Veteran Readiness and Employment (VRE)

If your service-connected disability affects your ability to succeed in your current job, one of our VR&E approved programs may be beneficial for you. Our training can assist in finding employment in a field that best aligns with your abilities and interests.

Who may be eligible for VR&E Benefits?

You may be eligible for these benefits if you’re a service member or Veteran with a service-connected disability, and you meet all of the requirements listed below.

All of these must be true:

  • You have an employment barrier or handicap, and
  • You’re enrolled in VR&E, and
  • Your service-connected disability makes it hard for you to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment (a job that doesn’t make your disability worse, is stable, and matches your abilities, aptitudes, and interests)

What types of VR&E benefits are available?

  • A complete skills assessment
  • Career guidance
  • Job-market evaluation
  • Education and training for a professional or vocational field that’s a good fit for you
  • Apprenticeship, on-the-job training, and volunteer opportunities
  • Employment assistance

VR&E provides tuition costs, books, fees, and equipment. The program also provides a monthly allowance during training.

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
  • The date you were first notified of a service-connected disability rating

Who is entitled to receive VR&E services?

 

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 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 to obtain VR&E Benefits?

First, you’ll need to apply for VR&E benefits.  Then, you will work with your Vocational Rehabilitational Counselor (VRC).  If you’ve received your VA disability rating, you can apply online right now.

 

In-person

Go to a VA regional office and have VA employee help you.  (Click here to locate a VA regional office near you. )

 

With the help of a trained professional

You can work with a trained professional called an accredited representative to get help applying for VR&E benefits.
(Click here to get help filing your claim.)

Note: You can apply if you’re a service member who hasn’t received a disability rating yet.

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