VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENTSERVICES

CHAPTER 31

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.

WHAT IS THE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT 

PROGRAM?

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program is authorized by Congress under

Title 38, United States Code, Chapter 31. It is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program. The 

VR&E program assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap and 

Servicemembers who are in the process of transitioning from military to civilian employment prepare 

for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For Veterans and Servicemembers with service-connected 

disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, VR&E offers services to improve

their ability to live as independently as possible. 

BASIC PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY

The law generally provides for a 12-year basic period of eligibility in which VR&E services may be 

used. The 12-year period begins on the latter of these dates:

• Date of separation from active military duty.

• Date the Veteran was first notified of a service-connected disability rating.

WHO IS ENTITLED TO RECEIVE VR&E SERVICE?

Active Duty Servicemembers are entitled if they: 

• Expect to receive an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge upon separation from

active duty.

• Obtain a VA memorandum rating or Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) rating of

20% or more.

• Are determined by VR&E to be in need of rehabilitation services because of an employment

handicap.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment – February 2016 

• Are under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, Servicemembers who are

participating in IDES are presumed entitled. This provision will expire in December 2016.

Veterans are entitled if they: 

• Have received, or will receive an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge.

• Have a VA service-connected disability rating of 10% with a serious employment handicap or

20% or more with an employment handicap.

• Are determined by VR&E to be in need of rehabilitation services because of an employment

handicap.

HOW IS ENTITLEMENT ESTABLISHED?

You are entitled to services if you have a 20% service-connected disability and an employment 

handicap. If your service-connected disability is only 10%, you must have a serious employment 

handicap to be eligible for services. A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) will work with you 

to determine if you meet the entitlement criteria. 

A comprehensive evaluation is completed with a VRC and includes:

• A full assessment of your interests, aptitudes, and abilities.

• An assessment of whether service-connected disabilities impair your ability to find and/or hold

a job using the occupational skills already attained.

• Vocational exploration activities and goal development leading to suitable employment and/or

maximum independence at home and in the community.

• Exploration of labor market and wage information.

• Selection of a VR&E program track.

• Development of an individualized rehabilitation plan to achieve the identified employment

and/or independent living goal.

WHAT IS A REHABILITATION PLAN?

A rehabilitation plan is an individualized and detailed outline of services provided under the VR&E 

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

the Veteran or Servicemember and VA. It is designed to assist the Veteran or Servicemember to 
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment – February 2016 

achieve his/her goals. The following service delivery options may be provided under a Rehabilitation 

Plan:

• Reemployment with previous employer.

• Rapid employment services for new employment.

• Self-employment.

• Employment through long term services.

• Independent living services.

WHAT OTHER BENEFITS MAY BE PROVIDED?

After a rehabilitation plan is developed and signed, the services outlined in the plan will be provided 

to the Veteran in order to achieve suitable employment and/or an increase in independent living 

skills. The VRC will provide ongoing counseling, assistance, and coordination of services. These 

should include tutorial assistance, job-seeking skills training, medical and dental referrals to the 

Veterans Health Administration, adjustment counseling, payment of training allowance, and other 

services as required to help the Veteran or Servicemember achieve a career and live as independently 

as possible.

HOW CAN YOU APPLY?

You can apply by filling out VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational 

Rehabilitation, and mail it to the VA regional office that serves your area. You can also apply online.