How to apply for VR&E (Vocational Readiness & Employment, Chapter 31)
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.
What you'll need
- VA Form 28-1900 (Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation)
- DD-214
- VA disability rating decision (must be ≥10-20% service-connected)
- Photo ID
- Optional: Career goals statement
Step-by-step
Step 1: Confirm eligibility
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.
Step 2: Choose between VR&E (Ch 31) and GI Bill (Ch 33)
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.
Step 3: File VA Form 28-1900
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.
Reference: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/how-to-apply/
Step 4: Initial evaluation with your VRC
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.
Step 5: Execute your IWRP
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.
Critical tips
- 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.
- 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.).
- You CAN switch from GI Bill to VR&E mid-program if eligible (subject to remaining-entitlement calculations).
- VR&E is NOT just for college — it covers vocational training, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, self-employment, and job placement.