For starters: You're correct. VR&E is confusing as much as it is difficult to obtain. I'll try and summarize the basics of how it works. If you have follow up questions feel free to post here. The issue with some of our past threads (although great information) is that the rules change so frequently that the information listed just a year ago is outdated. Here's a couple of threads that might assist in getting you started and how the process loosely works:
***July 2019 Update*** FAQs - Chapter 30 & 33 Benefits - VR&E Chapter 31 Benefits : Files Attached | Student Doctor Network
Chapter 31 "Qualifying for Voc-Rehab" Journey | Student Doctor Network
**Chapter 31 (VR&E) Benefits**
They cover everything that the GI Bill covers with additional benefits. If needed, they'll pay for a computer, printer, transportation if needed (ie city bus to and from school), plus no cap coverage on book supplies and study material (some caps exist depending on the school material but a syllabus will be put out letting you know what will be paid for). If needed, they'll pay for tutoring, licensure material and travel to and from the testing facility (in your case they'll pay the material to study for your licensure exam as well as pay the fees to sit for the exam). After graduation, they'll pay an additional month of housing (based off of the zip code of your school) if you are not employed at the time. This rule has changed due to COVID-19 but assume this will be the case for now.
**Chapter 31 (VR&E) Cons**
VR&E pays a housing stipend that is far less than the GI Bill.
Subsistence Allowance Rates is constantly updated but will provide a calculator based on the zip code of your school of how much you will receive. Now, if you have at least
ONE DAY left of your GI Bill when you start the VR&E benefits, you will automatically be given the GI Bill Housing rate for the remainder of your benefits. However, if you completely exhaust your GI Bill when starting the program, you will be placed at the lower stipend rate mentioned above. Keep in mind, you are paid housing based off of how many days of each month you are in school. For example, if a semester ends Dec 4th and the next semester starts Jan 4th, you will only be paid 4 days out of December and 4 days less out of January for housing.
**Rules and Criteria**
The law states that you can only receive up to 48 months worth of entitlement of all programs (Montgomery, Post 9/11, VR&E). If you use 36 months of GI Bill, you can only be granted 12 months worth of benefits through VR&E. However, there is an exception: If you qualify as having a Serious Employment Handicap (SEH) then you may be granted an extension that will cover your schooling up to graduation. For details of this regulation see the link below. It will be up to your counselor and the evidence you provide (mentioned later in my comment) to see if you qualify.
38 CFR § 21.52 - Determining serious employment handicap. | CFR | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute (cornell.edu)
Chapter 31 (VR&E) is a program meant for veterans that have service connected disabilities that prohibit them from maintaining or obtaining employability (loose definition). Part of getting accepted into the program is an initial interview with an assigned counselor. They will ask specific questions regarding your disability status. For example, they'll ask if you're employed, do you have current certificates or degrees? Can you currently use said certificates or degrees? Why or why not? so on and so forth...
**How the Process Works*
Number 1: Chapter 31 (VR&E) is no longer called Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (voc rehab) its now known as the Veteran Readiness & Employment Program (still VR&E). It'll be good to know once you get to the point of seeing your counselor.
Number 2: Assuming you understand and qualify for VR&E, you'll need to apply through
e-benefits and create an account (DD-214 will suffice to get started). You cannot call or walk in the VA federal building. You must apply online.
Number 3: You'll receive an email / letter letting you know that you're "eligible" for VR&E benefits and services.
This is not an acceptance. It merely means you are in the system and will be appointed a counselor with a set date to interview. You'll be given a link to do a Career Assessment that you will then be sending to your counselor when the time comes. It's a survey to evaluate what career paths meet your criteria. It's just a formality but you must have it completed. I suggest applying sooner rather than later. With the current pandemic, many counselors are backed up and it might be a few months before anyone gets in contact with you.
Number 4: Once you submit the Career Assessment document and the interview day has arrived, you will be assigned a counselor who will perform the initial interview with you. Pre-COVID they had all the assigned veterans meet in person and had you watch a tutorial of what to expect. Many now meet online one on one with their counselor.
At this point, this is typically the end for many veterans seeking higher education and will receive a denial. You must go in prepared and provide sufficient evidence of backing up "
Why Dental School" and not other job paths that you could do with your degree and experience. The program is meant for those seeking entry level employment. Although entry level employment for a dentist is a dental degree, you still have to provide why other easier career paths won't work. For details, look at the thread I attached talking about qualifying for Voc-Rehab. I showed up professionally dressed with a 3-ring binder with the following information:
Occupational Outlook Data of my Career Choice, Minimal Requirements Needed for my job choice (pharmacist), Acceptance Letter to School, Accreditation Status of my program, Current Bureau of Labor Statistics of Career, CV/Resume, Past Military Occupational Specialty, Scoring Report from my Career Assessment Document, School Transcripts, Copy of my Service Connected Disabilities with current rating and pension, Current living budget assessment (Excel Sheet of how I am currently providing for my family), A letter quoting CFR codes of how this career path meets my interest and aptitudes (Specifically, CFR subsection 21.51 states that an employment handicap (as well as an SEH) is implied when the veteran lacks the ability to prepare for, obtain, or keep employment in an occupation consistent with his or her abilities, aptitudes, and interests).
Number 5: At this point, you will be denied or accepted. If accepted, you will start an Individual Written Rehabilitation Plan (IWRP) which is a contract stating what goals and objectives you will complete while under the program. See link below for additional details:
38 CFR § 21.84 - Individualized written rehabilitation plan. | CFR | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute (cornell.edu)
If you're denied, you may appeal. The process is strung out with very few turn-arounds. However, if finally accepted, you will be back paid for school costs from the time you first applied before the appeal.
Believe it or not, this is a very brief outline of what to expect. I myself was denied twice before getting accepted on my 3rd attempt. It can be done, but these days very few make it in the program. Hope for the best, but you need to prepare for the worst. Half the battle is being prepared, the other half is your counselor.
