VR&E Services: Your Path to Career Success
Complete guide to Veteran Readiness and Employment services for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Get personalized career counseling, training, and job placement support.
Are you a veteran with a service-connected disability seeking career training, employment support, or help starting a business? VR&E services (Veteran Readiness and Employment, formerly Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) provides comprehensive support to help you prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment or achieve independent living.
Unlike the GI Bill, which primarily provides tuition assistance, VR&E offers a holistic approach including career counseling, skills assessment, job training, resume building, interview preparation, and even support for entrepreneurship if you want to start your own business.
What is VR&E?
VR&E (Chapter 31)
- Requires service-connected disability
- Provides comprehensive career counseling
- Covers training related to employment goals
- Includes job placement assistance
- Offers subsistence allowance during training
- No time limit on benefits (within 12-year period)
- Personalized rehabilitation plan required
GI Bill (Chapter 33)
- Available to most veterans regardless of disability
- Provides broader education benefits
- Covers any approved educational program
- Student manages own career planning
- Provides housing allowance during school
- 36 months of benefits maximum
- No vocational counselor assignment
VR&E Eligibility Requirements
To Qualify for VR&E Services:
1. Have a Service-Connected Disability
- • VA disability rating of at least 10%, OR
- • Memorandum rating of 20% or more, OR
- • Service member awaiting discharge with 20%+ rating
2. Need Vocational Rehabilitation
- • Your disability creates an employment handicap, OR
- • You have a serious employment handicap requiring services
3. Be Within Eligibility Period
- • Within 12 years of receiving first VA rating, OR
- • Within 12 years of discharge with 20%+ rating
What is an "Employment Handicap"?
An employment handicap means your service-connected disability impairs your ability to prepare for, obtain, or maintain suitable employment. Examples include:
The 5 VR&E Service Tracks
Choose the path that best fits your employment goals and situation
Reemployment
Return to Previous Employer
Return to work with your pre-service or pre-disability employer when suitable employment is available.
Key Services:
- Coordination with former employer
- Job accommodation assessment
- Assistive technology provided
- Short-term training updates
Timeline:
Fastest path to employment
Rapid Access to Employment
Quick Job Placement
For veterans ready for immediate employment with transferable skills for the civilian job market.
Key Services:
- Resume building assistance
- Interview preparation
- Job search strategies
- Direct placement support
Timeline:
3-6 months typical
Self-Employment
Start Your Own Business
Support for veterans who want to start their own business or work as independent contractors.
Key Services:
- Business plan development
- Entrepreneurship training
- Equipment and technology
- Marketing materials
Timeline:
Up to 18 months of support
Long-Term Services
Comprehensive Training
Comprehensive training and education for veterans who need to learn new skills for a different career.
Key Services:
- College degree programs
- Vocational training
- Subsistence allowance
- Job placement after training
Timeline:
Duration varies by program
Independent Living
Daily Living Support
Support for veterans whose disabilities prevent immediate work, focusing on maximum independence.
Key Services:
- Independent living skills
- Assistive technology
- Home modifications
- Personal adjustment counseling
Timeline:
Ongoing support provided
Benefits Provided Through VR&E
Tuition Coverage
Covers college tuition, vocational training, certifications, books, supplies, and all approved training costs with no cap.
Subsistence Allowance
Monthly payments during training based on enrollment status and number of dependents, not location.
Career Counseling
One-on-one counseling with VR&E professionals who assess skills, identify careers, and develop your plan.
Job Placement
Active job search assistance, employer connections, interview coordination, and post-employment support.
Resume & Interview Prep
Professional help translating military experience, creating effective resumes, and interview coaching.
Equipment & Technology
Computers, software, assistive technology, tools, and adaptive equipment necessary for training and work.
2025 Monthly Subsistence Rates (Full-Time)
| Dependency Status | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| No Dependents | $734.87/month |
| One Dependent | $912.40/month |
| Two Dependents | $1,079.54/month |
| Each Additional | +$83.09/month |
Note: Rates shown are for institutional training. OJT and other training types have different rate structures.
