T Bird the link wasn't meant to be an "ad" since I am not currently selling anything. It was in my opinion the most compelling proof that the VA won't approve funds for a Veteran entrepreneur, even when you do the work for them, but I understand and it won't happen again.
I actually talk to Ben quite a bit and went in armed for day1 orientation with the knowledge of what I needed to hit the ground running. What I hadn't accounted for was the fact the case managers openly admitted to never receiving training for the Self Employment Track at all. I feel compelled after researching this "benefit" to try and educate other Veterans to this most evil enticement. The VA doesn't publish the data that could potentially provide some insight into this recipe for creating homeless Veterans. You literally have a better chance at winning the powerball than receiving CATI approval for Self- Employment as far as I can tell. But year after year Veterans apply in the hopes of becoming self sufficient as a potential business owner in their community. Meanwhile the case managers at the VR&E turn a blind eye as Veterans exhaust their savings, create a massive strain on their marriages, and in some cases end up in legal trouble for failure to pay child support depending on the state where they reside. I can't stress enough that this is the most lethal benefit to pursue. I would love to find out if anyone n this forum knows of a documented CATI approval in recent history. Meanwhile the VA employees are receiving bonuses in amounts that could make all the difference to some teetering on the edge of financial, and emotional devastation.