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Vocational Rehabilitation - Chapter 31
Veteran's Benefits - Chapters 30, 33, 35 and 1606
Questions about Schreiner University and the Yellow Ribbon Campaign?

The following information has been provided by the Department of Veteran's Affairs.

What is vocational rehabilitation? Vocational rehabilitation refers to all services provided to restore the eligible veteran to employment or increase his or her independence in daily living.

How do I qualify for vocational rehabilitation? The entitlement determination is an individualized decision, however, there are a couple of guiding principles applicable to every case:

Who decides if I'm entitled and to what? A Department of Veterans Affairs Counseling Psychologist or Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor will review your situation and make the entitlement determination. If entitled, the evaluation will continue to identify a suitable vocational goal and the services required to obtain that goal. Our mandate is to restore the entitled veteran back into the workforce as soon as possible. In all cases we rule out direct placement services prior to considering skill training.

What is the process? Upon receipt of your application for vocational rehabilitation and confirmation that you are an honorably discharged veteran with a service connected disability, you will be scheduled for evaluation and assessment services, either with a VA employee or a rehabilitation professional under contract to the VA. The evaluation will consist of your history; assessment of your aptitudes, interests, and abilities; your current state of job readiness; and limitations imposed by your service and non service-connected disabilities. A report is prepared and reviewed by a VA rehabilitation counselor who then makes the entitlement determination. If entitled, additional counseling is provided to assist in identifying an appropriate goal and developing a plan of services to achieve that goal.

How long does this take? Assuming that a rating has been made on your service-connected disability, you should receive an appointment within 30 days of your application. You should receive a decision concerning entitlement within two months of your first appointment.

But I want to start school now - can't I expedite this? Normally, all paperwork must be completed two weeks before the beginning of the semester, otherwise, you may have to wait until the beginning of the next semester to begin your program. Also, even if entitled, schooling may not be the required rehabilitative service. Unless you have other funding available, do not start a program assuming it will be covered by vocational rehabilitation. You must be careful - remember, we can't train you for an unsuitable vocation nor provide training services if you are already qualified for suitable employment.

What effect does all this have on my disability rating? None. Participation in a vocational rehabilitation program will not trigger any rating action, nor does the percentage of your rating.

For additional information concerning the Yellow Ribbon Campaign and all VA-related questions please contact Toni Bryant, Veteran Student Services Coordinator, tlbryant@schreiner.edu.