VA Vocational Rehabilitation

VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, commonly called "Chapter 31") — authorized under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 31 — provides comprehensive vocational and rehabilitation services to veterans with service-connected disabilities who face barriers to employment. The program serves approximately 120,000 veterans annually and offers up to 48 months of services across five tracks: reemployment (returning to a prior career), rapid access to employment, self-employment, employment through long-term services (when extensive education or retraining is needed), and independent living (for severely disabled veterans who cannot work). Eligibility requires a 10%+ service-connected disability rating and an employment barrier related to that disability (or rating of 20%+ alone). During training or education, VR&E pays a subsistence allowance to cover living expenses — rates vary by training type and number of dependents (roughly $700–$1,400/month for full-time school). Unlike the GI Bill (education benefit), VR&E pays tuition, fees, books, and supplies directly to the school on top of the subsistence allowance, and veterans can use both benefits in certain circumstances. VR&E counselors develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) — essentially a custom roadmap from disability through employment. Veterans have 12 years from date of disability rating or separation to apply, but exceptions exist for those whose disability worsened.

Current Law (2026)

The VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31) program helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment.

Legal Authority

• 38 USC Chapter 31 — Training and Rehabilitation for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities
• 38 U.S.C. § 3100-3122 — Chapter 31 vocational rehabilitation program (comprehensive statutory framework covering eligibility, entitlement periods, types of training, subsistence allowances, employment assistance, independent living services, and program administration)
• 38 U.S.C. § 1163 — Trial work periods and vocational rehabilitation for certain veterans with total disability ratings (allows veterans with total disability ratings to engage in trial work periods without losing benefits; integrates vocational rehabilitation into return-to-work pathway)
• 38 U.S.C. § 1524 — Vocational training for certain pension recipients (authorizes vocational training for veterans receiving VA pension who may benefit from employment; provides subsistence allowance during training)
• 38 U.S.C. § 1804 — Vocational training for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida (provides vocational training, rehabilitation, and employment assistance to eligible children of Vietnam veterans affected by herbicide exposure)
• 38 U.S.C. § 1814 — Vocational training for children of women Vietnam veterans born with certain birth defects (extends vocational training benefits to children of women Vietnam veterans who were born with covered birth defects)

How It Works

Eligibility under 38 U.S.C. § 3100 requires both a service-connected disability and an employment handicap — a disability rating of at least 10% that creates a barrier to preparing for, obtaining, or retaining employment. The employment handicap requirement is more specific than simply having a service-connected disability; the veteran must demonstrate that the disability affects their ability to function in the workplace or pursue a viable career. Veterans with more severe disabilities (significant service-connected disability) may be eligible for independent living services even when employment is not the immediate goal.

VR&E services go well beyond education benefits. The program covers assistive technology and devices, workplace modifications and accommodations, job search support, on-the-job training, self-employment business planning, vocational assessment and counseling, and — for veterans with the most severe disabilities — residential independent living services when competitive employment is not feasible. Each veteran works with a VR&E counselor to develop an individualized rehabilitation plan that maps their disability profile to achievable employment or independent living goals. Training can range from a certificate program to a four-year degree to a business startup, depending on what the rehabilitation plan identifies.

Veterans eligible for both VR&E and the GI Bill often choose VR&E first: it has no time limit on entitlement (unlike GI Bill's 36-month cap), covers all approved training costs (not just tuition), provides a broader range of support services, and preserves GI Bill entitlement for later use. During training and education under VR&E, veterans receive a subsistence allowance — monthly payments comparable to GI Bill housing allowance rates — to cover living expenses during the rehabilitation period.

