§1804 Vocational training and rehabilitation

Summary

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs can provide job training to a child of a Vietnam veteran who has spina bifida if the Secretary thinks the child can realistically reach a job goal. The training is given under rules the Secretary makes. A written plan must be made with the child first, and the plan must be ready in time for the program to start when allowed. The training can include work skills, job placement and follow-up, and personal and work adjustment help. It can include college-level education only if it is mainly vocational. The program cannot pay loans, living allowances, or buy car adaptive equipment. A program normally lasts up to 24 months, and the Secretary can extend it up to 24 more months if needed to meet the written goal identified before the first 24 months end. Training may begin on the child’s 18th birthday or when the child finishes secondary school, whichever comes first, though it can start earlier in some state-law situations with the Secretary’s OK. A child eligible for help under chapter 35 cannot get both benefits at the same time and must choose one. The total time a child can get help under both programs cannot exceed 48 months (or the part-time equivalent).