g.i. bill 31 vocational rehabilitation and employment...

Montgomery G.I. Bill Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E)Employment Program (VR&E)

What is Chapter 31 GI Bill?What is Chapter 31 GI Bill?

Chapter 31 VR&EChapter 31 VR&E

• A program designed to help veterans whoA program designed to help veterans who have service‐connected disabilities to become suitably employed or maintain employmentsuitably employed or maintain employment


To qualify (as current service member):To qualify (as current service member):

• Must be within 6 months of separation from active dutyactive duty

• Must have a “Memorandum Rating” of 20% or greater

• Must apply for vocational rehabilitation services


To qualify (as a veteran):To qualify (as a veteran):

• Must not have received dishonorable dischargedischarge

• Must have VA service connected disability i f 10%rating of 10% or more

• Must apply for vocational rehabilitation services

PLEASE NOTE:PLEASE NOTE:

There is a 12‐year basic period of eligibility inThere is a 12 year basic period of eligibility in which VR&E services may be used. The 12 year window begins on the latter of:year window begins on the latter of:

• Date of separation from active duty, or

D V fi ifi d f i• Date Veteran was first notified of service‐connected disability rating

How Do I Apply forChapter 31 VR&E?


• The application process for VR&E benefits canThe application process for VR&E benefits can be done individually online, but it may be helpful for you to visit with your Countyhelpful for you to visit with your County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) for individualized help on the subjectindividualized help on the subject.


• The Chapter 31 VR&E program is not anThe Chapter 31 VR&E program is not an education benefit, but a vocational rehabilitation benefitrehabilitation benefit.

• While VR&E often entails going to school, there are other options available to youthere are other options available to you.

• Your Rehabilitation Counselor will help design VR&E l b d ia VR&E plan based on your circumstances.

Applying for VR&E (Chapter 31): Step 1Applying for VR&E (Chapter 31): Step 1

• Start by going online to the GI Bill website at:Start by going online to the GI Bill website at:

• www.gibill.va.gov


• Click on “Apply Online” and select theClick on Apply Online and select the “Vocational Rehab and Employment Services” tabtab.


• The VA’s Online Application site (VONAPP) willThe VA s Online Application site (VONAPP) will open in a new browser window

• Click on “Start VONAPP”• Click on Start VONAPP


• If you have never previously used the VONAPPIf you have never previously used the VONAPP site, you will need to create a new account


• Once you have created an account select theOnce you have created an account, select the proper form from the dropdown menu.

• For VR&E (Chapter 31) select VA Form 28• For VR&E (Chapter 31), select VA Form 28‐1900.


• Follow the instructions in the formFollow the instructions in the form.

• Fill out the form accurately and completely.


• When you have completed the form reviewWhen you have completed the form, review the final screen for errors or warnings.

• These must be corrected before submitting• These must be corrected before submitting the form, or it will not be processed.


• Once your form is complete and withoutOnce your form is complete and without errors, select the “Print Paper Form” option to print a copy for your recordsprint a copy for your records.

• Once you have printed your form, select the “Submit Form” button This sends anSubmit Form button. This sends an electronic copy to the VA, to begin processing.


• If you need assistance with this or any VAIf you need assistance with this or any VA form, you may get information and help from any VA office United States Veteransany VA office, United States Veterans Assistance Center, veterans service organization or the American Red Crossorganization, or the American Red Cross.

I applied for VR&E benefits.Now what?

After ApplyingAfter Applying

• After you complete all the steps to apply forAfter you complete all the steps to apply for VR&E (Chapter 31) benefits, you will receive a confirmation email from the VAconfirmation email from the VA.

• You will be assigned a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor who will give you aRehabilitation Counselor, who will give you a comprehensive assessment to determine benefits entitlementbenefits entitlement.


• If your counselor determines that you have anIf your counselor determines that you have an employment handicap, your entitlement is establishedestablished.

• You and your counselor will develop a written rehabilitation plan that you must agree torehabilitation plan that you must agree to implement.


• If your Rehabilitation Plan includes higherIf your Rehabilitation Plan includes higher education, you and your counselor will choose a school and program of studya school and program of study.

• Follow the normal application, admission and registration procedures of the institution youregistration procedures of the institution you will attend.

Once Enrolled in SchoolOnce Enrolled in School

• Once you are enrolled in school you mustOnce you are enrolled in school, you must make contact with the Campus VA Certifying OfficialOfficial.

• Your VA Counselor will require proof that you are continuously enrolled in school andare continuously enrolled in school and sticking to your agreed upon plan.

Thi f f h C if i Offi i l• This proof comes from the Certifying Official.

Once Enrolled in SchoolOnce Enrolled in School

• Throughout your education career you willThroughout your education career, you will work closely with your counselor and your VA Certifying Official to make sure you adhere toCertifying Official to make sure you adhere to the rehabilitation plan.


• If you have agreed upon a rehabilitation planIf you have agreed upon a rehabilitation plan that calls for full time enrollment in school, any reduction in credits below full‐time statusany reduction in credits below full time status can affect your benefits entitlement.

• You must get approval for any changes in• You must get approval for any changes in coursework from your VR&E counselor.

For Additional AssistanceFor Additional Assistance

If you have additional questions about theIf you have additional questions about the VR&E program (Chapter 31 GI Bill) or any other military education benefits please visitother military education benefits, please visit www.mymilitaryeducation.org, or call the call center at 1 800 456 8519center at 1.800.456.8519.

g.i. bill 31 vocational rehabilitation and employment...

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