Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) is authorized by Congress under Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 31. It is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program. VR&E assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable employment.
For Veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, VR&E offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible.
To be eligible to receive an evaluation for vocational rehabilitation services, a Veteran must:
- Have received, or eventually receive, an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge
- Have a VA service-connected disability rating of 10% or more
- Apply for VR&E benefits
The law generally provides for a 12-year basic period of eligibility in which services may be used. The 12-year period begins on the latter of these dates:
- Date of separation from active military duty or
- Date the Veteran was first notified of a service-connected disability rating
Find out how to apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), Chapter 31 Self Employment Program
To enroll begin by letting your VR&E case manager know you are interested in the VA Accelerator Program. Contact your VR&E Case Manager at 800-827-1000.
