What is VR&E (Chapter 31)? A Guide to Veteran Readiness and Employment
Explore the Chapter 31 program that helps Veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment or achieve independent living.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), also known as the Chapter 31 program, is a comprehensive benefit designed to help Veterans with service-connected disabilities achieve their employment goals and live independently. Whether you're looking to return to work, start a new career, or improve your daily living skills, VR&E provides personalized support to help you succeed.
VR&E, also referred to as the Chapter 31 program, provides services to eligible Service members and Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap to help them prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment.
For Veterans and Service members with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, VR&E provides services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible.
Learn More: For additional information on VR&E benefits, visit www.va.gov/vre
For Veterans
A Veteran must meet all of the following criteria:
- Have a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 20% and be determined to have an employment handicap, OR
- Be rated 10% and determined to have a serious employment handicap
- Be discharged or released from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions
For Service Members
Service members are eligible to apply if they meet the following:
- Expect to receive an honorable discharge upon separation from active duty, AND
- Obtain a memorandum rating of 20% or more from VA, or automatic entitlement through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)
A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) works with the Veteran to determine if an employment handicap exists.
What is an Employment Handicap?
An employment handicap exists if a Veteran's service-connected disability impairs their ability to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment.
After a favorable entitlement decision is made, the Veteran and VRC work together to develop an individualized rehabilitation plan tailored to the Veteran's specific needs and goals.
Veterans work with a VRC to select one of the five tracks to employment based on their individual needs:
1Reemployment
Targets Veterans and Service members who served on active military service or in the National Guard or Reserves and are now returning to employers for whom they worked prior to going on active duty. Reemployment is protected under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
2Rapid Access to Employment
Targets Veterans who express a desire to obtain employment as soon as possible and already have the necessary skills to qualify for competitive employment in a suitable job.
3Self-Employment
Targets Veterans who have limited access to traditional employment, need flexible work schedules, or need a more accommodating work environment due to their disabling conditions or other life circumstances.
4Employment Through Long-Term Services
Targets Veterans who need long-term services such as remedial or refresher courses, specialized training, and/or post-secondary education to obtain and/or maintain suitable employment.
5Independent Living
Targets Veterans who may be unable to immediately return to work, but with assistance of VR&E services, they are able to improve their independence in daily living.
If a program of training is selected, VA pays for the following:
- The cost of approved training outlined in the Veteran's rehabilitation plan (except those coordinated through other providers)
- Services outlined in the rehabilitation plan
- A subsistence allowance during training
Basic Eligibility Period
The basic period of eligibility in which VR&E benefits may be used is 12 years from whichever is later:
- 1.A Veteran's date of separation from active military service, OR
- 2.The date VA first notified a Veteran that they have been granted a compensable service-connected disability
Important Update (Effective January 5, 2021):
The 12-year eligibility period does not apply to claimants who were discharged or released from active military service on or after January 1, 2013.
Duration of Services
- Veterans may be provided up to 48 months of full-time services or the part-time equivalent based on the extent of services needed to complete the rehabilitation program
- Rehabilitation plans that provide services to achieve the maximum level of independence cannot exceed 24 months but may be extended in certain circumstances
Key Takeaways
- VR&E (Chapter 31) helps Veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment
- Veterans need at least 20% disability rating (or 10% with serious employment handicap) to qualify
- Service members can apply with expected honorable discharge and 20% memorandum rating
- Five tracks available: Reemployment, Rapid Access, Self-Employment, Long-Term Services, and Independent Living
- VA pays for approved training, services, and provides subsistence allowance
- Up to 48 months of full-time services available (or part-time equivalent)
- No 12-year time limit for Veterans discharged on or after January 1, 2013
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