EDUCATIONVA program

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31)

Vocational counseling, job training, education, and placement assistance for veterans whose service-connected disabilities create an employment handicap. Covers tuition, books, supplies, and a monthly subsistence allowance.

Available at 10%+ service-connected disability with qualifying employment handicap

View on VA.gov

Example value

~$1,029/mo subsistenceFull-time training, no dependents

Step-by-step guide

What VA looks for: Getting into VR&E

A service-connected rating of 10 percent or moreA 20 percent or higher rating with an employment handicap, or a 10 percent rating with a serious employment handicap. A service member can start before the rating: a memorandum rating of 20 percent or more, an IDES referral, or a hospital stay or outpatient care for a condition VA will likely rate at 20 percent while awaiting discharge.
A discharge other than dishonorableThe period of use does not start until the character of discharge is other than dishonorable. A later upgrade, or a VA character of discharge review, can open it from the date of that change.
An employment handicapThe counselor finds a vocational impairment that limits preparing for, getting, or keeping a job that fits your abilities, aptitudes, and interests; that you have not overcome; and that the service-connected disability contributes to in a substantial part. A serious employment handicap is a significant impairment, judged on the number and severity of conditions, education, periods out of work, reliance on support programs, and other factors.
A work goal that is reasonably feasibleA goal is identified, your physical and mental condition lets training start within a reasonable period, and you have the educational skills for it or VA will provide them. Any reasonable doubt is resolved in favor of feasibility. When a work goal is not feasible now, the counselor considers an independent living program instead.
Within the period of useFor a discharge before January 1, 2013, the basic period is 12 years from the later of the separation notice or the first rating notice. It pauses while a medical condition makes participation infeasible for 30 days or more, and a serious employment handicap can extend it as long as the program needs. A discharge on or after January 1, 2013 has no time limit.

Source: 38 CFR 21.40 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: who can get VR&E (opens in new tab); VA.gov: Veteran Readiness and Employment through IDES (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.42 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.51 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.52 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.50 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.53 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.41 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.44 (opens in new tab)

Which VR&E track fits?

Getting into VR&E
Every track starts here. VA checks the rating and the discharge, then a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor decides at an initial evaluation whether there is an employment handicap and whether a work goal is reasonably feasible.
Source: 38 CFR 21.1 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.40 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: who can get VR&E (opens in new tab)
Reemployment with a former employer
For a veteran who wants to go back to the job held before deployment. The counselor helps the employer meet your needs and can refer you to the Department of Labor.
1. A former job to return toAn employment handicap, enrollment in VR&E, and the wish to return to the former job. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act protects the right to return to a civilian job after service.
Source: VA.gov: VR&E Reemployment track (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.47 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.250 (opens in new tab)
Rapid Access to Employment
For someone whose existing skills fit a job now. Counseling, resume and interview help, a check on Veterans Preference, and apprenticeship, on-the-job, and volunteer options.
1. Existing experience, education, or training in the fieldAn employment handicap, enrollment in VR&E, and experience, education, or training in the field of interest already in hand.
Source: VA.gov: VR&E Rapid Access to Employment track (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.250 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.252 (opens in new tab)
Self-Employment
For a veteran with the drive and skills to run a business. VA helps shape the plan, then reviews whether self-employment and the proposed business are viable.
1. A business plan VA finds viableBefore approving a self-employment plan, VA reviews the economic viability of the business, the cost of the help it would provide, the market for the product or service, financing from outside sources, coordination with the Small Business Administration, the site, and a training plan. Veterans with the most severe service-connected disabilities, for whom self-employment is the only feasible goal, can get more extensive help.
Source: 38 CFR 21.257 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: VR&E Self-Employment track (opens in new tab)
Employment Through Long-Term Services
For a veteran who needs education or training for a different field. VR&E can pay for college, vocational, technical, or business school, an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training.
1. Training to the level the occupation needsAn employment handicap, enrollment in VR&E, and a service-connected disability that makes it hard to prepare for, get, or keep suitable work. VA trains to the level the occupation needs, in a program it selects with you, normally within 48 months counted across every VA education program you have used.
Source: VA.gov: VR&E Employment Through Long-Term Services track (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.72 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.120 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.70 (opens in new tab)
Independent Living
For a veteran who cannot work right away. Services aim at living as independently as possible in the family and community, and sometimes at becoming ready for a work goal later.
1. A serious employment handicap, and work not feasible nowA finding that a work goal is not currently feasible, that independence in daily living can improve and the gains can last, a written independent living plan, and the agreement of the VR&E Officer. Programs run up to 24 months, with a possible 6-month extension.
Source: 38 CFR 21.160 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.162 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: VR&E Independent Living track (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.76 (opens in new tab)

