Overview

The mission of Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) is to help veterans with service connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For veterans with service-connected disabilities, VR&E offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible.

Eligibility

A veteran may be eligible for VR&E benefits if they:

  • Have received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable
  • 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)
  • Apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess services

The basic period of eligibility in which VR&E's VetSuccess services may be used is 12 years from the latter of:

  • The date of separation from active military service
  • The date the veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected disability rating

VR&E Services


  • Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills, interests, and needs
  • Employment services such as job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness assistance
  • If needed, training such as On the Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and non-paid work experiences
  • Supportive rehabilitation services including case management, counseling, and referral
  • Assessments of the veteran's interests, aptitudes, and abilities
  • Vocational exploration and goal development

  • Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning
  • Assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives
  • If needed, post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school
  • Independent living services
  • Assessments of whether service connected disabilities impair the veteran's ability to find and/or hold a job using the occupational skills he or she has already developed
  • Determine a Voc Rehab Veteran employment Track

Process Summary

A veteran who is eligible for an evaluation under Chapter 31 must complete an application and meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). If the VRC determines that an employment handicap exists as a result of a service-connected disability, the veteran is found entitled to services. The VRC and the veteran will then continue counseling to select a track of services and jointly develop a plan to address the rehabilitation and employment needs of the veteran, leading to employment or independent living.

The rehabilitation plan will specify an employment or independent living goal, identify intermediate goals, and outline services and resources needed to achieve these goals. The VRC and the veteran will work together to implement the plan and achieve successful rehabilitation.

If a veteran is found not to be entitled to services, the VRC will help the veteran locate other resources to address any rehabilitation and employment needs identified during the evaluation.

More Information and How to Apply

For further detailed information, eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the Veteran Readiness & Employment area of the Department of Veteran Affairs Website.