Summary of VA Vocational 

Rehabilitation and 

Employment Benefits Employment and 

Independent 

Living Services 

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As part of our mission to serve you, 

VA provides a variety of employment 

and independent living services through 

the Vocational Rehabilitation and 

Employment (VR&E) program. VA may 

provide you with vocational counseling, 

job search assistance, and other 

education and training services. 

To determine whether your military service 

qualifies you for these services, VA conducts an 

evaluation of your interests, aptitudes, abilities, 

and an assessment of how your disability affects 

your ability to work. The services VA provides you 

are based on the results of your evaluation. 

Access Your VA Benefits

Go to eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov, 

your one-stop shop to learn about and apply 

for your benefits.

VA can offer you the support you need in order 

to pursue a career, develop job skills, or provide 

job accommodations to help you perform your 

job. The VR&E program, also known as Chapter 31, 

provides a range of career services, including: 

» Comprehensive evaluation to determine your 

abilities, skills, and employment interests 

» Career counseling and rehabilitation planning 

for employment 

» Employment services, such as job training, 

job-seeking skills, résumé development, 

and other work-readiness assistance 

» Assistance in finding and keeping a job, 

including how to use special employer incentives 

and job accommodations 

» On-the-Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, 

college training, and non-paid work experiences 

In addition, comprehensive rehabilitation and 

independent living services are also available if you 

are severely disabled and not currently ready or 

able to seek employment. 

VR&E is specifically for Servicemembers and 

Veterans with service-connected illnesses and 

injuries. However, you may qualify for career 

counseling services from VA if you recently 

separated from the military or are using VA 

education benefits.

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Eligibility. Servicemembers and Veterans are 

eligible for VR&E services under the following 

circumstances:

» You have obtained a service-connected disability 

rating from VA of at least 10%, or a pre-discharge 

disability rating (“memorandum rating”) of 20% 

or more from VA, AND 

» You have received, or will receive, a discharge 

from service that is other than dishonorable, OR

» You may qualify without a VA rating if you are 

severely ill or injured and have been referred 

to a military Physical Evaluation Board or are 

participating in the DoD/VA Integrated Disability 

Evaluation System process 

In general, you must use all VR&E services within 12 

years from the following dates, whichever is later: 

» The date you separated from active military 

service, OR

» The date VA officially notified you that you have a 

qualifying service-connected disability rating 

Veterans with service-connected disabilities may 

apply for VR&E benefits at any time. You may 

request a memorandum rating from VA if you 

have not already received a VA service-connected 

disability rating of at least 10%, or a pre-discharge 

rating of 20% or more from VA.

If a VRC finds that you have a serious employment 

handicap (SEH), you may be entitled to VR&E services 

even if your rating is less than 20% and/or you have 

passed your 12-year basic period of eligibility.

EVALUATING ENTITLEMENT TO VR&E SERVICES

After you apply and VA determines you are eligible 

for VR&E services, VA will schedule a meeting for you 

with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). 

The VRC will assess your interests, aptitudes and 

abilities, and whether your service-connected 

disabilities impair your ability to find and/or hold 

a job using the training and occupational skills you 

already have. The VRC will use this assessment to 

determine your entitlement to VR&E services. If you 

are entitled to services, the VRC will work with you to 

explore employment options or further evaluate your 

need for services leading to more independence in 

daily living.

Working with a VRC on a Rehabilitation Plan. 

If you are found to be entitled to VR&E services, 

you will work with a VRC to identify training 

requirements, explore wage information, and 

find employment opportunities. One of the 

VRC’s main responsibilities is to help you develop 

a rehabilitation plan so you can gain suitable 

employment or achieve an independent living goal. 

A rehabilitation plan is an individualized written 

outline of the services, resources, and criteria that 

will be used to help you achieve your employment 

and/or independent living goals. In developing 

a rehabilitation plan, you and your counselor will 

select one of five tracks to pursue: reemployment, 

rapid access to employment, self-employment, 

employment through long-term services, or 

independent living services. 

Serious Employment Handicap (SEH)

A trained VRC determines if an employment 

handicap significantly impairs your ability to 

prepare for, obtain, or retain employment that 

is consistent with your abilities, aptitudes, and 

interests. If an SEH is determined, the basic period 

of eligibility for VR&E services may be extended.

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FIND THE RIGHT CAREER PATH FOR YOU

VR&E can help you obtain one of four different employment options by working with you to establish 

a rehabilitation plan with specific goals. If you have service-connected disabilities that are so severe that 

you cannot immediately consider work, then the independent living services track may be right for you.

Track Goals of Rehabilitation Plan Who It Is For

Reemployment Consultation with the employer, 

job accommodations, job 

modification, and case 

management; coordination and 

referral for services, such as VA 

health care, reemployment rights 

advice, and work adjustment 

services

Servicemembers leaving active 

duty due to medical issues and 

Veterans with service-connected 

disabilities

Rapid Access to 

Employment

Job readiness preparation, 

résumé development, job 

search assistance, employment 

resource development, job 

accommodations, and postemployment follow-up

Those who express a desire to 

seek employment soon after 

separation or who already 

have the necessary skills and/

or training to be competitive in 

the job market in an appropriate 

occupation

Self-Employment Analysis of your business concept, 

development of a business 

plan, training in operating small 

businesses, marketing and financial 

assistance, and guidance in 

obtaining adequate resources to 

implement the business plan

Those who have limited access 

to traditional employment, 

need flexible work schedules, 

or need an accommodating 

work environment due to 

disabling conditions or other life 

circumstances

Employment Through 

Long-Term Services

Training and education, including: 

