% or higher pre-discharge disability rating (or memorandum rating) and will be leaving the military soon.

Program eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. A VR&E program counselor, called a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC), determines entitlement.

Note that while the VR&E does not deduct entitlement from other VA education benefits, if you have used some of your VA education benefits, it may impact the amount of available time remaining for your VR&E entitlement. It’s important to ask your assigned VRC what your specific situation dictates.

How to Apply

There are four ways to apply for the VR&E program. All of them require completing the VA Form 28-1900.

1. Online on the VA.gov website. VA Form 28-1900 can be filled out and submitted online.
2. By Mail. Download VA Form 28-1900 and fill it out. You can send your completed application to:
   Department of Veterans Affairs
   VR&E Intake Center
   PO Box 5210
   Janesville, WI 53547-5210
3. In person. Locate a VA regional office near you and request the assistance of a VA employee to fill out the application.
4. Work with an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or claims agent to help you apply for VR&E benefits.

VR&E is a valuable program for veterans with a service-connected disability who are seeking assistance in gaining employment. More information can be found on the VA.gov website.