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Showing results for tags 'vocational rehabilitation'.
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I'm getting a lot of bad signs about my voc rehab counselor.
kent101 posted a question in Vocational Rehabilitation
I have been having a hard time simply getting email from my voc rehab counselor. After reminding the counselor multiple times I got the email for orientation and exploration phase. When I got the email the attached documents had errors. On the functional test document for my doctor the numbers were wrong(order went 1,2,3,5,4) and my gender was wrong. On another document a page was blank when it was supposed to have text on it. Then when I called the counselor for my first appointment the counselor says "Did we have an appointment today? Let me see if I have nothing else going on right now to see if we can talk." That was one of the most unprofessional responses I've ever witnessed from someone I had an appointment with. The counselors comes off as being cocky, yet incompetent and that's a bad mix. This counselor is trying to push me into education I know will make my disability worse or possibly cause me trouble at my C&P exam if I try it out. Berta said her husband was sent a letter of reduction for simply trying to take a semester of college. Then they tried to get him a job inside the VA and it went bad. It appears this counselor is trying to make me go through the same things. If anything good comes out of this I think it'll be that I got some more medical proof for my disabilities through these functioning test. All of this leads me to believe that I'm wasting my time with this counselor. If I did try and go to college I can only imagine how bad this counselor would mess up the paperwork. The counselor already messed up the easy paperwork that was sent to me, so why should I think this counselor could handle college enrollment paperwork and financial paperwork? I'm sure I would be having to pay a lot of money out of my own pocket due to this counselor's errors. Should I ask for a new counselor or is this just the norm? -
Hello Everyone, After being approved for Voc Rehab and driving 35 miles back and forth to the VR&E office, I was recently sent a letter denying me for these benefits. Overall, it was a TERRIBLE experience. I felt like she was patronizing me each time i walked into her office. Despite taking the tests, giving her my transcripts and everything going smoothly(i thought), it seemed like each time I met with her their were new reasons to string me along not give me an IWRP. One time it was the testing, the next time it was that she wasnt prepared. I almost felt as if the counselor Allison, Didn't want me to be a part of the program(despite being approved and being entitled for the VR&E benefits). I felt defeated and even went as far as calling the regional office in Philadelphia. That proved to not work as the associate VRO told me that "my counselor knows my situation and file best, she should be able to point me in the right direction." Can anyone else share their experience (good, bad or ugly) and interactions with VOC Rehab getting(or TRYING TO get) the benefits we are entitled to in the VR&E program? Thanks, Pat
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Please, welcome new VET2VET podcast episode: https://youtu.be/waV5t0HPtbM Today we are joined by Thomas Wendel, DAV National area supervisor for West Cost Region. Thomas E. Wendel served in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1983 until 1997. Since 1999, Tom has worked assisting veterans in processing various entitlement claims on the local, state and federal levels; first in Clare County as a county service officer and then when he came to work for the Disabled American Veterans in 2000. In 2008 he was promoted to the position of supervisor of the DAV Service Office in Detroit and later he was promoted to the position of supervisor of the DAV National area for West Cost Region. DAV is America’s largest, most effective veterans service organizations dedicated to the needs of those injured, ill or wounded in service. We have more than 1,300 Chapters in communities nationwide to help make sure veterans from all generations and their families get the benefits and support they deserve. Today, nearly 1.3 million veterans belong to DAV, and we encourage you to add your voice to the cause. Our programs and free services help all veterans get the health, disability and financial benefits they earned. Take advantage of our benefits claims assistance, medical transportation and employment resources. Your local DAV Chapter is a great way to connect with fellow veterans in your area. ★ JOIN US IN OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU AND OUR FELLOW VETERANS ★ ▶ facebook.com/VETOVET2 ▶ itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vet2vet/id1077206523?mt=2 ▶ twitter.com/VETOVET2 ▶ youtube.com/c/VETOVET2 ▶ plus.google.com/u/0/+VETOVET2 ▶ goo.gl/app/playmusic?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/Iiqawbuzg7eviiyqm6xz7kju62m?t%3DVET2VET ▶ feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:198832065/sounds.rss ▶ soundcloud.com/vet2vet ▶ stitcher.com/s?fid=80842&refid=stpr ★ LIMITED LIABILITY CLAUSE ★ THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE THROUGH THE VET2VET MAY INCLUDE INACCURACIES OR ERRORS. CHANGES ARE PERIODICALLY ADDED TO THE INFORMATION HEREIN. VET2VET MAY MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AND/OR CHANGES OF THE CONTENT AT ANY TIME. ADVICE RECEIVED VIA VET2VET SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON FOR PERSONAL, MEDICAL, LEGAL OR FINANCIAL DECISIONS AND YOU SHOULD CONSULT AN APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL FOR SPECIFIC ADVICE TAILORED TO YOUR SITUATION. IF YOU ARE DISSATISFIED WITH ANY PORTION OF VET2VET, YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY IS TO DISCONTINUE CONSULTING VET2VET.
