Severely disabled veterans may receive assistance to improve their ability to live independently. Generally, the veteran must complete a rehabilitation program 12 years from the date notified of a VA disability compensation entitlement. This period may be deferred or extended if a medical condition prevented the veteran from training for a period or if the veteran has a serious employment handicap. Disabled veterans may receive services until they have reached their rehabilitation goal, but the duration of a rehabilitation program generally may not exceed 48 months. While in training and for two months after completing training, eligible veterans may receive subsistence allowances in addition to their retired pay or disability compensation.
Soldiers can t receive subsistence allowances until they leave active duty.
VA may also pay for special support, such as tutorial assistance, prosthetic devices, lip-reading training, and signing for the deaf. VA will help the veteran to pay for at least part of the transportation expenses unique to disabled persons during training or employment services. VA may also provide an advance against future benefit payments for veterans who run into financial difficulties during training. A veteran with an unemployability rating who secures gainful employment under the special program will continue to receive disability compensation without reduction until the veteran has worked continuously for 12 months.