I recently moved away from my family in San Antonio, TX to accept Department of Army Intern Program and applied for Voc Rehab OJT Program. On 1/15/2019 I was denied because "Veteran is already in an Intern OJT Program (I think VRC meant to say intern program) and the VA rules do not allow us to create a VR&E OJT."
I asked for a reference in an email and the reference was
M28R, Part V, Section B, Ch. 2.08(a) - Validation of Facility Code: The VRC must ensure that a facility has been assigned a valid facility code prior to developing a plan of services with a Veteran. If the facility is already assigned a facility code, the VRC must determine if the program of training or course is also approved.
My response to her was nowhere in M28R, it states Veterans currently in the Intern Program is not eligible for the program and asked to speak to VRO, three times. She ignored all three requests and asked me to come in for a informal meeting.
Today I was told by the VRC, I do not qualify because:
1. I have MBA degree
2. I am 100% disabled (PTSD) and make more than the average person in Tulsa, OK area
3. I do not considered employment handicap because my organization accommodates when I have my PTSD episodes
4. She does not feel like driving to Tulsa, OK from Muskogee Regional Office (60 mile drive)
5. OJT Program is usually fro Plumbers, Construction and Truck Drivers
6. I am employed
From the beginning she has been unkind, rude, and unprofessional over our conversations over emails and telephone. I would appreciate any assistance and advice I could get in this matter, talking to Voc Rehab is like talking to a brick wall. Thank you.
Shawn