Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) - Chapter 31

Active Duty Service Members are eligible if they:

• You have a 20% or higher pre-discharge disability rating (memorandum rating) and will soon leave the military, or
• You’re waiting to be discharged because of a severe illness or injury that occurred while you were on active duty 

• Learn more about accessing VR&E services through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)

  Note: Severely injured active-duty service members can automatically receive VR&E benefits before VA issues a disability rating. This is according to Sec. 1631(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act (PL 110-181).

  Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD): If you have an illness or injury that you believe was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, you can file a claim for disability benefits through the BDD program 180 to 90 days before you leave active duty. This may help speed up the claim decision process so you can get your benefits sooner.

Veterans are eligible if they:

• You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, and
• You have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from the VA

• When we receive your VR&E application, we’ll schedule your initial evaluation with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). The VRC will determine if you’re entitled to receive VR&E benefits and services.  

  If you were discharged from active duty before January 1, 2013, your basic period of eligibility ends 12 years from one of these dates, whichever comes later:

• The date you received notice of your date of separation from active duty, or
• The date you received your first VA service-connected disability rating

• The basic period of eligibility may be extended if a VRC finds that you have a serious employment handicap (SEH). Having an SEH means your service-connected disability significantly limits your ability to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment (a job that doesn’t make your disability worse; is stable; and matches your abilities, aptitudes, and interests).

  If you were discharged from active duty on or after January 1, 2013, the 12-year basic period of eligibility doesn’t apply to you. There’s no time limit on your eligibility.

Other eliblility

Learn more about eligibility options and application process here

Process before Enrolling in Franklin:

A veteran who is eligible for an evaluation under Chapter 31 must first apply for services and receive an appointment with a vocational rehabilitation counselor (VRC). The VRC will work with the veteran to determine if an employment handicap exists as a result of his or her service connected disability. If an employment handicap is established and the veteran is found entitled to services. The VRC and the veteran will continue counseling to select a track of services and jointly develop a plan to address the veteran's rehabilitation and employment needs.
 
The rehabilitation plan will specify an employment or independent living goal, identify intermediate goals, and outline services and resources that VA will provide to assist the veteran to achieve his/her goals. The VRC and the veteran will work together to implement the plan to assist the veteran to achieve his or her employment and/or independent living goals.
 
If a veteran is found not to be entitled to services, the VRC will help him/her locate other resources to address any rehabilitation and employment needs identified during the evaluation. Referral to other resources may include state vocational rehabilitation programs; Department of Labor employment programs for disabled veterans; state, federal or local agencies providing services for employment or small business development; internet-based resources for rehabilitation and employment; and information about applying for financial aid.

Application Process at Franklin:

1. Have your vocational rehabilitation counselor (VRC) submit a copy of your approval to use CH 31 benefits (VA form 28-1905) to OMVA@franklin.edu
2. Notify Franklin’s Office of Military & Veteran Affairs once you are registered for classes.
3. Franklin’s Office of Military & Veteran Affairs will submit an Enrollment Certification to your assigned VRC.
4. Once you are certified for your class enrollment, your virtual book voucher/office supply voucher from our virtual bookstore will be emailed to you.

• If your required course materials are in an e-book format, you may need additonal approval from the VA to purchase a hardback book

5. Notify Franklin’s Office of Military & Veteran Affairs of any schedule changes that may occur immediately.