VR&E vs. GI Bill: Key Differences
Understanding the differences helps you choose the right program for your needs
| Feature | VR&E (Chapter 31) | Post-9/11 GI Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Service-connected disability rating | 90+ days post-9/11 active duty |
| Time Limit | 12 years from rating/discharge | 15 years from last separation |
| Benefit Duration | As needed for rehabilitation plan | 36 months maximum |
| Tuition Coverage | Unlimited for approved training | Capped at in-state or $28,937 |
| Career Counseling | Comprehensive, individualized | Limited or self-directed |
| Job Placement | Provided as part of program | Not included |
Choose VR&E If You:
- • Have a service-connected disability affecting employment
- • Need comprehensive career counseling
- • Want job placement assistance
- • Are pursuing expensive graduate programs
- • Need training beyond 36 months
Choose GI Bill If You:
- • Don't have a service-connected disability
- • Know exactly what you want to study
- • Prefer independence in educational choices
- • Are attending school in high-cost area
- • Don't need employment counseling
How to Apply for VR&E Services
Follow these steps to start your VR&E journey
Determine Your Eligibility
Verify you have a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 10%, need help with employment due to your disability, and are within 12 years of receiving your VA rating or separation.
Complete Your Application
Apply online at VA.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation or complete VA Form 28-1900. Provide information about your service history, employment status, education background, and career goals.
Attend Your Appointment
Meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor who will review your application, discuss career interests, assess how disabilities impact work, and explain VR&E services and tracks.
Complete Entitlement Determination
Your counselor evaluates whether your disability creates an employment handicap and determines your eligibility for VR&E services. You'll receive a written decision.
Develop Your Rehabilitation Plan
Work with your counselor to create an individualized plan including your career goal, chosen service track, training needed, timeline, and services provided.
Begin Your Services
Start receiving VR&E services according to your approved plan. Enroll in training, meet regularly with your counselor, and maintain satisfactory progress toward your goals.
VR&E Success Stories
From Combat Medic to Registered Nurse
Sarah M., U.S. Army, 8 years of service
After experiencing PTSD and a back injury during deployment, Sarah used VR&E's Long-Term Services track to complete her BSN degree. VR&E covered her tuition, provided subsistence allowance, and helped secure accommodations during clinical rotations.
Outcome: Now works as a registered nurse at a VA hospital, earning $78,000 annually with full accommodations.
Entrepreneurship Path to Independence
Michael T., U.S. Marine Corps, 6 years of service
With a traumatic brain injury and mobility limitations, Michael struggled in traditional jobs. Through VR&E's Self-Employment track, he received business planning support, woodworking equipment, and adaptive tools to start his custom furniture business.
Outcome: Business now generates $65,000 annually with flexible hours that accommodate his TBI symptoms.
Rapid Return to Employment
James D., U.S. Air Force, 12 years of service
After developing hearing loss and anxiety, James needed workplace accommodations but had strong IT skills. VR&E's Rapid Access track provided updated certifications, resume coaching, assistive hearing technology, and direct job placement assistance.
Outcome: Secured cybersecurity position within 4 months earning $92,000 with full accommodation support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the VR&E application take?
The process typically takes 60-90 days from application to entitlement decision. This includes initial review (2-3 weeks), scheduling your appointment (2-4 weeks), entitlement determination (4-6 weeks), and plan development (2-4 weeks).
Can I use VR&E for graduate school?
Yes, VR&E covers graduate programs including master's and doctoral degrees if they're necessary for your employment goal. Unlike the GI Bill, VR&E has no cap on tuition coverage, making it especially valuable for expensive graduate programs.
Can VR&E help me start a business?
Yes, the self-employment track provides comprehensive support including entrepreneurship training, business plan development, equipment, technology, and initial operating expenses. You'll need to develop a viable business plan showing self-employment is suitable given your disabilities.
What if I'm already using my GI Bill?
You can apply for VR&E even while using GI Bill benefits. If approved, you'll transition to VR&E and your remaining GI Bill benefits will be preserved. You cannot use both programs simultaneously.
Ready to Start Your VR&E Journey?
Contact VR&E services or get personalized assistance from our team
VR&E Information Line
1-800-827-1000
Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 9 PM ET
Online Resources
- • VA.gov/careers-employment
- • Find your local VR&E office
- • Submit questions via AskVA
Explore More Education Benefits
Learn about other VA education programs available to veterans