
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits have helped countless veterans across the nation. VR&E benefits are provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help service members and veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment. These benefits are designed to address the unique challenges veterans may face in transitioning to civilian careers or educational pursuits. The program has been a lifeline for many veterans.
That said, a VA insider just came forward on Reddit and confirmed some troubling information on what the VA is planning to do to VR&E benefits.
The insider goes by squirrelyguy08 on Reddit, and claims to be a VA employee who actually processes VR&E applications for the department.
Here is the post, and we suggest you read through it entirely as it has major implications for veterans looking to take advantage of these benefits…
“Hello everyone. I got off Reddit for the New Year but I had to jump on tonight to talk about this major policy update that was just dropped on us today.
So…it appears that the VA, in accordance with guidance from the OGC, is going to no longer allow for the processing of reapplications for the VR&E program under almost all circumstances beginning February 10th.
The basic policy is this: if a veteran has ever applied for VR&E -and- an entitlement determination was made that resulted in a 28-1902b being generated, then the veteran cannot reenter the VR&E program without appealing the original case closure. If it has been more than 12 months since that case closure, then the only option for reentering the program is by submitting a supplemental claim.
The only exception to this is if the veteran’s case was closed in applicant status due to non-pursuit. What this means is if the veteran submits the 28-1900, is scheduled for an initial evaluation, but does not follow through so that an entitlement determination can be made, then his/her case closure does not prevent the submission of another 28-1900 to reopen the case.
This new policy affects prior VR&E participants no matter how many years have passed since their previous entitlement decision was made. If you participated in the program over 20 years ago and reapply, you will simply be sent a letter saying that you can’t reapply and must choose an appeal route instead. (And if it’s been more than 12 months, then the only option is supplemental claim).
Guys, be mindful of this if you’ve had any desire to reenter VR&E in the near future and consider submitting your 28-1900s now. If you end up having to do an appeal you can still reenter the program. But here’s the rub: nobody really knows who will be reviewing those appeals that are about to FLOOD the VR&E offices nationwide…much less what the wait times might be on those decisions. This is a radically new policy so nobody knows just what the impact will be until we’re deep in the weeds on it.
Of course, a lot can happen in the next three weeks. Big VA could get pushback from veterans’ groups and decide to reverse course or at least delay its implementation. But as it stands, anyone who has ever applied for VR&E and completed an initial evaluation will be forced to submit an appeal if they want to use the program again.
Here’s another caveat: a question was asked on the call today about a veteran who reapplies on 02/09/25 but the VA does not process the claim until 02/10/25. The answer given was that the veteran would not be grandfathered in under the old policy! Even if the veteran submits their reapplication tomrrow, if the claim is not processed by the VA until on or after 02/10/25, that veteran will be sent a letter saying they must choose an appeal process instead. (I don’t think this is fair at all to the veteran and I’m not entirely convinced this would withstand a legal challenge, but that’s what we were told). The point, once again, is don’t wait if you think you may want to use VR&E in the coming months to reapply; submit your application asap.
As someone who processes applications for VR&E I can tell you that it is not uncommon for there to be at least a few days if not a week (or longer) for applications to be processed. Depending on the RO that is processing them, that delay might be even longer.
It is what it is! Now I’ll see myself back off Reddit for a while.”
And here’s a video on the policy change from Veterans Infotap:
We wanted to get this information out to all our veteran readers before it’s too late. If you are looking to possibly use VR&E in the coming months don’t wait to reapply; submit your application ASAP.
For those looking to apply, here is some more information on VR&E benefits, as well as some success stories from other veterans using the program.
Key Components of VR&E Benefits:
- Employment Services:
- Assistance in finding and securing a job that matches a veteran’s skills, interests, and physical abilities.
- Resume preparation, job search strategies, and interview coaching.
- Networking opportunities with employers.
- Education and Training:
- Support for veterans pursuing higher education, vocational training, apprenticeships, or certification programs.
- Tuition assistance, funding for books, supplies, and sometimes housing.
- Independent Living Services:
- For veterans with severe service-connected disabilities who cannot immediately pursue employment.
- Services include modifications to homes or vehicles, counseling, and access to community resources to improve daily living and independence.
- Career Counseling and Guidance:
- Personalized career assessments and planning to identify a veteran’s strengths and career goals.
- Help with exploring different career options and paths.
