Rated 10% or more? VR&E can pay for school or training

What's new

At VA's October VetResources Community Network (VRCN) meeting (VA News, Oct 28, 2026), VBA leaders told partners that Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) and the GI Bill help Veterans build long-term careers. They also highlighted apprenticeships, VET TEC 2.0, career counseling and USAJOBS.

Who can apply

• You have a VA service-connected rating of at least 10%, and
• You didn't receive a dishonorable discharge.

Discharged on or after Jan 1, 2013? There's no time limit. Discharged before that, the basic period is generally 12 years from your separation notice or first rating, whichever is later, and it can be extended. Some service members can apply before discharge.

The "employment handicap"

After you apply, a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) meets with you and decides if you're entitled. Under 38 CFR 21.40:

• Rated 20% or more: VA must find an employment handicap, meaning your service-connected disability gets in the way of preparing for, getting or keeping suitable work.
• Rated 10%: VA generally must find a serious employment handicap, a bigger limitation.

You don't have to be unemployed. Be open with your counselor about how your conditions affect work.

The five tracks

1. Reemployment: return to your former job.
2. Rapid Access to Employment: find work using skills you already have.
3. Self-Employment: start your own business.
4. Employment Through Long-Term Services: education or training for a new field, such as college, trade or technical school.
5. Independent Living: help to live as independently as possible if you can't work right away.

VR&E vs the GI Bill

• Using VR&E doesn't use up your Post-9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill entitlement.
• If you have at least one day of Post-9/11 GI Bill left and are within your eligibility period, you can choose the GI Bill subsistence rate, which is higher in most cases. Your VRC helps you choose.
• If you already used GI Bill months, ask your VRC about "retroactive induction," which may give some of them back.
• VR&E has a counselor and a plan aimed at a job that fits your disability. The GI Bill is mainly for school you choose.

How to apply

Apply online or with VA Form 28-1900. Then watch for your orientation and counselor appointment. It's free, and a VSO can help.

Related: VA's proposed VR&E rule changes and working while rated.

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