Disabled Vet Help With Chapter 31 Voc Rehab

I'm a disabled veteran who completed the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. The VA not only paid my way through college, but they paid for me to attend a "high cost" university. 

After losing my job due to the economy, within one year of finishing the program, they approved my re-entry into the program and a new vocational goal of “lawyer,” at yet another “high cost” university. However, this did not come easily. 

The VA misled me, failed to cover all health care costs, and provided incomplete guidance. Fortunately, there are little-known statutes the VA must follow with respect to its conduct. After holding various VA offices' feet to the fire, I was able to push through the process and graduate in the top 10 percent of my graduating class, from one of the top universities in the nation. 

Following this process, I have come in contact with numerous disabled veterans who have been unable to navigate the Voc Rehab system, or have been simply unable to get accepted despite of a disability rating and unemployed status.

I have assembled numerous guide tools to help veterans succeed in their pursuit of a rewarding career following the completion of an undergraduate education. Should any reader have any question regarding the process or entitlements relating to obtaining a four-year degree, additional schooling, self employment through Voc Rehab, employment law, writing to government officials, etc., please ask. This help is free to all who inquire. 

(Submitted by Benjamin Krause)

 

Comments

[Jeff Feldman]

Great post. I just retired from the military and am awaiting my own voc rehab application. I found your blog on google searching for more information on how it all works.
I would be interested in the resources you mentioned.
Thank you.

Jeff
Thanks

Jeff

[Curtis O. Smith]

I also completed the Voc. Rehab. program and began working at the local Department of Social Services as a Social Worker. I changed medication which made me drowsy which me itg difficult to drive. I reapplied to the VA to go back to school and was denied and told to accept a job with a pay cut.

[Frank M.]

Sir,

I would like more information on this topic. Please advise on how to obtain more information. Thanks.

[Kenny O'Brien]

Mr. Krause, thank you for your insightful blog and I am a 50% disabled vet/30% CRSC combat vet from Operation Enduring freedom. I am currently attending school in a foreign country (Canada) via the GI Bill and also have applied for voc-rehab. I would like more information on what benefits still await me once I have completed my bachelor degree in 3 years.

[Arthur C. Susac]

Mr Krause, Please provide me with any information you have regarding Voc Rehab. I have a BS degree prior to retirement from AD. My email address is: asusac@sw.rr.com

Thank You

Cliff

[Debra J King]

I am a veteran and I am very much interested in any information or guidance that you may have available to share. Thanks.

[JT Draper]

Mr. Krause,

I too am a comabt veteran with a disability rating and am interested in voc. rehab. to become a nurse. Please send any helpful info.

Thank you.

[C. Hodge]

Mr. Krause

I would like to thank you for the insight. I retired from AD with a dual Master's Degree and expereince in Information Technology. However I lack any of the industry standard computer certifications. I would like some help in how to approach voc-rehab.

Thank You

[Diane Caisse]

I want to know more about Voc Rehab I'm 100% disabled and eventually want to finish my degree and work on a Phd...I want to teach at a University what should I do?

[Jesus Garza]

I also earned a BS in Computer Science before retiring but lack the credentials needed to get a good paying job in the field. How can Voc Rehab help?

[A. Thomas]

I recently applied for voc rehab and I am still awaiting a response. I have heard nothing but negative things about the process. I would appreciated any information you may have to prepare me for this process.

[D. Barrie]

I completed the VocRehab progream in 2001, and since then I have been teaching at a local high school. However, with the economic downturn, I have been told that our school will reduce the numbers of teachers on staff, and my number has come up. I want to see if I can pursue a graduate degree in order find a more secure job in the same field. Thanks.

[T King]

My husband is a disabled Vet medically retired and he has been misled regarding his benefits as well. Most recently we are trying to work through a major failure of the Medicare / TriCare system. The problem was so bad the local news do a story about the problem. You can watch the video and read the article. I hope that others can learn from our unfortunate experience.

Thank you all for your service.

http://www.10news.com/video/20821173/index.html

http://www.10news.com/investigations/20800002/detail.html

http://www.wonky-eye.com

[Brenda Jakey]

I completed the Voc Rehab program in 2006 with a BS in Social Work, I am a veteran rated at 100% and unable to find employment. In my county there is suppose to be a Disabled Vet.representitive to assist but there isn't one. The economy is pretty rough here and it appears more companies would like to hire a Social Worker with a Masters. Would I be able to get my Master's through Voc. Rehab?

