How do I get Vocational Rehab from the VA?

CW4 Robert C. — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 08:17:59 -0400

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2017 8:29 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 08:29:32 -0400

This should answer your question.

http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/eligibility_and_entitlement.asp

Eligibility and Entitlement - Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program is authorized by Congress under Title 38, USC, Chapter 31 and Code of Federal Regulations, Part 21. It is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program. This program assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For Veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, this program...

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made Mar 29 at 2017 2:52 PM

SFC Andrew Miller — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 14:52:25 -0400

Eligibility is cut and dry in that "Other than Dishonorable Service" and a 10% rating from the VA that is less than 12 years old are all that is needed. Determining whether or not entitlements will be awarded is more subjective.

A Voc-Rehab counselor will have to determine that you have an employment handicap and are either unemployed or underemployed. While it usually gets blessed off by a division head, getting or not getting benefits through the program depends on that counselor. They have guidelines to follow, but they aren't well defined and it is up to the interpretation of the counselor.

A denial can always be appealed, but that is a long process.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Mar 31 at 2017 8:18 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 20:18:47 -0400

There should be a Vocational Rehab office located in one of the government buildings in the capitol of your state. You might have to do some searching and calling numbers to find out the right contact info.
I did it and used it to finish a B.S. degree.