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Vocational Rehabilitation andEmployment (VR&E):An OverviewUS Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, VR&E2019
VBA Under Secretary for Benefits’ Three PrioritiesProvide Veterans withthe benefits they haveearned in a mannerthat honors theirserviceEnsure we arestrong fiscal stewardsof the money entrustedto usFoster a cultureof collaboration2
Mission The mission of Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment(VR&E) is to help Veterans with service-connected disabilitiesand an employment handicap prepare for, obtain and maintainsuitable employment For Veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe thatthey cannot immediately consider work, VR&E providesservices to improve their ability to live as independently aspossible3
VR&E FactsEmploysNearly sAServiceNetwork of350 lyreceive VR&EServices56 Regional Offices& NCRBO142 Out-basedOffices71 IDESInstallations15,528 PositiveOutcomes105 VSOCschools/sites4
VR&E Service Delivery ModelThree Key FeaturesMulti-Year CycleThe cycle of an active VR&E case may extend up to and beyond six years.Tis is necessary to provide adequate training for Veterans so that they canobtain employment that accommodates their disabilities and provides anappropriate career foundation.Face-to-face InteractionsVR&E requires regular face-to-face interactions with Veterans to deliverbenefits and services, in contract to VBA’s other lines of business thatfocus primarily on claims processing.Largest Out-Based Network within VBAVR&E has the largest out-based network of any business line with nearly350 locations nationwide.5
Key Services Provided Help Veterans with service-related disabilities:– Achieve and maintain suitable employment– Gain independence in daily living Vocational counseling and planningEducational or vocational trainingMonthly living allowance in addition to disability compensationTools to accommodate program (e.g. auto mechanic tools,computers for technology/professional fields) Job-seeking skills and assistance in finding employment Independent living:– Training in activities of daily living– Personal adjustment counseling and support services6
Chapter 31 Eligibility and Entitlement Active Duty Servicemembers:– Expect to receive an honorable discharge upon separation fromactive duty– Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment services– Obtain a memorandum rating of 20% or more from VA Entitlement based on establishment of employment handicap resulting froma service-connected disabilityOR– Receive automatic entitlement for severely injured active dutyindividuals before a VA rating is issued per the National DefenseAuthorization Act (Public Law 110-181).7
Chapter 31 Eligibility and Entitlement Veterans:– Honorable or other than dishonorable discharge– VA service-connected disability rating of 10% or more– Memorandum rating of 20% or more from VA– Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment services– Entitlement based on establishment of employment handicap orbarrier resulting from a service-connected disability– Serious employment handicap needed to establish entitlement forVeterans rated 10%8
Chapter 31 Basic Benefit Information 48 months of entitlement, to include employment services– May be utilized within 12 years from the date of initial VA disabilityrating notification– Exception for those with a serious employment handicap9
Chapter 31 ProcessApplicationEntitlement Decision VAF 28-1900 via onlinewww.ebenefits.gov/vocrehab Veteran’s eligibilityestablished Schedule Veteran for initialcounseling appointment ifeligibleEvaluation and Planning Establish vocational or independentliving goal Develop written plan of services Provide employment services Vetsuccess.gov Interview skills Job placement assistance Referral to DOL VRC meets with VeteranRe-Employment Conduct VR&E orientation to include FiveTracks VideoRapid AccessTo Employment Conduct vocational evaluation to assess skills,abilities & interests Determine employment handicap (VR&Eentitlement criteria) and serious employmenthandicap Determine feasibility for employmentRehabilitated On-going case management (max of 18months) Work with Veteran to identify track Define services needed218Employment ServicesTracksSelf Employment(monitor 1 yr. min) Held suitableemployment orimproved ability to liveindependentlyEmploymentThru Long-TermServicesIndependent Living(24 mo. max with 6 mo.Ext by VR&EO)10
Chapter 31 Rehabilitation TracksRe-EmploymentIndependent LivingSelf EmploymentRapid Access toEmploymentEmploymentthrough Long TermServices11
