For veterans who are suffering from service-connected disabilities, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs makes sure to provide assistance to them, so that they can maintain suitable employment after being of service. For those who are deemed seriously injured, however, the VA offers other services to ensure that they will still be able to live independently.
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program has been authorized by the U.S. Congress under Title 38, Federal Code of Regulations, Chapter 31. Also being referred to as the Chapter 31 Program, services may include comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation, vocational counseling, rehabilitation planning, employment services, job search assistance, trainings, supportive rehabilitation services and independent living services.
Since the early 1990’s, the VA has partnered with the Department of Defense to address the needs of disabled service members. Other major national partners include the Veterans Health Administration – Hospitals, Clinics, Vet Centers, Veterans Industries, the Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS), the National Veterans Employment Program, the Department of Defense Transition Assistance and Disabled Transition Assistance Programs (DTAP).
The VA offers five options: Reemployment, Rapid Access to Employment, Self-Employment, Employment through Long Term Services, and Independent Living. Assistance by the VA can be in the form of job search, vocational evaluation, career exploration, vocational training, educational training, and supportive rehabilitation services. Usually, veterans are given 12 years from the time the VA informs them that they have a 10% rating for a service-connected disability or from their date of separation from active military service, whichever comes later, so it is important to avail of these benefits immediately so that qualified individuals can be back on their feet, so to speak.
For more information on the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program, visit their website at www.va.gov. For online resources on the VR&E Program, click on this link.