Veterans' Benefits: The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program

The number of service members, National Guard, and Reservists who separate from active duty with service-connected disabilities is expected to rise as a result of the engagement of the U.S. Armed Forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. There is concern in Congress that these individuals receive the care and services that will enable them to transition successfully back to civilian life. These veterans must be able to rejoin their families and communities, become employed, and continue to enjoy the highest quality of life possible. Congress authorized the Department of Veterans Affairs VA, through the Vocational Rehabilitation Employment Service VRE, to provide the support disabled veterans need to successfully complete rehabilitation plans tailored to their individual needs. The VRE has recently restructured its program in an effort to better accomplish the goal of enabling disabled veterans to gain appropriate employment or live independently. More specialists and counselors have been hired in regional VA offices, and the VRE has instituted outreach efforts to encourage more veterans to participate in the program. The VRE also has entered into cooperative agreements with other federal agencies and with private organizations to provide an integrated approach to addressing the employment needs of disabled service members and veterans. The VRE administers four programs 1 training and rehabilitation for veterans with service-connected disabilities, 2 vocational and educational counseling, 3 vocational training for Vietnam veterans children with Spina Bifida, and 4 special restorative training. This report describes VRE program services available to veterans with service-connected disabilities and to their families. It provides information about eligibility and entitlement, the application process, and resources available through other agencies. A brief history of the program also is provided.