how to fight veterans affairs vocational rehab

What is VA vocational rehabilitation for veterans?

the Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation form (VA Form 28-1900). You can access this form by: » Applying online via www.ebenefits.va.gov, your one-stop shop to apply for and learn about your benefits » www.VetSuccess.gov » Downloading the form at www.va.gov/forms » Calling VA toll free at 1-800-827-1000 to have

What is VA voc rehab for veterans?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates a Voc Rehab program specifically for disabled veterans. The Vermont Agency of Human Services operates a Voc Rehab program for any Vermonter with disabilities. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation. VA Voc Rehab is for veterans who have service connected disabilities. Typically, veterans must …

Are VA vocational rehab counselors telling disabled veterans no longer approve graduate degrees?

Apr 08, 2022 · Please switch auto forms mode to off. 2. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc). 3. To enter and activate the submenu links, hit the down arrow. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links. Get help from Veterans Crisis Line.

How do I apply for vocational rehabilitation for service connected disabilities?

Have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%, or a memorandum rating of 20% or more from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) For more information on Vocational Rehab, please visit http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000. Voc-Rehab offers educational benefits similar to those provided by the regular GI Bill.

Does voc rehab affect VA disability?

This veteran has a rating that is static meaning VA believes the rating or ratings will not change in the future. Generally, any kind of employment or use of Voc Rehab for training will not result in a disability rating reduction.Apr 11, 2018

How long do VRE benefits last?

Services generally last up to 48 months, but they can be extended in certain instances.

What is the VA Chapter 31?

Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) provides assistance to veterans who have a service-connected disability of at least 10 percent and are in need of vocational rehabilitation.

Does voc rehab affect GI Bill?

And before you ask, you cannot use your GI Bill and voc rehab benefits simultaneously. You can, however, use both for the same degree. For example, if you pursue a two-year MBA, you may use Chapter 31 Benefits your first year. Then, you may use Chapter 33 benefits again your second year.Apr 16, 2020

Will VA disability benefits go up in 2021?

2021 VA disability pay rates, which are effective beginning December 1, 2020, have increased by 1.3% based on the latest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

What are the 2020 VA disability rates?

2020 VA Disability Rates30% – 60% Without ChildrenDependent Status30%40%Veteran Alone$435.69$627.61Veteran with Spouse Only$486.69$696.61Veteran with Spouse & One Parent$527.69$751.614 more rows

What is VA Chapter 35?

VA's Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents and survivors of certain Veterans.

What is a Chapter 33 veteran?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) helps you pay for school or job training. If you've served on active duty after September 10, 2001, you may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). Find out if you can get this education benefit.Feb 11, 2022

What can I use Chapter 31 for?

It is referred to as the Chapter 31 program. It assists entitled Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap to prepare for, find, and maintain a job. It also helps entitled transitioning Servicemembers.

Is voc rehab better than the GI Bill?

VA Voc Rehab Wins. In my mind, VA Voc Rehab wins out over the GI Bill for most veterans because it covers tuition, pays a stipend, and covers associated fees and funding for reasonable accommodations. Overall, the number of months a veteran can use under VA Voc Rehab is 48 months, period.Feb 10, 2018

How many months are VA education benefits?

The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. If you are the child, you generally must use your benefits between the ages of 18 and 26. If you are the spouse, your benefits end 10 years from the date VA finds you eligible or from the date of death of your spouse.

How do I get my 48 months GI Bill?

"You may receive a maximum of 48 months of benefits combined if you are eligible for more than one VA education program, the footnotes on the VA website say. So, if you are eligible for VR&E and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you may receive those benefits for 48 months.Jun 18, 2021

What is a trained VRC?

trained VRC determines if an employment handicap significantly impairs your ability to prepare for, obtain, or retain employment that is consistent with your abilities, aptitudes, and interests. If an SEH is determined, the basic period of eligibility for VR&E services may be extended.

What is a rehabilitation plan?

A rehabilitation plan is an individualized written outline of the services, resources, and criteria that will be used to help you achieve your employment and/or independent living goals. In developing a rehabilitation plan, you and your counselor will select one of five tracks to pursue: reemployment, rapid access to employment, self-employment, ...

How does VR&E work?

VR&E can help you obtain one of four different employment options by working with you to establish a rehabilitation plan with specific goals. If you have service-connected disabilities that are so severe that you cannot immediately consider work, then the independent living services track may be right for you.

What is subsistence allowance?

During your program, you may qualify for a monthly subsistence allowance to help you meet the additional commuting or living expenses you incur while in a training program. The amount of the allowance is based on your type of training, rate of attendance, and number of dependents.

Can a veteran be a handicap?

Some Veterans who apply for VR&E may not be deemed to have an employment handicap. In these cases, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors provide career counseling services and help in locating other resources to address rehabilitation and employment needs. Such Veterans may be referred to one or more of the following:

What is a voc rehab?

What is Voc Rehab? There are two programs that operate in Vermont that go by the same name of Voc Rehab, which is short for Vocational Rehabilitation. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates a Voc Rehab program specifically for disabled veterans.

What is the disability rating for veterans?

Typically, veterans must have a disability rating of 20% or higher, but veterans with a 10% rating also qualify if their service connected disability poses a significant employment handicap.

Does Vermont have a disability program?

Yes. The Vermont Association of Business, Industry, and Rehabilitation (VABIR) helps match job seekers with disabilities to interested employers in their communities. They have offices across the state, which you can find by visiting their website.

Problem Background

Here is a little background. Disabled veterans struggling to make ends meet have been writing in to me at a rapid pace with story after story of Voc Rehab Counselors turning them off from successful rehabilitation.

Voc Rehab History and Purpose

VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VRE) is one of five channels of Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) programs designed to help veterans succeed despite their disabilities.

Voc Rehab Horror Story

Here is a recent example on our Facebook group of things not going in the right direction and what a lot of veterans suggested on how to fix it based on person experience:

Conclusion – Despite VA law, are VA benefits meant to be maximized?

After reading this, you may be asking yourself, “How can counselors be so bad in light of pro-veteran laws?” My guess is because some VA employees do not like veterans and let their bias affect their decisions to the extent that they will disregard the law.

What is suitable employment?

Suitable employment is a term meaning entry level employment which is not inconsistent with your general pattern of interests, aptitudes, and abilities; is not contra-indicated by your service-connected or non service-connected conditions; and is generally available in the area you live.

Who is Benjamin Krause?

Benjamin Krause is an award winning investigative journalist, attorney, and disabled veteran of the US Air Force, where he served in its Special Operations Command. He wrote his guide, the Voc Rehab Survival Guide for Veterans, after winning his long fight for benefits against VA to help other veterans do the same.

Can disabled veterans be gainfully employed?

We can do extraordinary things to assist the most severely disabled veterans become gainfully employed. If, however, employment is not reasonably feasible, there are many services we can provide to help you become more independent in your daily living.

Why The Dubious Voc Rehab Counselor Statements

The most obvious reason is that counselors are culturally indoctrinated early on to treat is taxpayer money as if it were their own money.

Questions Asked

The live Q&A from veterans starts at 17:30. We address the following paraphrased questions from veterans:

What is an employment handicap?

You have an employment handicap if your service-connected disability limits your ability to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment (a job that doesn’t make your disability worse, is stable, and matches your abilities, aptitudes, and interests).

What is a job placement service?

Job placement and counseling services for new employment. Help with starting your own business. Long-term training or services to help you find work in a different field that better suits your abilities and interests. Independent living services if you can’t return to work right away.