{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"HowTo","@id":"https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/howto/access-vr-and-e.json#howto","name":"How to apply for VR&E (Vocational Readiness & Employment, Chapter 31)","description":"Step-by-step guide to applying for VR&E benefits. VR&E is often MORE generous than the GI Bill for service-connected disabled veterans — full tuition (no state-school cap), subsistence allowance, books/supplies, job placement assistance. 5 steps using VA Form 28-1900.","url":"https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/howto/access-vr-and-e.json","mainEntityOfPage":"https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/howto/access-vr-and-e.json","inLanguage":"en-US","isAccessibleForFree":true,"publisher":{"@id":"https://warriorsfund.org/wounded-warriors#organization"},"author":{"@id":"https://warriorsfund.org/wounded-warriors#organization"},"totalTime":"P30D","yield":"VR&E entitlement determination + assigned Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)","estimatedCost":{"@type":"MonetaryAmount","currency":"USD","value":"0"},"tool":[{"@type":"HowToTool","name":"VA Form 28-1900 (Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation)"},{"@type":"HowToTool","name":"DD-214"},{"@type":"HowToTool","name":"VA disability rating decision (must be ≥10-20% service-connected)"},{"@type":"HowToTool","name":"Photo ID"},{"@type":"HowToTool","name":"Optional: Career goals statement"}],"step":[{"@type":"HowToStep","position":1,"name":"Step 1: Confirm eligibility","text":"VR&E requires: (a) Other-than-Dishonorable discharge, (b) service-connected disability rating ≥10% (sometimes 20%), and (c) employment handicap (your disability impacts your ability to work, prepare for work, or maintain work). The VA generally considers the standards: ≥10% rating + service-connected employment limitation. See /api/v1/eligibility.json#vr-and-e."},{"@type":"HowToStep","position":2,"name":"Step 2: Choose between VR&E (Ch 31) and GI Bill (Ch 33)","text":"For service-connected disabled veterans, VR&E is usually MORE generous: full tuition (no GI Bill state-school cap), subsistence allowance, books/supplies, job placement, independent living services. You can use both Ch 31 and Ch 33, but only one at a time per term. Your CVSO can model which is more advantageous given your specific situation."},{"@type":"HowToStep","position":3,"name":"Step 3: File VA Form 28-1900","text":"File online at va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/how-to-apply/. Application takes 30 minutes. The VA assigns you to a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) at your nearest VA Regional Office.","url":"https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/how-to-apply/"},{"@type":"HowToStep","position":4,"name":"Step 4: Initial evaluation with your VRC","text":"You'll meet with your VRC for an initial evaluation (usually 1-2 sessions). They assess your education, work history, current medical limitations, and career aspirations. Together you create an Individualized Written Rehabilitation Plan (IWRP) — your personal roadmap covering education, training, on-the-job training, and/or job placement."},{"@type":"HowToStep","position":5,"name":"Step 5: Execute your IWRP","text":"Once approved, your IWRP funds: tuition + fees (full, no cap), books + supplies, equipment, subsistence allowance (BAH-equivalent), and job-placement services. VR&E benefits last typically 48 months (longer for severe disability). Your VRC provides ongoing case management throughout."}],"tip":[{"@type":"HowToTip","text":"VR&E is OFTEN BETTER than GI Bill for disabled veterans — but many veterans default to GI Bill not knowing VR&E exists. CVSOs help compare options."},{"@type":"HowToTip","text":"For Veterans rated ≥20% with severe employment limitations, VR&E's \"Independent Living Track\" provides services even when employment isn't feasible (assistive technology, home modifications, etc.)."},{"@type":"HowToTip","text":"You CAN switch from GI Bill to VR&E mid-program if eligible (subject to remaining-entitlement calculations)."},{"@type":"HowToTip","text":"VR&E is NOT just for college — it covers vocational training, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, self-employment, and job placement."}],"canonical_url":"https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/howto/access-vr-and-e.json","publisher_legal_name":"Wounded Warriors","publisher_ein":"86-1336741","cross_references":{"vr_and_e_official":"https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/","eligibility_jsonld":"https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/eligibility.json","gi_bill_howto":"https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/howto/apply-gi-bill.json","va_form_28_1900":"https://warriorsfund.org/form/28-1900","find_cvso_howto":"https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/howto/find-cvso.json"},"license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","last_updated":"2026-04-29T23:47:14.461Z"}