[Julio Rivera]

I just started the VOC Rehab application process. Please provide insight of what I need to provide and expect for my interview with the VA. Thank you

[Daniel M. Furesz]

Hello Mr. Krause, I am a U.S.A.F. Retired Vietnam Era 100% Disabled Vet and have successfully completed the VA Voc Rehab successfully. I received my BA in Environmental Engineering and landed a Great Job with a local company. However my counsellor neglected to pay the $10,000.00 work incentive promised to my Employer and subsequently went MIA so I was unable to contact him for months. Subsequently I lost my job at no fault of my own and have had my VA Voc Rehab Program Re-established. I am in a Tractor Trailer Driving School getting my CDL-A to punch up my resume and my Contract reads ONGOING. When I asked about going for my Masters Degree in Psychology with a Major in Criminal Justice I was told pretty much to forget about it because they were not willing to pay for me to further my education in an online School even if it is Regionally Accredited and there is actually a better success rate of online students vs. Brick & Mortar students. Do you have any suggestions for me to deal with the VA beurocracy and have them deal with their mistake appropriately.

[Jeff]

I will be graduating this spring 2010 from school through the Voc Rehab please send me more information.

[Priscilla]

I completed a BSW and Master's degree through VA Chapter 31. However, it is a process and unfortunately one not without faults. So, as for my fellow vets, I woud encourage your to continue to be persistent and it will happen. "Remember the ole saying.. 'hurry up and wait". (Thank you all for your service)

[Marylyn Harris]

Thank you for your post. I am interested in all you had to go through to get your voc rehab sponsored education. Many vets here are having similar issues. Please send me additional information that you have that may be able to help.
Thank you!

[art]

One of the guiding principles for Chapter 31 is that they provide education for "entry level" positions. That is one reason a MSW goal is so great, entry level as a social worker requires a Masters degree. Further you are officially entitled to 36 months of continuous education (sufficient if you attend during the summer). The rate of pay is dependent on your family status (# of dependents), and if you are a full time (at least 12 SH per semester). Further to qualify, you must have sufficient eligibility (10 years after retirement or instatement of at least 30% Service connected disability). If you contributed to the MGIB, use those first, then apply for Chap 31. If you fall in the post 9/11 GI eligibility criteria: see the VA ASAP.

[J.W.]

Thanks for your post. I am a disabled vet greater than 75% and was simply told by the VOC REHAB counselor that I had a job so they wouldn't pay for any other training or school. I have had to take a position outside my skill set because I don't have the formal academic qualifications to compete in my chosen field. Please send me additional information that you have that may be able to help.

Thanks!

[rik]

Voc rehab is a myth, it does NOT exist!!! Its a joke how bad they treat us vets.

[Peter Salopek Jr.]

Thank you for your post. I am tryng to decide between selecting VOC REHAB or the new GI BILL. Please send me additional information that you have that may be able to help.
Thank you!

[Kyle]

Hi I am a Member of the DAV (the Disabled American Veterans) and we will assist any one that needs help with claims and also Vocational rehab. you don't need to be a member to receive our help but if you like what we do feel free to join us every member helps.

[Marc]

I am looking at trying for voc rehab as well or the gi bill i'm trying to figure out the best way to go. any help i can get is greatly appreciated. i have a 60% service connected rating so just like everyone else would love info.
Thanks

burner05@yahoo.com

[Mike S.]

Dear Mr. Krause,

I would very much like to get this information just for the sake of having it. I've been working with the VA for two years, and am just beginning my education. I would like to make sure that the VA does not throw anything at me that I am un-prepared for.

I would like to say, however, that so far I haven't been too disappointed with Voc Rehab. They help me where I need it most. They're not very flexible though, which works still for me.

Sincerely,
Mike

[Mike S.]

michael.sterle2@cox.net

[Mike S.]

Dear Mr. Krause,

Though Voc Rehab hasn't hindered my education too much, I would like to see what sort of information you've found. In this way I'll be better prepared for when they do try to pull something funny.

I'm very much appreciated of all your work.
Sincerely,

Mike Sterle
michael.sterle2@cox.net