- Workplace Accommodations:
- Assistance in obtaining assistive devices, technology, or workplace adjustments to ensure success in the work environment.
- Self-Employment Assistance:
- For eligible veterans who want to start their own businesses, VR&E can provide funding for business plans, equipment, and training.
Eligibility for VR&E:
To qualify for VR&E benefits, veterans typically need:
- A service-connected disability rating of at least 10% (with a serious employment handicap for ratings below 20%) from the VA.
- To apply within 12 years of separation from active duty or the date they were first notified of a VA service-connected disability rating.
How to Apply:
Veterans interested in VR&E benefits can:
- Apply online through the VA’s eBenefits portal.
- Submit VA Form 28-1900 (Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation) via mail or in person at a VA Regional Office.
Benefits for Veterans in Need:
For veterans struggling to reintegrate into the workforce due to physical, psychological, or educational barriers, VR&E benefits provide comprehensive support tailored to their unique circumstances, helping them achieve meaningful and sustainable employment or independent living.
Here are a few inspiring success stories of veterans who utilized VR&E benefits to transform their lives and careers:
1. From Combat to Coding: A Veteran’s Career in Tech
Background:
A Marine Corps veteran, John, sustained a service-connected injury that left him unable to continue his physical duties. Struggling to find a civilian job that matched his interests, John turned to VR&E.
How VR&E Helped:
- VR&E counselors identified John’s interest in technology and enrolled him in a software development bootcamp.
- The program funded his tuition, books, and supplies while providing a monthly housing allowance.
- VR&E also helped John obtain assistive technology, such as ergonomic tools, to accommodate his disability during training.
Outcome:
After completing the program, John landed a job as a junior software developer at a tech company. Today, he’s thriving in a high-demand industry and even mentors other veterans exploring careers in technology.
2. From Trauma to Advocacy: Helping Fellow Veterans
Background:
After serving in the Army, Lisa, an Iraq War veteran, developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her symptoms made it difficult to maintain employment, and she felt lost about her future.
How VR&E Helped:
- Lisa’s VR&E counselor worked with her to identify her passion for helping others and suggested pursuing a degree in social work.
- The program covered her college tuition, books, and fees. Lisa also received career counseling to prepare for internships and licensing exams.
Outcome:
Lisa is now a licensed social worker specializing in veteran advocacy. She helps other veterans access resources for mental health, housing, and employment, turning her struggles into a mission to serve others.
3. Building a Business: A Veteran Entrepreneur
Background:
After an injury in the Air Force, Kevin struggled to find work that fit his limitations and his dream of becoming an entrepreneur seemed out of reach.
How VR&E Helped:
- VR&E guided Kevin through the self-employment track, which included business plan development, financial planning, and funding for equipment.
- The program provided him with the tools and training to start his own landscaping business, including a trailer, specialized tools, and marketing support.
Outcome:
Kevin’s landscaping business is now thriving in his community. He employs fellow veterans, giving back by creating opportunities for others transitioning to civilian life.
4. Overcoming Challenges Through Independent Living
Background:
Jennifer, a Navy veteran with severe spinal injuries, could not pursue traditional employment due to her physical limitations. She sought help from VR&E’s independent living services.
How VR&E Helped:
- Jennifer’s VR&E plan included modifications to her home, such as wheelchair ramps and an adaptive workstation.
- She was provided with assistive technology to participate in remote education and art therapy programs.
Outcome:
Jennifer now runs an online art store where she sells her paintings. She describes her business as both a source of income and a therapeutic outlet that helped her regain purpose and confidence.
5. From Homeless to Hopeful: A Veteran’s Fresh Start
Background:
After separating from the military, Greg, an Army veteran, faced homelessness and unemployment. A disability prevented him from continuing his previous career path.
How VR&E Helped:
- VR&E connected Greg with transitional housing, career counseling, and job training in a growing field: logistics.
- The program paid for his training, provided transportation assistance, and connected him with an employer through a VR&E job fair.
Outcome:
Greg is now working full-time at a logistics company, earning a steady income. He credits VR&E for helping him get back on his feet and regain his independence.
The Common Thread: Empowerment and Opportunity
These stories highlight how VR&E helps veterans overcome barriers, explore new paths, and achieve personal and professional success. Whether through education, career training, business support, or independent living services, the program provides tailored resources that meet veterans where they are and help them move forward.
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