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Chapter 31 – Veteran Readiness and Employment

Available Benefits and Eligibility
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program is authorized by Congress under Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 31. It is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 Program. The VR&E Program assists veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. 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.

Active Duty Service Members are eligible if they:

  • Expect to receive an honorable discharge upon separation from active duty
  • Obtain a VA memorandum rating or Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) rating of 20% or more
  • Apply for VR&E services

Veterans are eligible if they:

  • Have received, or will receive, an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge
  • Have a VA service-connected disability rating of 10% with a serious employment handicap or 20% or more with an employment handicap
  • Apply for VR&E services

BASIC PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY
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

Documentation Required for Chapter 31 Certification

  • VA Form 28-1900

Your appointed VR&E counselor will provide the Authorization and Certification of Entrance or Reentrance into Rehabilitation and Certification of Status

  • Annual Certification Request for Military Benefits (See Veteran Services Forms)
  • DD214 (That lists Character of Service)
  • Military Transcript