Veteran rehabilitation

Learn more about employment benefits

For Veterans with service-connected disabilities, finding and keeping employment can be a challenge. Through VA’s Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, you may benefit from one-on-one support, counseling, and training to boost your skills and build your career. Family members caring for a service-disabled Veteran may also be eligible for career assistance, job training, and other services. Dependents may benefit, too.

Requirements

A discharge that is other than dishonorable
Generally, a service-connected disability rating of at least 20 percent with an employment handicap; a service-connected disability rating of at least 10 percent with a serious employment handicap may also meet the requirement
Vocational Rehabilitation
Download VA Form 28-1900 (PDF)
Educational and Vocational Counseling
Download VA Form 28-8832 (PDF)

Benefit Application Process

Access these benefits within 12 years of separating from service or receiving a service-connected disability rating. To establish your eligibility for these VA services, meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for a comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation assesses:

Your interests, aptitudes, and abilities
Whether service-connected disabilities impair your ability to find and/or hold a job using your current occupational skills
Which types of vocational exploration and goal development will lead to employment and/or maximum independence at home and in your community

Veterans or Servicemembers who are found to have an “employment handicap” and meet other criteria receive an entitlement determination and guidance on next steps for accessing these services.