Chapter 31 -- Vocational Rehabilitation

Eligibility
Veterans and servicemembers are eligible for
vocational rehabilitation if three conditions are met:

1. They suffered a service-connected disability or
   disabilities in active service after Sept. 15,
   1940, and are receiving at least 20 percent
   compensation or would do so but for receipt
   of military retirement pay. Veterans with a 10
   percent disability also may be found eligible if
   they have a serious employment handicap.
2. They were discharged or released under
   other than dishonorable conditions or are
   hospitalized awaiting separation for a service-connected disability.
3. They need vocational rehabilitation to overcome an employment handicap.

Benefits

A disabled veteran will be given an evaluation to establish eligibility. A disabled veteran may receive employment assistance, self-employment assistance, training in a rehabilitation facility, and college and other training. Severely disabled veterans may receive assistance to improve their ability to live independently.

Period of Rehabilitation Program

The veteran must complete a rehabilitation program 12 years from the date of the veteran's discharge or release from active duty. This period may be deferred or extended if a medical condition prevented the veteran from training for a period or if the veteran has a serious employment handicap. Disabled veterans may receive services until they have reached their rehabilitation goal, generally up to 48 months. VA may provide counseling, job placement and post-employment services for up to 18 additional months.

Rehabilitation Program Costs

While in training and for two months after completing training, eligible veterans may receive subsistence allowances in addition to their disability compensation or retirement pay. Service members cannot receive subsistence allowances until they leave active duty. VA pays the costs of tuition and required fees, books, supplies and equipment. VA may also pay for special support, such as tutorial assistance, prosthetic devices, lip-reading training and signing for the deaf. VA will help the veteran to pay for at least part of the transportation expenses unique to disabled persons during training or employment services. VA also may provide an advance against future benefit payments for veterans who run into financial difficulties during training.

Work-Study

For work-study benefits, a person must train at the three-quarter or full-time rate. Participants will be paid in advance 40 percent of the amount specified in the work-study agreement or an amount equal to 50 times the applicable minimum wage, whichever is less. Participants under the supervision of a VA employee may provide outreach services, prepare and process VA paperwork, work at a VA medical facility or perform other approved activities.