What to gather, and what it shows VA

Documents for this benefit: what each is, what it shows VA, and how VA gets it
Document	What it shows	How VA gets it	Have it?
VA rating decision The decision that rated your service-connected conditions. It sets the 10 or 20 percent level and the first rating notice date.	The rating level, and the start of the 12-year period for earlier discharges	VA already holds it. Veterans can download decision letters and a benefit summary letter on VA.gov.	Yes
DD214 Your certificate of release or discharge, member 4 copy. It shows the discharge date and the character of discharge.	The character of discharge and the separation date	You keep a copy. VA confirms service through Defense Department records.	Yes
Memorandum rating or IDES referral (service members) For someone still serving: the VA memorandum rating of 20 percent or more, the Physical Evaluation Board referral, or the IDES referral.	The pre-discharge route into VR&E	The service issues the referral and VA issues the memorandum rating. A counselor is assigned at each IDES site and meets you when the Physical Evaluation Board referral happens.	Yes
VA Form 28-1900 The application for VR&E. It asks your contact details, years of education, and a privacy acknowledgment, and nothing about your conditions; the counselor gathers that at the evaluation.	The claim VA needs before it can schedule the evaluation	Apply online on VA.gov, mail it to the VR&E Intake Center in Janesville, Wisconsin, bring it to a regional office, or work with an accredited representative. Your VA.gov profile address should match the form.
VA Form 28-0588 (no rating yet) The form a service member uses to reach VR&E before a rating exists: in the Physical Evaluation Board process, expecting a discharge other than dishonorable with a memorandum rating of 20 percent or more, or in IDES.	A pre-discharge request for VR&E	Download it from the VA.gov form page and file it as the VR&E how-to-apply page directs.
The initial evaluation with a counselor The counselor's assessment of how your disabilities limit work and daily living, your physical and mental capabilities, your abilities, aptitudes, and interests, your education and work record, and the labor market.	Whether there is an employment handicap, a serious employment handicap, and a feasible work goal	VA schedules it after the application and invites you to an orientation at the nearest regional office. Travel there is at VA expense. If you do not cooperate, VA pauses the evaluation.
Medical records on your conditions VA and private treatment records that show how service-connected and other conditions limit work and daily living, and any period a condition kept you out of the program.	The handicapping effects on employability and independence, and any pause in the period of use	VA has its own treatment records. For others, VA tells you what it needs and VA will request this for you with your authorization; anything VA asks you for is due within 1 year of its letter.
Work and education history Your account of jobs held, periods out of work, schooling, licenses, and the field you want, given on the application and in the evaluation interview.	Whether the impairment has been overcome, and what suitable work looks like for you	You give it in the application and at the evaluation.
Your rehabilitation plan The written plan you and the counselor sign: a rehabilitation plan, an employment assistance plan, an independent living plan, or an extended evaluation plan.	The goal, the services VA has committed to, and the dates	Developed with the counselor after VA approves VR&E. VA keeps it; you get a copy.
Business plan The proposed business plan for the Self-Employment track, written with the counselor's help: the concept, the market, financing, the site, and training.	Whether self-employment and the proposed business are viable	You develop it with VA help; VA reviews it before approving a self-employment plan.

Ratings and service records are already in VA hands, and the counselor gathers the rest with you. BeneVets does not ask for copies of them.

