VR&E: Veterans Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)
Overview
Veterans Readiness and Employment helps disabled veterans, transitioning servicemembers, and certain dependents achieve sustainable employment. Unlike education-focused GI Bill programs, VR&E prioritizes career outcomes.
Pro Tip: Chapter 31 remains the most underutilized major VA benefit. When service-connected disabilities prevent returning to your previous career, VR&E retrains you for new work AND provides financial support during the process. This program changes lives for veterans who discover it.
Who Qualifies
Veteran Requirements
Rating threshold options: - 10% or higher service-connected rating WITH serious employment handicap, OR - Combined 20% or higher service-connected rating WITH employment handicap
Discharge requirement: Dishonorable discharge bars participation.
Time limit for older separations: Veterans separating before January 1, 2013 must apply within 12 years of separation or initial service-connection award. Medical circumstances or serious employment handicap may extend this window.
Active Duty Requirements
- Pre-discharge rating of 20% or higher, OR
- Participation in Integrated Disability Evaluation System processing
Dependent Eligibility
Certain children of Vietnam Veterans or Korean Service Veterans qualify under separate provisions.
Program Length
- Maximum 48 months of benefits
- Previous GI Bill usage counts toward this cap (retroactive induction may restore some eligibility)
- Children of Vietnam/Korea veterans: 24-month limit
Service Tracks
VR&E offers five distinct paths based on individual circumstances:
Track 1: Return to Previous Employer
Assists veterans returning to former positions, including workplace accommodation coordination.
Track 2: Direct Job Placement
For veterans with marketable existing skills needing job search support: resume development, interview coaching, career guidance.
Track 3: Business Ownership
Develops comprehensive business plans including operational training, marketing strategy, financial management, and startup capital guidance.
Track 4: Extended Training and Education
Provides vocational programs, apprenticeships, undergraduate or graduate education, and subsequent job placement assistance.
Track 5: Independent Living
Supports veterans whose disabilities currently prevent employment but affect daily living activities. Requires serious employment handicap documentation.
How to Apply
Online submission: VA.gov vocational rehabilitation portal
Paper application: Submit completed VA Form 28-1900 to:
Department of Veterans Affairs VR&E Intake Center P.O. Box 5210 Janesville, WI 53547-5210
Post-approval: Complete Form 28-1902W to establish your individual rehabilitation plan.
Program Benefits
Financial Support
Subsistence allowance options: - Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients: Basic Allowance for Housing at E-5 with dependents rate - Others: Standard Chapter 31 subsistence rates - Up to 2 additional months during post-completion job search
Healthcare Support
Dental treatment available when rehabilitation counselor determines it necessary for employment plan success.
Equipment and Materials
- Computers, textbooks, software, and specialized tools provided with counselor approval
- Protective clothing and equipment for training programs
- Generally one-time provision; replacement covered when loss/damage wasn't veteran's fault
Transportation Assistance
Adaptive vehicle modifications available for qualifying disabilities.
Important Considerations
- "VR&E exists to achieve employment outcomes, not simply to fund graduate degrees without employment focus"
- Approved rehabilitation plans require veteran signature before processing begins
- Serious employment handicap means significant impairment preventing preparation for, obtaining, or maintaining work consistent with the veteran's capabilities and interests