The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program helps eligible veterans and servicemembers with service-connected disabilities prepare for employment, pursue career opportunities, or increase their independence. Learn about the program's five support tracks, eligibility considerations, and ways to apply.
Transitioning from military service to civilian employment can present unique challenges, particularly for veterans and servicemembers with service-connected disabilities. The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, also known as Chapter 31, is designed to help eligible individuals prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment.
Formerly known as the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program, VR&E provides different support and service options based on an individual's circumstances, goals, and needs.
VR&E Support and Service Tracks
The VR&E program offers several tracks. Depending on your situation, services may include counseling, job-search assistance, education, training, or support for greater independence.
Reemployment
The Reemployment track is designed for individuals who want assistance returning to a previous job.
Rapid Access to Employment
The Rapid Access to Employment track helps those seeking employment that uses their existing skills and experience.
Self-Employment
For those interested in starting and operating their own business, the Self-Employment track may provide assistance.
Employment Through Long-Term Services
The Employment Through Long-Term Services track is intended for those who may need additional education or training to pursue a different career path.
Independent Living
The Independent Living track provides support for eligible individuals whose disabilities limit their ability to perform activities of daily living or immediately return to work.
Who May Be Eligible for VR&E?
VR&E is available to veterans and active-duty servicemembers who meet certain requirements.
Veterans generally must not have received a dishonorable discharge and must have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
For additional information about disability ratings, read Navy Mutual's guide to understanding VA disability ratings.
Eligibility rules may also depend on when a veteran separated from active duty. Veterans discharged before January 1, 2013, generally have a 12-year basic period of eligibility beginning from a qualifying date, although that period may be extended under certain circumstances. Veterans discharged on or after January 1, 2013, don't have the same 12-year time limit.
Because individual circumstances vary, review the VA's current VR&E eligibility requirements to determine how the rules may apply to you.
Active-duty servicemembers may also qualify under certain circumstances, including when preparing to leave the military because of an illness or injury or when they have a qualifying pre-discharge disability rating.
Ultimately, eligibility and entitlement are determined based on the individual's circumstances with assistance from a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC).
VR&E and Other VA Education Benefits
VR&E benefits may interact with other VA education benefits you've used or are eligible to receive.
If you've previously used VA education benefits, discuss your individual circumstances with your assigned VRC to understand how that may affect your available VR&E entitlement.
You can also learn more about education benefits through Navy Mutual's guide to understanding the GI Bill.
How to Apply for VR&E
Applying for VR&E generally involves completing VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation.
Several application options are available:
Apply Online
You can apply for VR&E online through VA.gov.
Apply by Mail
You can download VA Form 28-1900, complete it, and follow the VA's current instructions for submitting the form.
Apply in Person
You can find a VA regional office and request assistance with the application process.
Work With an Accredited Representative
Veterans and servicemembers can also seek help from an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or claims agent.
The VA provides information to help you find an accredited representative.
Finding the Right Support
For eligible veterans and servicemembers with service-connected disabilities, VR&E can provide valuable support while preparing for employment, pursuing a new career, returning to work, exploring self-employment, or working toward greater independence.
Because eligibility, entitlement, and available services depend on individual circumstances, the VA should be your primary resource for determining which VR&E services may be available to you.
Visit the VA's Veteran Readiness and Employment resource to learn more about the program and its current requirements.
Author - Navy Mutual