How It Affects You

Implementing Regulations

The VA regulations implementing veteran readiness, education, and employment programs live at 38 CFR Part 21 (591 sections across 13 subparts). Subpart A is the VR&E core; the remaining subparts implement the various GI Bill education programs:

• Subpart A — Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) (152 sections): VA's most comprehensive employment and rehabilitation program. Key provisions:

  • § 21.1 — Purpose: to enable eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities to achieve maximum independence in daily living and, to the greatest extent possible, suitably gain and maintain employment
  • § 21.40-21.95 — Eligibility and entitlement: eligible veterans must have a service-connected disability and an employment handicap resulting from it; veterans with a 20%+ rating are presumed to have a serious employment handicap; the basic entitlement period is 48 months (extended in exceptional circumstances); veterans have 12 years from date of discharge or notification of compensable disability to apply
  • § 21.100 — Counseling: professional counseling is the gateway — every veteran requesting Chapter 31 services receives career and rehabilitation counseling from a VR&E Specialist (VRES); counseling determines the rehabilitation track, scope of services, and develops the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
  • § 21.120-21.134 — Training modalities: services may be delivered through school courses (§ 21.122), on-the-job training (§ 21.123), combination programs (§ 21.124), farm cooperative courses (§ 21.126), independent study (§ 21.128), home study (§ 21.129), training outside the U.S. (§ 21.130), and (with limitations) flight training (§ 21.134); VA pays tuition, fees, books, and supplies directly plus a monthly subsistence allowance during training
  • § 21.140-21.163 — Evaluation: before developing the IPE, VA evaluates the veteran's rehabilitation potential — testing aptitudes and interests, reviewing medical records, consulting with specialists; the evaluation determines which of the five employment tracks best fits the veteran's situation
  • § 21.240-21.280 — Subsistence allowance: veterans in training receive a monthly allowance based on training type (institutional, OJT, combination), enrollment status (full-time/part-time), and number of dependents; rates are set annually and approximate GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance levels
  • § 21.300-21.380 — Rehabilitation plans and employment assistance: the IPE specifies goals, services, timelines, and measurable milestones; after completing the vocational objective, VA provides up to 18 months of employment assistance — job search support, résumé help, employer outreach, and follow-up services; self-employment plans require business plan review and VA approval
  • § 21.390-21.420 — Independent living services: for veterans whose service-connected disabilities are so severe that vocational employment is not immediately feasible, VA provides independent living services — assistive technology, home modifications, transportation assistance, community integration supports — as a step toward possible later employment or as a standalone benefit

• Subpart D — Administration of Educational Assistance Programs (69 sections): general provisions applicable across all VA education programs — definitions of educational institutions, approval of courses, enrollment certifications, verification of attendance, school liability for overpayments

• Subpart K — Montgomery GI Bill — Active Duty (Chapter 30) (60 sections); Subpart P — Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) (56 sections); Subpart G — Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance (Chapter 32) (49 sections); Subpart L — Selected Reserve Educational Assistance (Chapter 1606) (44 sections); Subpart C — Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) (40 sections) — together these subparts implement all VA education benefit programs; see GI Bill Education Benefits for detailed coverage

• 34 CFR Part 363 — State Supported Employment Services Program (21 sections, implementing 29 U.S.C. § 795g): the Department of Education's grant program funding state-administered supported employment services for individuals with the most significant disabilities — people whose disabilities are so severe that they require ongoing support services to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment. Supported employment places individuals directly in jobs with a job coach or other natural supports, rather than in sheltered workshops or work activity centers:

  • § 363.1 — Purpose: the program provides grants to states to supplement their Title I vocational rehabilitation funds for providing supported employment services to eligible individuals, with priority for youth with the most significant disabilities (those not yet employed in competitive integrated employment, whose education or transition services do not include supported employment)
  • § 363.3 — Eligibility: any individual with a most significant disability — including intellectual disabilities, mental illness, developmental disabilities, autism, brain injuries, and physical disabilities with high support needs — is potentially eligible; the VR counselor must determine that the individual can benefit from supported employment with the ongoing support services the program provides
  • § 363.4 — Authorized activities: grant funds support job development, job placement, job coaching, natural support training, regular employer contacts, follow-along services, and other ongoing support needed for the individual to maintain employment; Part 363 funds may not duplicate Title I VR services — they cover only the extended ongoing support after initial job placement
  • § 363.20 — Allotment formula: funds are allotted to states based on relative population; each state receives a minimum allotment; funds not used by one state may be reallotted to other states
  • §§ 363.22–363.23 — Youth set-aside and matching: at least 50% of each state's allotment must be reserved for youth with most significant disabilities (ages 24 and under); states must provide a non-Federal match of 10% of the total Part 363 expenditures (compared to the higher 21.3% match required for Title I VR services)
  • § 363.25 — Period of availability: funds are available for two fiscal years — if a state does not obligate all Part 363 funds in the first fiscal year, the unobligated balance carries over to the second year before being reallotted

