I read a story today about a
veteran who was sentenced to two years in Federal prison for cheating the VA
out of money. He pretended that he was
going blind and even went so far as to fake his eye exams. He would give inaccurate results and as time
went on he would pretend to do worse and worse on the exams. I share this because he was also receiving
assistance through the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment program
(VR&E). Because he was “blind” and
at 100% disability and non-employability they purchased a car to have someone
drive him to and from his appointments and anywhere else he needed to go. As you can see the VR&E program does a
lot to ensure that veterans are able to live a whole, and fulfilling life. I would urge everyone to take advantage of
their services.
If you are employed you will
need to be at least 20% service connected for them to assist you. If you are unemployed you do not have to be
service connected to receive assistance.
They also help with any devices you may need to live comfortably
including adapting your home and vehicle at no charge.
In order to apply for these
benefits you will have to register in eBenefits. This is the link to register: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage.
Veteran Employment Tracks
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRC) and
Employment Coordinators (EC) are ready to help Veterans and Servicemembers who
have service-connected disabilities and an employment barrier/handicap find
suitable careers. Your VRC will provide vocational counseling, refer you to
appropriate opportunities and services specific to your needs, and help you
reach your employment goals. If you are entitled to Vocational Rehabilitation
and Employment (VR&E) benefits and services, you will work with a VRC to develop
a personalized rehabilitation plan following one of five tracks:
Reemployment
When possible, VR&E helps Veterans and
Servicemembers return to work with a former employer by supporting the
employer’s efforts to provide accommodations that enable the Veteran to
continue along the same or similar career path.
Rapid Access to Employment
VR&E helps Veterans and Servicemembers who
are ready to enter the workforce, find, apply for, and secure suitable jobs. VA
may provide professional job placement assistance, job accommodations, and
other specialized support.
Self-employment
Self-employment can be fulfilling and may
offer the flexibility a Veteran with service-connected disabilities needs.
VR&E may aid Veterans, who have limited access to traditional
employment and have the skill and interest to start a business, by helping to
analyze the proposed business plan and providing training on how to
market and operate a small business.
Employment Through Long-Term
Services
For Veterans and Servicemembers who require additional
skills or training to find competitive, suitable employment, VR&E will
provide assistance, which may include education benefits, on-the-job training,
work study, apprenticeships, or other job preparation programs to
help them to obtain appropriate employment.
Some Veterans
and Servicemembers may be unable to currently return to work, but with
assistance from VR&E, they can lead a more independent life. VA helps them
with access to community-based support services, the use of assistive
technologies and accommodations, and independent living skills training.
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