Steps, in order

Get free help from a VSO
Free help: an accredited VSO can file this with you. Find one near you in the BeneVets VSO directory at Find an accredited VSO near you. VA.gov lists an accredited representative as one of the four ways to apply.
Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab); VA.gov: how to apply for VR&E (opens in new tab)
Get a rating first, unless you are still serving
VR&E needs a VA disability rating of 10 percent or more. A service member in IDES, in the Physical Evaluation Board process, or holding a memorandum rating of 20 percent or more can apply before the rating with VA Form 28-0588, and meets a counselor at the IDES site.
Source: VA Form 28-0588 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: how to apply for VR&E (opens in new tab); VA.gov: Veteran Readiness and Employment through IDES (opens in new tab)
Apply with VA Form 28-1900
Apply online on VA.gov, by mail to the VR&E Intake Center in Janesville, Wisconsin, in person at a regional office, or with an accredited representative. If a VR&E case was closed before, ask for a decision review instead of filing a new 28-1900.
Source: VA Form 28-1900 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: how to apply for VR&E (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.30 (opens in new tab)
Go to the orientation and the initial evaluation
VA invites you to an orientation at the nearest regional office and schedules the evaluation with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. VA pays the travel. The counselor decides the employment handicap and whether a work goal is feasible, and VA writes to you with the decision.
Source: 38 CFR 21.50 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.376 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: how to apply for VR&E (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.420 (opens in new tab)
Build the plan with your counselor
After VA approves VR&E, you and the counselor write the plan: the goal, the services, and the dates. It names one of the five tracks.
Source: 38 CFR 21.80 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.84 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: how to apply for VR&E (opens in new tab); VA.gov: VR&E support-and-services tracks (opens in new tab)
Choose the subsistence allowance or the Post-9/11 rate
With Post-9/11 GI Bill months left, you can elect the Post-9/11 housing rate instead of the Chapter 31 allowance. Tell the counselor; the election holds until the term ends.
Source: 38 CFR 21.264 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: who can get VR&E (opens in new tab)
On campus, find the VetSuccess counselor
More than 100 campuses have a VetSuccess on Campus counselor, part of VR&E, for vocational testing, career counseling, classroom accommodations, and referrals to VA health care.
Source: VA.gov: VetSuccess on Campus (opens in new tab)
Keep the plan moving
Keep a schedule that fits the plan, follow VA and school procedures for enrollment, leave, and supplies, and ask VA staff for help when something gets in the way. The counselor can arrange counseling and other services to keep you on track.
Source: 38 CFR 21.362 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.364 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.100 (opens in new tab)
Ask to change the plan when things change
You can request a change at any time. A new long-range goal needs a reevaluation by the counselor and your agreement; objectives and services can change with your agreement.
Source: 38 CFR 21.94 (opens in new tab)
Use employment services at the end
Job development and placement, employer incentives for on-the-job training, and the two-month employment adjustment allowance follow training. Up to 18 months of employment help is not charged against your months.
Source: 38 CFR 21.252 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.256 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.268 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.73 (opens in new tab)
If VA says no, or cuts services
VA gives written reasons and at least 30 days before an adverse action to meet informally and send material. Within 1 year of the notice you can file a Supplemental Claim, ask for a Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board.
Source: 38 CFR 21.416 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.420 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: how to apply for VR&E (opens in new tab)

Good to know

A written plan is the contract

Every participant gets an individualized written plan with a long-range goal, intermediate objectives, the services VA will provide, dates, and the case manager's name. You, the counselor, or the specialist can ask to change it at any time, and you must take part in and agree with any change to goals or services.

Source: 38 CFR 21.80 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.84 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.94 (opens in new tab)

Subsistence allowance, or the Post-9/11 rate instead

Training with VR&E comes with a monthly subsistence allowance set by the rate of attendance, the number of dependents, and the type of training. A veteran with Post-9/11 GI Bill months left and still inside that program's window can elect the Post-9/11 housing rate instead, which VA.gov says is higher in most cases. The choice is made with the counselor and can be switched back after the term ends. No allowance is paid for the evaluation, counseling, or placement services alone.

Source: 38 CFR 21.260 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.264 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: who can get VR&E (opens in new tab); VBA: VR&E subsistence allowance rates (opens in new tab)

VR&E does not use up GI Bill months

Using VR&E does not reduce your other VA education benefits. Months already used under another VA program are subtracted from VR&E's 48, and VA can go past 48 for a serious employment handicap. Employment services, up to 18 months, and the two-month employment adjustment allowance paid after training are not charged at all.

Source: VA.gov: who can get VR&E (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.78 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.73 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.268 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.79 (opens in new tab)

Retroactive induction

If you paid for training yourself, or used another VA education program, before VA approved VR&E, VA can approve the earlier period retroactively, pay costs you incurred under the plan, and give the other program its months back. Ask the counselor whether the conditions are met.

Source: 38 CFR 21.282 (opens in new tab); VA.gov: who can get VR&E (opens in new tab)

Cooperation keeps the program open

You arrange a schedule that fits the plan, follow VA and school procedures, and ask VA staff for help when problems come up. VA can pause and then end services after counseling efforts fail, unless there are mitigating circumstances such as the effects of a condition or family or money problems. Travel to the evaluation and counseling is at VA expense.

Source: 38 CFR 21.362 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.364 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.376 (opens in new tab)

When VA closes the case as rehabilitated

60 continuous days in the planned occupation or a related one, or in a different suitable job after real efforts to place you, closes the case as rehabilitated. Coming back later needs a service-connected disability that has worsened or a finding that the occupation is now unsuitable. The application form says a closed case is reopened through a decision review, not a new VA Form 28-1900.

Source: 38 CFR 21.283 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.284 (opens in new tab); VA Form 28-1900 (opens in new tab)

Written reasons, and a 30-day warning before a cut

VA tells you in writing what it found, the evidence it weighed, findings in your favor, and how to seek review. Before denying, reducing, or ending benefits, other than a planned break, VA gives at least 30 days to meet informally, see the file, and send material. Review options are a Supplemental Claim, a Higher-Level Review, or a Board Appeal, within 1 year of the notice.

Source: 38 CFR 21.420 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 21.416 (opens in new tab)

BeneVets is informational and is not an accredited representative. Free help: an accredited VSO can work through VA benefits with you at no cost. Find an accredited VSO near you