Employment Tracks Re-Employment– For individuals wishing to return towork with a former employer andneeding accommodations enablingthem to do soRe-EmploymentIndependent LivingSelf EmploymentRapid Access toEmploymentEmploymentthrough Long TermServices Rapid Access to Employment– For individuals who are ready toenter the workforce with minimalassistance Employment through Long TermServices– For individuals requiring additionalskills or training to find competitive,suitable employment12
Self-Employment Track For individuals who are interestedin opening their own businessRe-EmploymentIndependent LivingSelf EmploymentRapid Access toEmploymentEmploymentthrough Long TermServices For individuals with limited accessto traditional employment, or whoneed flexible work schedules or amore accommodating workenvironment due to theirdisabilities. Services may include:– Analysis of viability of businessconcept– Development of a business plan– Training in small business operations– Marketing assistance– Guidance on obtaining resources13
Independent Living Track For individuals not able to workwho need rehabilitationservices to live moreindependently Services include:Re-EmploymentIndependent LivingSelf EmploymentRapid Access toEmploymentEmploymentthrough Long TermServices– Comprehensive in-homeassessment– Assistive technologies– Independent living skills training– Connection to community-basedsupport services– Case management services– Coordination with VA’s speciallyadapted housing program, wheneligible14
Other Programs of ServicesChapter 18Chapter 35 Vocational trainingand rehabilitationservices forchildren with spinabifida born ofcertain Veteranswho served inVietnam or Korea Educationalcounseling forchildren, widowsand/or spouses ofpermanent andtotal serviceconnectedVeterans withdisabilitiesChapter 36 Educational andcareer counselingfor Veterans andServicemembers attraining facilities VetSuccess onCampus (VSOC)Program15
Other Programs of ServicesChapter 18Chapter 35 Vocational trainingand rehabilitationservices forchildren with spinabifida born ofcertain Veteranswho served inVietnam or Korea Educationalcounseling forchildren, widowsand/or spouses ofpermanent andtotal serviceconnectedVeterans withdisabilitiesChapter 36 Educational andcareer counselingfor Veterans andServicemembers attraining facilities16
Other Programs of ServicesChapter 18Chapter 35 Vocational trainingand rehabilitationservices forchildren with spinabifida born ofcertain Veteranswho served inVietnam or Korea Educationalcounseling forchildren, widowsand/or spouses ofpermanent andtotal serviceconnectedVeterans withdisabilitiesChapter 36 Educational andcareer counselingfor Veterans andServicemembers attraining facilities17
Chapter 36 Eligibility and ServicesEligibility Transitioning Servicemembers within 6 months prior to discharge Veterans within one year following discharge from active duty Any Servicemember/Veteran currently eligible for a VA education benefit All current VA education beneficiariesServices Career Choice Educational Counseling Benefits Coaching Personalized Support18
VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC)Mission To provide student Veterans seamless access to VA services; supporttheir successful integration into college and university campuses;support their individualized educational goals, so they may persist,graduate, and improve their life circumstances; and successfully liveand thrive in the career field and community of their choice VR&E has approximately 87 professionally trained VSOC counselorson 104 campuses who can provide Chapter 36 services19
Additional Information and Resources Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Information– Informational Overview Documents– VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) Program Description & Directory– Chapter 36: Education and Career Counseling– Find a local VA VR&E Employment Coordinator– Principles of Excellence VR&E YouTube Videos– VR&E Benefit Overview– VR&E Career Day: My Dad, My Hero– VR&E Rolling Up My Sleeves– VR&E VetSuccess on Campus: John Luque– VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) Program– VetSuccess on Campus: Mentoring Veterans20
Questions21
-VA service-connected disability rating of 10% or more -Memorandum rating of 20% or more from VA -Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment services -Entitlement based on establishment of employment handicap or barrier resulting from a service-connected disability -Serious employment handicap needed to establish entitlement for
