VA Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Comprehensive guide for VASCOs certifying students using Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits (formerly Vocational Rehabilitation)
Quick Facts
Program Overview
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and keep suitable employment. Unlike other VA education benefits, VR&E is an employment-focused program that provides education and training as a means to achieve career goals.
Each veteran works with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to develop an individualized rehabilitation plan. The VRC must approve all training before the VASCO can certify enrollment.
Key Difference: VR&E has no tuition cap at most institutions and provides comprehensive support including tutoring, supplies, equipment, and even employment assistance after graduation.
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Eligibility
- ✓Honorable or other than dishonorable discharge
- ✓VA service-connected disability rating of at least 10%
- ✓Apply within 12-year eligibility period (can be extended in certain cases)
Employment Handicap Determination
The VRC must determine the veteran has an employment handicap, meaning their service-connected disability limits their ability to prepare for, obtain, or retain suitable employment.
Automatic Eligibility: Veterans with a 20% or higher disability rating may be granted entitlement to VR&E benefits without requiring a finding of employment handicap, if a VRC determines they have a serious employment handicap.
Eligibility Period
- •Standard: 12 years from date of discharge OR date first notified of service-connected rating
- •Extended: May be extended if veteran has a serious employment handicap
- •Active Duty: Service members may apply before separation if pending medical discharge
Five Tracks of VR&E Services
VR&E offers five distinct tracks of support. The VRC determines which track is most appropriate based on the veteran's situation and goals.
1. Reemployment (Former Job)
Assistance returning to the job held before deployment, with accommodations for disabilities.
2. Rapid Access to Employment
Job search assistance, resume writing, interview coaching for veterans who are job-ready but need help finding employment.
3. Self-Employment
Support for starting a business, including business plan development, training, and resources.
4. Employment Through Long-Term Services
Most common for VASCOs: Comprehensive education and training programs (college degrees, vocational training, apprenticeships) to prepare for new careers.
5. Independent Living Services
For veterans unable to work immediately, services to improve independence and quality of life.
For VASCOs: You will primarily work with students in Track 4 (Employment Through Long-Term Services), as they are pursuing degree or certificate programs at your institution.
Benefits Provided
Direct Payments to School
- •Tuition and fees (no cap for approved programs)
- •Books and supplies
- •Required equipment and tools
- •Special services (tutoring, interpreters)
Subsistence Allowance
- •Monthly payment to cover living expenses
- •Amount varies by training time and dependents
- •Paid directly to veteran
- •Updated annually for cost of living
Subsistence Allowance Rates (2024)
| Training Type | No Dependents | One Dependent | Two Dependents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (College) | $708.70 | $880.76 | $1,040.64 |
| 3/4 Time (College) | $532.86 | $660.66 | $780.32 |
| 1/2 Time (College) | $354.80 | $440.24 | $520.34 |
Note: Additional $75.18/month for each dependent beyond two. Rates for non-college programs differ.
VASCO Certification Process for VR&E
Critical: Do NOT certify VR&E students until you receive authorization from their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). Unauthorized certifications will be rejected.
Step-by-Step Certification
- 1.Receive Authorization: Wait for VA Form 28-1905 (Rehabilitation Plan) or written authorization from the student's VRC approving the specific courses and training
- 2.Verify Enrollment: Confirm student is enrolled in the approved courses listed in the rehabilitation plan
- 3.Submit VA Form 22-1999: Certify enrollment within 30 days of term start, including accurate credit hours and training time
- 4.Monitor Changes: Contact the VRC before certifying any course changes not in the original plan
- 5.Report Issues: Immediately notify the VRC of attendance problems, academic struggles, or withdrawals
What Requires VRC Pre-Approval
- ⚠Adding or dropping courses not in the rehabilitation plan
- ⚠Changing majors or degree programs
- ⚠Tutorial assistance (must be arranged through VRC)
- ⚠Special accommodations or equipment purchases
- ⚠Extending program length beyond approved timeline
VRC Contact Information
Each student should provide you with their VRC's contact information. Keep this on file:
- • VRC Name and Regional Office location
- • VRC Phone number and email
- • Case number (found on VA Form 28-1905)
- • Approved program of study and expected completion date
Common Issues & Solutions
Issue: Certification rejected - no authorization found
Cause: VASCO certified enrollment before VRC submitted rehabilitation plan
Solution: Never certify VR&E students without written authorization. Contact the student's VRC if you haven't received VA Form 28-1905.
Issue: Student wants to add a course not in the plan
Cause: Student registered for courses without VRC approval
Solution: Do not certify the additional course. Direct the student to contact their VRC to request a plan amendment. Only certify once VRC approves.
Issue: Student failing or withdrawing from courses
Cause: Academic struggles or personal circumstances
Solution: Contact the VRC immediately. The VRC can arrange tutoring, counseling, or plan adjustments. Do not wait until the end of the term.
Issue: Tuition payment delayed
Cause: Late certification or missing documentation
Solution: Certify within 30 days of term start. VR&E payments can take 4-8 weeks after certification. Work with your bursar to defer payment deadlines.
Issue: Student needs special accommodations
Cause: Service-connected disability requires adaptive equipment or services
Solution: Connect the student with their VRC and your disability services office. The VRC can authorize payment for assistive technology, note-takers, etc.
VR&E vs. Other VA Education Benefits
| Feature | Chapter 31 (VR&E) | Chapter 33 (Post-9/11) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Basis | Service-connected disability + employment handicap | 90+ days active duty after 9/10/2001 |
| Tuition Cap | No cap (with VRC approval) | Capped at private schools |
| Course Approval | VRC must pre-approve all courses | Student chooses courses freely |
| Books & Supplies | Paid in full by VA | $1,000/year stipend |
| Tutoring | Covered if VRC approves | Limited coverage |
| Employment Support | Job placement assistance included | Not included |
| Maximum Duration | 48 months (can be extended) | 36 months |
Additional Resources
Tools & Calculators
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