VA Updates Form for Vets Hit by School Closures
Published Date: 1/6/2026
Notice
Summary
Veterans who use Chapter 31 benefits can now request to restore their training or education benefits if their school or program closes or loses approval. The VA is updating the form used for this process and wants your feedback by March 9, 2026. This helps veterans keep their benefits without losing time or money when unexpected changes happen.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Restore Chapter 31 After School Closure
If your school, training program, or course closes or loses approval, you can request restoration of your Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness and Employment) entitlement using VA Form 28-10281 under 38 U.S.C. 3699(b)(1)(A). The form is the official way the VA determines whether you qualify for restored training or education benefits.
Where and How to File the Restoration Form
You can get VA Form 28-10281 from the VA Forms "Find a Form" website and submit the completed and signed form by mail, by email to your assigned Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC), in person at a VA Regional Office, or at a VR&E out-based location. Using these submission options starts the VA process to decide restoration of entitlement.
Estimated Paperwork Time and Respondent Count
The VA estimates an annual burden of 24,105 hours for this collection, with an average burden of 10 minutes per respondent and an estimated 144,630 respondents. These estimates reflect the paperwork time associated with completing VA Form 28-10281.
You Will Be Notified of Decision
After you submit VA Form 28-10281, your assigned Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) will send a notification letter telling you whether your request for restoration of entitlement is granted or denied. The notification is the official communication of the VA's decision.
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