yoshi

VocRehab you can do almost anything in that program. I'm currently in it. It's a life changer. The most difficult part is convincing the insane counselors, in some cases, as to why your actions/degree/maybe business plans are justified. Not sure about the business plan aspect. Read up on it. Don't try to be a gym instructor knowing damn good and well your back is messed up for example. You will get shut down.

Do due diligence. Have your ducks in a row. Don't go in there looking like a fool. When I went to my appointment (I'll never forget it because of a dumbass in our specific group) we were all gathered in a room. We did a survey. Afterwards, we all hung out in the room. Waited for a counselor to call us back. One guy who said he has "brain damage" stated specifically he wanted to know "about independent living." I'm not even a trained counselor but his tone and demeanor had red flags going off in my mind. He was one who milks the system in my opinion. Sure the counselors thought so too. His meeting was over in two minutes tops. Literally, it was the door shut to talk; then, the door opened. That quick. It was over for him.

I could tell he didn't have brain damage. Rather, he was just stupid. I saw him at the bus stop. He asked me for money to get back home. Reality checks are given at the appointments. You go in there looking like a fool, you WILL get shut down. Do your homework. Convince them as to WHY starting a business or going back to college is beneficial to you and your disability. Even if you are shut down, ask them if they know of another office which helps Veterans start a business. As I said, do due diligence. The answers are out there. You should know the answer prior to going to the appointment. There's a program that exists for just about every Veteran's need(s). It may or may not be Chapter 31. Again, YOU have to research. Don't think it's up to the VR&E to find you a job or to start your business. IT"S NOT. IT'S ULTIMATELY YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. They, VR&E, just provides some damn good resources to get your foot in the door.

Actually, I think a lot of people underestimate the VR&E Program. It's NOT an easy program. It is designed to make a man/woman out of you. One of these days, upon successful completion of my current program, I will type a thorough review. It runs deep. Just research what you're looking for. Start reading online literature FROM THE VA'S WEBSITE. NOT military.com or about.com. however, they are good for generating ideas. Use the VA's own paperwork as evidence against them if your counselor denies you. Be prepared to fight or have a VERY GOOD AND WELL THOUGHT OUT PLAN PRIOR TO ATTENDING YOUR APPOINTMENT. As a matter of fact, don't even make an appointment until you have a well thought out plan in place. YOU have to convince the counselor why you should be allowed into the program. It's not simply given to you. I can't stress it enough. Chapter 31 is NOT a walk in the park. It takes the right type of individual with the proper attitude. Yes, there are stupid counselors who seemingly HATE working with Veterans. I will write about that later. I'll give names and everything. It's not slander or illegal if it is factual. As for now, I do NOT want to be singled out, as I already was, in case they read these posts. Again, not trying to discourage anyone from applying to VR&E, but make sure YOU ARE RIGHT before you apply to the program. Needless to say, VR&E is certainly a life changer. It changed my life for the better. The programs the government implements are excellent programs. It's NOT the programs themselves that are the problem. It's the workers in the programs. That's where the difficulties come in. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS or at least a general understanding of what you're getting into.