-Interim Report - Participation in VBA's Veterans Retraining Assistance Program

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
12-04524-171
VA Office
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Report Author
Office of Audits and Evaluations
Report Type
Audit
Recommendations
4
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
During our ongoing national audit of the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP), we determined VBA’s continued current method of counting authorized participants, veterans’ use of VRAP would not achieve the levels authorized by Congress. The Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act authorized benefits for 99,000 participants October 1, 2011 through March 31, 2014. To not exceed the authorized limit of participants officials counted approved applicants as participants. However, not all approved applicants were actually participating in the program. As of February 2013, about 33 percent of the authorized participants were enrolled and receiving program benefits. We recommended VBA continue to accept applications until they have 99,000 veterans enrolled in an approved training program or until October 1, 2013, the last date a veteran may apply for program benefits. The Under Secretary for Benefits concurred with our recommendations.

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
We recommend the Under Secretary for Benefits continue to issue certificates of eligibility until either 99,000 veterans have enrolled in an approved training program or until October 1, 2013, whichever occurs first.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
We recommend the Under Secretary for Benefits revise the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program certificate of eligibility letter to inform veterans that Veterans Benefits Administration will only pay benefits to a limited number of veterans.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
We recommend the Under Secretary for Benefits contact the veterans currently holding a certificate of eligibility, who have not yet enrolled in the approved training, and inform them that VBA will pay benefits only to a limited number of veterans. Inform the veterans they will need to check the VRAP Web site or contact VBA to confirm benefits are still available before enrolling in an approved training program.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
We recommend the Under Secretary for Benefits provide retroactive benefits to VRAP participants (not to exceed the FY 2012 authorization) who were enrolled in an approved training program in FY 2012, but did not receive benefits before October 1, 2012.