• 34 CFR Part 371 — American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program (21 sections, implementing 29 U.S.C. § 709): authorizes the Department of Education to make grants directly to Indian tribes and tribal consortia to provide vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to American Indians with disabilities who live on or near reservations. This program bypasses the state VR agency structure — rather than routing federal VR funds through states and requiring tribal members to use state VR agencies, Part 371 funds tribal programs that provide culturally appropriate services within tribal communities:

  • § 371.2 — Eligibility for grants: only federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal organizations (as defined in 25 U.S.C. § 450b) may apply; eligibility requires a current tribal resolution establishing the program and a VR-qualified staff capacity; consortia of tribes may apply jointly for a single award
  • § 371.3 — Authorized projects: grants may fund direct VR services (evaluation, counseling, job training, placement), training for tribal VR staff, and technical assistance programs; the tribal program provides the same types of services as a state VR agency but with full tribal control over service delivery, eligibility criteria application, and cultural integration
  • § 371.13 — Funding priorities: the Secretary conducts surveys of governing bodies of Indian tribes to identify service needs; funding priorities are set based on survey results, with preference for tribes demonstrating high rates of disability, high unemployment, and distance from existing state VR services
  • § 371.20–371.21 — Application requirements: applications must include a comprehensive needs assessment, a plan for coordination with state VR agencies (to prevent duplication), a description of culturally appropriate services, and evidence of tribal authorization and capacity; the application must address the specific cultural, linguistic, and geographic barriers facing tribal members with disabilities

  The AIVRS program reflects Congress's recognition that state VR agencies have historically underserved American Indians with disabilities — barriers including geographic isolation, language, cultural mistrust of state agencies, and lack of culturally appropriate services have left many reservation-based individuals with disabilities without effective VR support. By funding tribally-operated programs directly, Part 371 enables tribes to integrate traditional approaches with vocational rehabilitation services. AIVRS grantees may coordinate with state VR agencies for services those agencies provide more efficiently, but the tribal program retains primary service authority for tribal members.

• 34 CFR Part 386 — Rehabilitation Long-Term Training (17 sections, implementing 29 U.S.C. § 709): Department of Education grants that fund IHEs to train rehabilitation counselors, rehabilitation teachers, and other rehabilitation professionals through long-term degree or certificate programs. The supply of qualified vocational rehabilitation personnel is a persistent constraint on the VR system's ability to serve eligible individuals — Part 386 addresses that pipeline by subsidizing the cost of professional training:

  • § 386.1 — Purpose: to increase the number and improve the skills of rehabilitation professionals — including rehabilitation counselors, vocational evaluators, rehabilitation teachers, orientation and mobility specialists, and related service personnel — through long-term training programs at graduate and undergraduate levels
  • § 386.4 — Eligible applicants: IHEs with accredited or developing rehabilitation counseling or related programs; state VR agencies may also apply in partnership with IHEs; applicants must demonstrate capacity to offer degree or certificate programs that lead to employment in the VR field
  • § 386.7 — Authorized activities: grant funds may support tuition and fees for enrolled students (scholarships), faculty salaries, curriculum development, clinical practica, and program administration; the scholarship component is central — reducing cost barriers to entering the rehabilitation field is the primary recruitment mechanism
  • § 386.20 — Additional selection criteria: in addition to general education grant criteria, the Secretary evaluates applications on: the quality of the training program and its alignment with current VR practice; the extent to which the program addresses shortages in specific geographic areas or disability specialty areas; the applicant's track record in placing graduates in VR positions; and the program's plan for recruiting students from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities
  • § 386.30 — Matching requirements: grantees must provide a non-Federal contribution of at least 10% of the total cost of the training program; the match may be in cash or in-kind; IHEs typically satisfy the match through institutional tuition waivers, faculty effort, or facility use

  At least 65% of each grant must be used to provide scholarships directly to enrolled students — Part 386 is primarily a scholarship program, not a general curriculum development grant. Scholarship recipients who complete the program are not required to commit to VR employment (unlike some federal health professions scholarships with service obligations), though the selection criteria favor applicants who demonstrate intent to enter the field. Recent rulemakings: 34 CFR Part 386 was last significantly amended as part of the broader Rehabilitation Act regulatory revision; no recent stand-alone rulemakings.

