Expanded Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)

Definition

The Expanded Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) refers to a specialized program within the VA benefits that aims to assist veterans with service-connected disabilities in achieving long-term employment and fulfilling careers. This program offers services such as career counseling, training support, job placement, and other assistance designed to address specific barriers in the rehabilitation process while promoting veterans’ independence. In addition to employment support, the VR&E program also covers educational and independent living needs for qualifying veterans.

Key Takeaways

1. Expanded VR&E is a program designed to help eligible disabled veterans receive assistance in obtaining meaningful employment and achieving independent living.
2. The program offers services such as career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, education and training, and job placement support for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
3. Eligibility for Expanded VR&E is based on having a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 10% or a discharge that is other than dishonorable.

Importance

The VA benefits term Expanded Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) is important because it serves as a vital support system designed to promote the career advancement and overall well-being of veterans with disabilities.

VR&E focuses on providing comprehensive services, including assessment, career counseling, education, training assistance, job search assistance, and independent living support, to help disabled veterans reintegrate into the workforce and lead a fulfilling life.

The “expanded” aspect highlights the program’s ongoing enhancements and its commitment to meet the evolving needs of veterans in today’s dynamic labor market.

By fostering economic independence, self-sufficiency, and stability among the veteran community, the Expanded VR&E benefits not only empower veterans but also contribute positively to society as a whole.

Explanation

The Expanded Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program is a vital component of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically designed to aid eligible veterans in achieving their career and employment goals. The main purpose of VR&E is to provide comprehensive support to veterans with service-connected disabilities, helping them overcome possible barriers and obstacles they may encounter in their transition from military to civilian life.

This assistance ranges from individualized vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning to job-seeking skills development and educational support. Ultimately, the program aims to empower veterans with the tools and resources necessary to achieve lasting, meaningful employment within their chosen field. The VR&E program understands that each veteran’s journey towards a successful career is unique, which is why it offers a wide array of services tailored to the individual needs and aspirations of its participants.

These services encompass a broad spectrum of support, including career counseling, resume development, skill-building workshops, on-the-job training, and even self-employment guidance. Additionally, the program extends its support to eligible dependents of veterans, ensuring that the families who have supported their loved ones during their military service are not left behind. By focusing on these diverse areas, the Expanded Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program serves as an invaluable asset for disabled veterans and their families, offering them a tangible pathway towards long-term stability and success in the civilian workforce.

Examples of Expanded Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)

The Expanded Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program, also known as Chapter 31 or VetSuccess, assists veterans with service-connected disabilities in preparing for, finding, and maintaining suitable employment or achieving independent living. Here are three real-world examples of how this program benefits veterans:

Job Training and Support: A veteran with a service-connected disability, like an amputated leg, relies on the support of the VR&E program to receive job training and assistance with resume and job application development. The program helps the veteran develop their skills in a new field after their military career, such as IT or accounting, and eventually secures a job that accommodates their disability.

On-the-Job Assistance & Reasonable Accommodations: A veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) seeks assistance from the VR&E program to help them find suitable employment. The program works with both the veteran and potential employers, providing guidance on reasonable accommodations, like flexible work schedules and a quiet workspace to help the veteran succeed in their new role and manage their PTSD symptoms effectively.

Independent Living Services: A veteran with a severe service-connected disability, like a spinal cord injury, may no longer be able to work but still wishes to live independently. The VR&E program assists the veteran in obtaining necessary services, adaptive equipment, and home modifications to enable them to lead an independent lifestyle. This may include helping them secure a wheelchair-accessible home, providing access to assistance for daily living tasks, and connecting them to community resources.These examples demonstrate the wide range of support services the Expanded Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program offers to eligible veterans, helping them reintegrate into civilian life and succeed in both their professional and personal lives.

FAQ: Expanded Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Benefits

What are Expanded Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) benefits?

Expanded VR&E benefits are a part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) support program for eligible veterans and service members. This program helps individuals with service-connected disabilities prepare for, secure, and maintain employment, as well as start their own businesses or pursue an independent living plan.

Who is eligible for Expanded VR&E benefits?

Eligible veterans and service members should either have a service-connected disability rating of at least 20% from the VA, be awaiting discharge from the military due to a disability that has not yet been rated, or be participating in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) with a combined disability rating of 20% or more.

How does the VR&E program assist veterans and service members?

The VR&E program provides several services, such as career counseling, education and training assistance, job search assistance, employment accommodations, and support to develop more independent living skills. The program focuses on creating an individualized plan tailored to the needs of the individual and their unique career goals.

What is the application process for VR&E benefits?

The application process begins with completing the VA Form 28-1900, which can be submitted online through the Veterans Affairs website or by mailing a printed copy. After the form is submitted, the applicant will be scheduled for an initial evaluation. If found eligible, they will work with a VA-assigned Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to develop an individualized rehabilitation plan.

Can I apply for other VA education benefits while participating in the VR&E program?

Yes, eligible veterans and service members can apply for other VA educational benefits while participating in the VR&E program. However, you cannot receive the full benefits from both programs simultaneously. Typically, the amount received from one program will be deducted from the possible entitlements of the other program.

Related VA Benefit Terms

• Non-Paid Work Experience (NPWE)
• Independent Living Program (ILP)
• Educational and Vocational Counseling
• On-the-Job Training (OJT)
• Special Employer Incentive (SEI)

Sources for More Information

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• eBenefits
• Veterans Benefits Administration VR&E
• VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) Program