VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENTSERVICES

5 TRACKS TO EMPLOYMENT

Disabilities determined by VA to be related to your military service can lead to monthly non-taxable compensation, enrollment in the 

VA health care system, a 10-point hiring preference for federal employment and other important benefits. Ask your VA 

representative or Veterans Service Organization representative about Disability Compensation, Pension, Health Care, Caregiver 

Program, Career Services, Educational Assistance, Home Loan Guaranty, Insurance and/or Dependents and Survivors’ Benefits.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION BENEFITS—5 TRACKS TO

EMPLOYMENT

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) the Department of Veterans Affairs 

comprehensive program to support Servicemembers leaving active duty due to medical issues and 

Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap. The program provides 

comprehensive services leading to employment or assistance for individuals to live more 

independently. These services include vocational counseling, training, career placement, and special 

rehabilitation services available to eligible active duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and dependents.

WHAT IS A REHABILITATION PLAN?

A rehabilitation plan is a detailed individualized written plan for services provided under the VR&E 

program to meet the needs of the Veteran or Servicemember. The plan is a signed agreement 

between the Servicemember or Veteran and VA. It is designed to assist the Servicemember or 

Veteran in achieving their goals. The following options may be provided under a rehabilitation plan:

1. Reemployment with previous employer.

2. Rapid employment services for new employment.

3. Self-employment.

4. Employment through long-term services.

5. Independent living services.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FEATURES OF THE REEMPLOYMENT TRACK?

The Reemployment Track is for those individuals separated from the National Guard or Reserves who 

wish to return to work with their previous employers. 

This track may involve accommodation and/or modifying the workplace in order to make it more 

accessible. The VA counselor and medical staff coordinate with the employer to provide any assistance 
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Services—January 2016 

the person needs to return to work. VA also provides reemployment rights, advice, work adjustment 

services, adaptive equipment, and specialized consultations necessary for a successful return to work.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FEATURES OF THE RAPID ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT TRACK?

The Rapid Access to Employment is for individuals who are seeking employment and already have 

the necessary skills to be competitive in the job market in an appropriate occupation. VA provides 

expert career-placement assistance, referrals, and other specialized assistance including: careerreadiness preparation, resume development, career-search assistance, development of 

employment resources, job accommodations, short term certificate training, and post-employment 

follow-up. 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FEATURES OF THE SELF- EMPLOYMENT TRACK?

The Self-Employment track is for individuals who have job skills to start their own business. Selfemployment may also be the right track for individuals who have limited access to traditional 

employment or need flexible work schedules or a more accommodating work environment due to a 

disability or other life circumstances.

VR&E services may include:

• Developing a viable business plan,

• Training in the operation of a small business,

• Marketing and financial assistance,

• Guidance on implementing a viable business plan, and

• Tuition for training and licensing fees.

VA may also assist with some business start-up costs.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FEATURES OF THE EMPLOYMENT THROUGH LONG-TERM SERVICES

TRACK?

The Employment Through Long-Term Services track helps individuals obtain the job skills necessary 

for employment including: 

• Training and/or education for college or certification programs,

• On the job training,

• Non-paid work experience,
 

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Services — January 2016 

• Job sharing,

• Work monitoring,

• Work study,

• Public-private job partnering,

• Apprenticeships, and

• Internships.

VR&E provides the cost of all tuition, books, fees, and equipment and provides a monthly subsistence 

allowance during training.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FEATURES OF THE INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES TRACK?

The Independent Living Services track is for individuals who may not be able to go to work 

immediately due to the severity of their disability, and who need assistance to lead a more 

independent life. VR&E Services may include help in:

• Obtaining a volunteer position,

• Connecting with community-based support services,

• Providing assistive devices,

• Increased access within the home or community, and

• Help in becoming more independent in activities of daily living. 

VA will provide the services or equipment needed to reach independent living goals.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE 5 TRACKS TO EMPLOYMENT?

For more information about 5 Tracks to Employment, call toll-free 1-800-827-1000 or visit our

VR&E website.