Pending Legislation

• HR 3579 (Rep. Ciscomani, R-AZ) — Veterans Readiness and Employment Program Integrity Act: requires work/school records for VR&E evaluations, caps employment assistance at 365 days plus 180-day extension, adds reporting, wait-time publication, and independent review. Status: Passed House.
• HR 7472 — Repeals limitation on receipt of VA VR&E and VA education benefits simultaneously. Status: In Committee.
• HR 7643 — Veteran Technology Employment Success Act: requires publication of VET TEC employment rates, defines 180-day employment measure, mandates participant feedback. Status: In Committee.
• HR 6861 — Consolidating Veteran Employment Services for Improved Performance Act: shifts veteran employment programs from Labor to VA, creates Deputy Under Secretary, consolidates outreach roles. Status: In Committee.
• HR 6650 — Veterans Career Connection Act: creates VA-run Veterans Transition Talent Hub where veterans share searchable job profiles for approved employers. Status: In Committee.
• HR 4160 (Rep. Carey, R-OH) — Veterans Border Patrol Training Act: creates SkillBridge pilot to train and hire transitioning servicemembers as Border Patrol agents. Status: In Committee.
• HR 3558 (Rep. Neguse, D-CO) — Veteran Jobs Training Act: authorizes $75M/year for VA homeless veterans reintegration programs. Status: In Committee.
• HR 3560 (Rep. Neguse, D-CO) — Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act of 2025: two-year VA pilot placing veterans into federal wildland firefighting jobs with SkillBridge options. Status: In Committee.
• HR 2148 (Rep. Morelle, D-NY) — Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act: expands VA supports for family caregivers with medical coverage, job training, retirement planning. Status: In Committee.

Recent Developments

• VR&E caseloads surged post-COVID; processing delays improving: The VA's Veteran Readiness and Employment program saw sharply increased application volumes from 2021-2023 as veterans sought career transitions following service separations and pandemic-related job disruptions. Initial counseling wait times extended in many regions. As of 2025, processing has generally improved, though wait times vary by VA regional office. Veterans facing urgent employment need should document their service-connected disability's impact on employment specifically — this strengthens the "employment barrier" determination and can accelerate program entry.
• VET TEC ended April 2024; VET TEC 2.0 reauthorized but not yet operational: The VA's original Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) pilot program ended April 1, 2024. Congress reauthorized the program as VET TEC 2.0 in the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (December 2024); as of 2026, VA has not yet finalized implementation details and is not enrolling new students. Veterans seeking tech training in the interim may qualify under VR&E Chapter 31 if they have a service-connected disability creating an employment barrier — VR&E has no sunset and covers a broader range of training providers. Veterans without service-connected disabilities seeking tech training are limited to the GI Bill or self-pay until VET TEC 2.0 begins enrollment.
• HR 3579 (VR&E Program Integrity Act) passed the House: This legislation — which adds accountability measures including documentation requirements for work/school records, caps employment assistance at 365 days plus extension, and mandates independent reviews — passed the House in 2025. If enacted, it signals increased oversight and potential tightening of VR&E service delivery. Veterans currently in the program should maintain detailed documentation of their rehabilitation plan milestones and employment-related activities.
• Independent living track for severely disabled veterans is underutilized: VR&E's "independent living" track — for veterans whose service-connected disabilities are so severe that employment is not currently feasible — provides home modifications, assistive technology, caregiver support, and community integration services. This track is separate from the employment-focused tracks and has its own budget and evaluation process. Veterans with 70%+ disability ratings who have been told they don't qualify for VR&E employment services should specifically inquire about the independent living track.