Will the VA Help Me Find a Job? What if I Can’t Work?

What VR&E Is (Chapter 31)

Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) is a VA program designed to help veterans with service‑connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain meaningful employment — or, if working isn’t currently possible, to live as independently as possible.
It used to be called Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment, but the mission remains the same: helping you build the next chapter of your life.

What VR&E Can Provide
VR&E offers a wide range of services depending on your needs:

Employment-Focused Services
• Career counseling and skills assessment
• Resume development and job‑seeking coaching
• Job placement assistance
• On‑the‑job training, apprenticeships, and non‑paid work experiences
• Employer incentives to encourage hiring veterans with disabilities
Education & Training
• Tuition, books, supplies, and support for college, technical school, or vocational programs
• Training plans tailored to your abilities and goals

Independent Living Services (if you can’t work right now)
If your disability makes employment unrealistic at the moment, VR&E can help you:
• Improve daily living skills
• Access adaptive equipment
• Modify your home environment
• Increase independence and quality of life

Eligibility Basics
You may qualify if:
• You have an other‑than‑dishonorable discharge, and
• You have a service‑connected disability rating of at least 10%, or a 20% memorandum rating
VR&E also looks at whether your disability creates an employment handicap — that’s what determines entitlement.

How Long You Have to Use It
VR&E generally must be used within 12 years of:
• Your separation from active duty, or
• The date VA first notified you of your service‑connected disability rating
Extensions are possible if you have a serious employment handicap.

How to Apply
You can apply:
• Online through VA.gov
• By mail using VA Form 28‑1900
• In person at a VA regional office
• With help from a VSO, claims agent, or accredited attorney
After applying, you’ll meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) who evaluates your needs and helps build your personalized plan.