Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31)

What it is

Veteran Readiness and Employment, often called VR&E or Chapter 31, is a career program for veterans with service-connected disabilities. You work one-on-one with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). Together you build a plan to get you into work that fits your skills and your limits.

VR&E has five paths:

• Reemployment with a former employer
• Rapid access to employment if you already have job skills
• Self-employment support to start a business
• Employment through long-term services, like college or training
• Independent living for those who cannot work right now

Who qualifies

Veterans need a service-connected rating of at least 10% and a discharge that is not dishonorable. Service members can apply if they have a memorandum rating of 20% or more and are about to separate, or are waiting to be discharged because of a serious illness or injury.

If you were discharged on or after January 1, 2013, there is no time limit to use VR&E. If you left before that, you generally have 12 years from your discharge or first rating, whichever is later. A counselor can extend that if you have a serious employment handicap.

How it can pay

If your plan includes school, VR&E can pay tuition, fees, books and supplies directly. You also get a monthly subsistence allowance. If you have at least one day of Post-9/11 GI Bill time left, you can often choose to be paid at the GI Bill housing rate instead, which is usually higher. Your counselor can help you compare.

A big plus: using VR&E for school does not use up your GI Bill in the same way. Many veterans use VR&E for a degree and save the GI Bill for a later goal or for their family.

How it works when you are relocating

VR&E is run through regional offices, and your counselor is usually based near you. If you move:

1. Tell your counselor before you go.
2. Update your address on VA.gov.
3. Ask for your case to be transferred to the office near your new home.
4. If you are in school, check that your new school is approved and that your plan still fits the local job market.

Moving to a new area can be a good time to rethink your goal. Your counselor can look at local job data with you.

How to apply

1. Apply online on VA.gov (form 28-1900). Service members without a rating can also apply.
2. VA reviews your eligibility and schedules an orientation and first meeting with a counselor.
3. You and your counselor do an assessment of your interests, skills and limits.
4. You agree on a written plan.
5. You follow the plan, and VA pays for approved costs.

Common mistakes

• Thinking VR&E is only for severe disabilities. A 10% rating can be enough.
• Showing up without ideas. Come with job goals, local wage info, and school options. Your counselor will take you more seriously.
• Not asking about the GI Bill housing rate option.
• Dropping out of contact. Keep in touch, even when life gets busy, or your case can be closed.

Related benefits

VR&E works well with the GI Bill, state veteran hiring preferences, and federal veterans' preference for government jobs. If you are still on active duty, also look at SkillBridge through your branch.