What is a suitable
job?
To be suitable, a job must meet two standards:
- It must be within your physical and emotional
capabilities
- It must match your pattern of skills, talents, and
interests
We try to be realistic. Every job is not for
everyone and we do not want to get you just any job. We want to you find a career that
truly fits in with your unique circumstances, limitations, and talents.
We work closely with other partners, like the U.S.
Department of Labor, to ensure that there is a need in the job market that matches your
employment goal.
How can independent living services
help me?
These services can help you if you have disabilities
so severe that you cannot work. These services can lessen your need to rely on others by
giving you the skills you need to live as independently as possible at home and in your
community.
Independent living services include:
- Extended evaluation of your independent living needs
- Training in activities of daily living
- Case Management
- Personal adjustment counseling
- Assistive technology
- Training to improve your chances of reaching a
vocational goal
How do I receive services from VR&E?
Before an individual can receive services from
VR&E, a few things must be determined:
You have a combined VA compensable disability rating
of at least 10 percent, as a result of active duty military service on or after September
16, 1940
You have received or will receive a discharge or
release from active duty under other than dishonorable conditions;
You have completed a VA Form 28-1900, Disabled
Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation, and submitted to the VA Regional
Office in nearest you.
Once the above information has been received, you
are eligible to participate in an evaluation to determine your need for rehabilitation
services.
I thought I
automatically qualified because I was in the military.
Entitlement to the Chapter 31, Vocational
Rehabilitation and Employment program is not automatic. In order to receive services, or
be Entitled, you must be determined to have an employment handicap or serious employment
handicap. The information necessary to make this determination will be gathered during
meetings with a VA counselor.
What is an Employment Handicap?
An employment handicap is an
impairment (s) of the
individual veteran's ability to prepare for, obtain, or retain employment consistent with
his or her abilities, aptitudes, and interests.
What is a Serious Employment Handicap?
A serious employment handicap is a significant
impairment to a veteran's ability to prepare for, obtain, or retain employment. It is
anticipated that an individual with a serious employment handicap will experience
difficulty achieving rehabilitation.
How are the determinations made?
A VA counselor will work with you to assess whether
your service-connected disability (ies) impair your ability to find and/or hold employment
using the occupational skills you already have. The counselor will gather information
regarding your disability (ies), medical treatment, employment history, military
experience, and educational background. The information gathered will assist the counselor
in identifying your rehabilitation needs and the services required to meet those needs.
How is an employment objective
identified?
The determination of an employment objective is an
individualized process. In order to identify a vocational objective, a counselor will
guide you in exploring various career fields and gathering labor market information. Once
sufficient information is obtained, the counselor will assist you in determining the
career path that is most appropriate for you given your abilities, aptitudes, and
interests.
What
if it is determined that I need additional training to achieve my employment objective?
If after all information is gathered it is necessary
to participate in an educational and/or training program to achieve the employment
objective, a counselor will work with you to select the appropriate on-the-job training or
non-paid work experience site, college, technical school, or other training facility. The
selection of the training facility, just like the selection of vocational goal, is very
individualized.
While attending a training facility, the VA VR&E
program will provide tuition, books, fees and other training costs. You may also be
eligible to receive a monthly living allowance.
While
in the program, will I have someone to assist me to ensure that I achieve my program
objective?
Yes, you will be assigned a Case Manager who will
help you progress through the program, obtain medical or dental care, if needed, and
assist you in resolving any problems that may arise.
Which partners assist in
my rehabilitation and employment?
Partnerships are at the very heart of vocational
rehabilitation services. The success of your rehabilitation program depends not only on
your active participation, but also upon the skills and efforts of many different
individuals and organizations.
Your VA case manager will work with you and others
to provide you all the services you need to reach your rehabilitation goals. Employment
Specialists and intended employers are partners we rely on to ensure that you get the
career that is right for you. In addition, we frequently call upon staff members from VA
Medical Centers, Department of Labor, Small Business Administration, Department of
Defense, and Veterans Service Organizations to assist us in guiding your through your
rehabilitation program..
How long can I use the benefit?
The law provides for a 12-year basic period of
eligibility in which you can use for services. The 12-year period begins the date you were
first notified of your service-connected disability rating. However, in certain
situations, the 12-year period may be extended.
If entitled to Vocational Rehabilitation, the law
provides for a maximum of 48 months of services.
