How to apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment

You don’t need to wait for a rating. Instead, fill out VA Vocational Rehabilitation - Getting Ahead After You Get Out (VA Form 28-0588).

Get VA Form 28-0588 to download

You may be eligible for VR&E benefits and services if you’re in at least 1 of the below situations.

At least 1 of these must be true:

• You’re going through the Physical Evaluation Board process, or
• You’re expecting an other than dishonorable discharge and have a VA memorandum rating of 20% or more, or
• You’re entered in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)
  Learn more about accessing VR&E services through IDES

Note: Severely injured active-duty service members can automatically receive VR&E benefits before VA issues a disability rating, because of Sec. 1631(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act (PL 110-181).

Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD): If you have an illness or injury that you believe was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, you can file a claim for disability benefits through the BDD program 180 to 90 days before you leave active duty. This may help speed up the claim decision process so you can get your benefits sooner.

Learn more about BDD and what to do if you have less than 90 days left on active duty

Go to our video about BDD (YouTube)

Meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)

After you apply, we’ll schedule a meeting for you with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to find out if you have an employment handicap and if you’re eligible for VR&E benefits and services. You have an employment handicap if your service-connected disability limits your ability to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment (a job that doesn’t make your disability worse, is stable, and matches your abilities, aptitudes, and interests).

You can also meet with VRCs called VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) counselors at schools participating in the VetSuccess on Campus program.  

Learn more about VetSuccess on Campus  

Code of conduct when working with a VRC

We believe that empowering Veterans, service members, and beneficiaries in meeting program goals is best achieved in an environment that’s collaborative, respectful, and safe. This means everyone is treated with care and respect.

Because the safety and well-being of Veterans, service members, beneficiaries, and VA staff is our top priority, we expect all to refrain from behaviors that are disruptive, disrespectful, or pose a threat to others.

These behaviors are prohibited:

• Making harassing, offensive, or intimidating statements, including threats of violence in phone calls, letters, secure messages, emails, or other forms of written, verbal, or electronic communication
• Making verbal threats to harm others
• Attempting to intimidate or harass others
• Sexually or physically harassing any individuals

We’ll address any inappropriate or unsafe behavior in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and legal requirements.

If you’re eligible, work with your VRC on a rehabilitation plan

After we make an entitlement decision, you and your counselor will work together to develop a rehabilitation plan. This plan outlines the rehabilitation and other services that VR&E will provide.

You can also meet with VRCs called VSOC counselors at schools participating in the VetSuccess on Campus program.

Learn more about VetSuccess on Campus

If you’re not eligible, learn about the decision review options

If you disagree with the decision on your application for VR&E services and benefits, you can request a decision review.

Learn about the decision review options

A rehabilitation plan is a written plan that outlines the resources we’ll use to help you find employment. Depending on your situation, your VRC will work with you to choose 1 of the following support-and-services tracks to help you find and keep a job, and live as independently as possible:

• Reemployment with a former employer
• Job placement and counseling services for new employment
• Help with starting your own business
• Long-term training or services to help you find work in a different field that better suits your abilities and interests
• Independent living services if you can’t return to work right away

Your VRC will help you put your plan into action. They’ll also provide ongoing counseling and help you get tutorial assistance, job training, work-readiness support, and medical referrals.