On-the-Job Training (OJT), 

apprenticeships, internships, job 

shadowing, work monitoring, 

work-study, public-private job 

partnering, or higher education 

sufficient to qualify for and enter 

suitable employment

Those who need specialized 

training and/or education to 

obtain and maintain suitable 

employment

Independent Living 

Services

Assistive technology, 

independent living skills training, 

and connection to communitybased support services

Those who are not currently 

ready for employment and need 

rehabilitation services to live 

more independently

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After a rehabilitation plan is developed, the VRC 

will help you implement it to achieve suitable 

employment or independent living. If the VRC 

believes you need additional services, then the 

counselor may provide you with medical and 

dental referrals, tutorial assistance, adjustment 

counseling, and other services necessary for you 

to achieve your goals.

Other Support. VA pays for tuition, fees, books, 

equipment, tools, or other supplies you need to 

succeed in your rehabilitation program. During your 

program, you may qualify for a monthly subsistence 

allowance to help you meet the additional 

commuting or living expenses you incur while in 

a training program. The amount of the allowance is 

based on your type of training, rate of attendance, 

and number of dependents. You will receive this 

allowance in addition to any VA compensation or 

military retired pay you may already receive.

Veterans without Employment Handicaps

Some Veterans who apply for VR&E may 

not be deemed to have an employment 

handicap. In these cases, Vocational 

Rehabilitation Counselors provide career 

counseling services and help in locating 

other resources to address rehabilitation and 

employment needs. Such Veterans may be 

referred to one or more of the following:

» State vocational rehabilitation programs 

» Department of Labor employment programs 

» State, federal, or local agencies providing 

services for employment or small business 

development 

» Internet-based resources for rehabilitation 

and employment 

» Information about applying for financial aid

VA also offers career counseling services to: 

» Servicemembers six months prior to discharge 

» Veterans within one year following discharge 

» Veterans eligible for any VA education 

benefits, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill

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How to Apply. To apply for VR&E benefits, fill out 

the Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational 

Rehabilitation form (VA Form 28-1900).

You can access this form by:

» Applying online via www.ebenefits.va.gov, 

your one-stop shop to apply for and learn about 

your benefits

» www.VetSuccess.gov

» Downloading the form at www.va.gov/forms

» Calling VA toll free at 1-800-827-1000 to have 

a claim form mailed to you

» Visiting your local VA VR&E office. 

For the VA VR&E office nearest you, 

call VA toll free at 1-800-827-1000

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VA adopted five core values that define “who we 

are,” our culture, and how we care for Veterans, 

their families, and other beneficiaries. The values 

are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, 

and Excellence (I-CARE).

I CARE

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I obtain VR&E services if I have a service-connected disability rating of less than 20%?

Yes, you can obtain such services if you are a Veteran with a rating of 10% and are found to have a 

serious employment handicap (SEH). You may also qualify without a VA rating if you are a severely 

ill or injured Servicemember who has been referred to a military Physical Evaluation Board or is 

currently participating in the DoD/VA Integrated Disability Evaluation System process.

What does a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) do? 

A VRC evaluates your interests, aptitudes, and abilities. A VRC also determines if you are entitled 

to VR&E services and, if you are, helps you establish a rehabilitation plan to find appropriate work 

or achieve more independence in daily living. Based on your skills and interests, a VRC will explore 

career possibilities with you, such as returning to your previous job, training for a new job, or 

starting your own business.

I had a job before I went on active duty. Now that I separated from the military, will I go back 

to work at the same company?

Returning to your previous company is one option you can consider. A VRC will work with you and 

representatives from the Department of Labor to ensure that your re-employment rights are upheld 

and your former employer makes reasonable accommodations if you wish to return to work there. 

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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Benefits Administration

Washington, DC 20420

T 800-827-1000

www.va.gov/benefits

For More Information

For more information about VR&E 

benefits, including time limits, 

establishing a service-connected 

disability, and how to apply, please:

» Find links to VA benefits information and apply 

at www.ebenefits.va.gov 

» Go to the VA web site at www.va.gov/benefits 

» Visit us at www.VetSuccess.gov where you can 

find current job listings from employers seeking 

to hire Veterans. You can also find the nearest 

VR&E office and other information, such as tips 

about applying for a job, interviewing, and writing 

a good résumé and cover letter. 

» Use IRIS, VA’s tool to find information and ask 

questions online at https://iris.custhelp.com

» Call us at 1-800-827-1000

» Visit the nearest VA regional office. To find the 

VA regional office nearest you, go to our website 

or call VA toll free at 1-800-827-1000

Additional VA Benefits

Disabilities determined by VA to be related to 

your military service can lead to monthly nontaxable 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 (VSO) representative about 

Disability Compensation, Pension, Health Care, 

Caregiver Program, Vocational Rehabilitation and 

Employment Services, Educational Assistance, Home 

Loan Guaranty, Insurance, and/or Dependents’ 

and Survivors’ Benefits. You can search for a VSO 

representative online at www.ebenefits.va.gov. 

Thank you for your service. 

Now let us serve you.

VA PAM 28-12-1

September 2012

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