**GAO-11-256**                      Published: Feb 28, 2011. Publicly Released: Mar 30, 2011.                  

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## Highlights

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provided $9 billion in education benefits to service-members and veterans in fiscal year 2010, mostly through the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. In providing education benefits, VA relies on State Approving Agencies (SAA) to approve schools; and on schools to report students' enrollment status. GAO was asked to determine: (1) what is known about the effectiveness of outreach to and support for individuals applying for VA education benefits, particularly those with disabilities; (2) the role of school officials and challenges they face in their role; and (3) how VA monitors and oversees states' and schools' implementation of these benefits. GAO reviewed VA reports and plans, conducted a nationally representative survey of school officials, interviewed VA and state officials in four states, and reviewed recent statutory changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

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## Topics

Veterans

EducationEducational facilitiesEmployment of the disabledPeople with disabilitiesSpecial educationVeterans benefitsVeterans educationVeterans employment programsSchoolsVeterans