Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Explained

VR&E, Chapter 31, is for veterans whose service-connected disability limits their ability to work. It's run by the VA and it's more hands-on than the GI Bill: you work with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor who assesses what you can do and builds a plan around it.

It's worth understanding as five separate tracks, because which one you're placed on changes what you get:

  • Reemployment — getting you back to the job you held before you deployed.
  • Rapid Access to Employment — if you're already employable and want work now.
  • Self-Employment — support for starting a business.
  • Long-Term Services — training or education for a new line of work.
  • Independent Living — where employment isn't currently the goal.

The Long-Term Services track is the one people compare to the GI Bill. It can cover tuition, books, supplies and a subsistence allowance, and it doesn't consume your GI Bill entitlement.

Who is eligible?

As a veteran, you need a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 10% and a discharge that isn't dishonorable.

As a service member still serving, you may qualify with a 20% or higher pre-discharge rating and an imminent separation, or while awaiting discharge for a severe illness or injury that happened on active duty. Severely injured members can start VR&E before the VA has even issued a rating.

The deadline follows the same 2013 split as the GI Bill. Discharged before January 1, 2013, you have 12 years from either your separation notice or your first disability rating, whichever is later. Discharged on or after that date, there's no time limit.

How do I apply?

  • Check your rating first: 10% as a veteran, 20% pre-discharge as a service member. If you don't have a rating yet, the disability claim comes first.
  • Apply through VA.gov: Start at va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation.
  • Expect an assessment with a counselor: A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor works out whether you have an employment handicap and which track fits. This is a conversation, not a form.
  • Ask which track you're being considered for: The five tracks differ enormously in what they fund. Knowing which one you're on tells you what to expect.
  • Ask how it interacts with your GI Bill: Using Chapter 31 doesn't spend Chapter 33 entitlement, which can mean more total support than either alone.

Common questions

What disability rating do you need for VR&E?

At least 10% as a veteran. Serving members may qualify with a 20% or higher pre-discharge rating, or while awaiting discharge for a severe service-incurred illness or injury.

Does VR&E use up your GI Bill?

No. Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 are separate entitlements, so using VR&E does not consume your GI Bill months.

Is there a deadline for VR&E?

Not if you were discharged on or after January 1, 2013. Before that, 12 years from your separation notice or first disability rating, whichever is later.

What are the five VR&E tracks?

Reemployment, Rapid Access to Employment, Self-Employment, Long-Term Services, and Independent Living. Which one you are placed on decides what the program funds.

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