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I have a 50% rating from the VA. I will have my first meeting with my Voc Rehab counselor in 4 days. I already have a job, but I plan to argue underemployed but it might be a stretch. I need to get some technical certificates to stay competitive and try to get a remote job (work from home) where I can control my work environment like a standing desk, etc.... I work in the IT industry. Does anyone have a sample PPT or word document plan to present to the VA counselor? I read Ben Krause's site and he suggests that you go in prepared with a PPT or Word plan that shows your reasoning and your proposed plan. Anyone out there have an example? Thanks, John -
VA Vocational Rehab Counselor Access to PHI
Missy1974 posted a question in Veterans Compensation & Pension Exams
Are VA Vocational Rehabilitation counselors granted access to a veterans medical records or compensation and pension exam information? I went to a VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in order to apply for Voc Rehab benefits. Would like to further my education. My Vocational Rehab Counselor and her supervisor stated that education is not feasible for me based on things that were listed in my C&P exam and by my civilian psychologist 2 years ago. (I have Major Depression & PTSD due to MST.) I honestly feel that my Vocational Rehab Counselor and her boss invaded my privacy. They are not health care professionals. I am in a much better place than I was two years ago. Are they allowed to view my medical records or C&P exam without my permission? -
#12 SERVICE CONNECTION
VETOVET posted a question in VA Disability Compensation Benefits Claims Research Forum
Please, welcome new VET2VET podcast episode: https://youtu.be/9paX1-FyCaI Today we’re talking about SERVICE CONNECTION. When we talk about service-connecting a medical condition, disease, injury or illness to military service, we are talking about proving the relationship between the two. 1) Direct Service Connection 2) Service Connection by Aggravation 3) Presumptive Service Connection 4) Secondary Service Connection 5) Service Connection due to Injury Caused by Treatment in the VA Healthcare System 6) Special Service Connection Rules for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ★ JOIN US IN OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU AND OUR FELLOW VETERANS ★ ▶ facebook.com/VETOVET2 ▶ itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vet2vet/id1077206523?mt=2 ▶ twitter.com/VETOVET2 ▶ youtube.com/c/VETOVET2 ▶ plus.google.com/u/0/+VETOVET2 ▶ goo.gl/app/playmusic?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/Iiqawbuzg7eviiyqm6xz7kju62m?t%3DVET2VET ▶ feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:198832065/sounds.rss ▶ soundcloud.com/vet2vet ▶ stitcher.com/s?fid=80842&refid=stpr ★ LIMITED LIABILITY CLAUSE ★ THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE THROUGH THE VET2VET MAY INCLUDE INACCURACIES OR ERRORS. CHANGES ARE PERIODICALLY ADDED TO THE INFORMATION HEREIN. VET2VET MAY MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AND/OR CHANGES OF THE CONTENT AT ANY TIME. ADVICE RECEIVED VIA VET2VET SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON FOR PERSONAL, MEDICAL, LEGAL OR FINANCIAL DECISIONS AND YOU SHOULD CONSULT AN APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL FOR SPECIFIC ADVICE TAILORED TO YOUR SITUATION. IF YOU ARE DISSATISFIED WITH ANY PORTION OF VET2VET, YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY IS TO DISCONTINUE CONSULTING VET2VET.- 2 replies
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ptsd Voc Rehab - Independent Living Services
Anthony Johnson posted a question in Vocational Rehabilitation
I had an appointment at Vocational Rehabilitation yesterday for Independent Living Services. After completing the necessary paperwork I was told that a Counselor would contact me and come out to do a home visit. I was wondering who has already gone through this process and what your experience was like? I am 100% disabled Total and Permanent and Unemployable. I have chronic back issues, chronic migraines, Stage 3 Renal Failure, PTSD, Depression, Carpal Tunnel (both wrists), Sleep Apnea. What exactly can I expect from this program? What are my chances on being approved? I have read that individuals receive adjustable/therapeutic beds, computers, lift chairs, etc... How long is the program good for? Any and all information will be helpful. Thanking everyone in advance Anthony -
tdiu #9 100% P & T
VETOVET posted a question in VA Disability Compensation Benefits Claims Research Forum
Please, welcome new VET2VET podcast episode: https://youtu.be/sTH3p-WwXn0 The way VA defines The word "permanent" slightly differently. For that matter, the word total doesn't mean total when discussing a disability. These are just terms to VA. There really isn't a protected rating. Any rating can be modified by VA at any time, depending on the circumstances. How do you know if your benefit is P & T? What is IU? What is substantially gainful employment? Are there any other eligibility requirements? How is the way VA decides total disability different from other agencies? TDIU awards may be permanent or they may be temporary. If I get a 100% rating, should I continue fighting the VA for benefits? SMC compensation Can you think of any other scenarios were a Veteran might want to keep filing to VA after they reach a 100% rating? ★ JOIN US IN OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU AND OUR FELLOW VETERANS ★ ▶ facebook.com/veterantoveteran/ ▶ itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vet2vet/id1077206523?mt=2 ▶ twitter.com/veterantovetera/lists/vet2vet ▶ youtube.com/channel/UCebXFpogeJ9r4EqRyxHriYQ ▶ plus.google.com/u/0/+VETOVET2 ▶ goo.gl/app/playmusic?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/Iiqawbuzg7eviiyqm6xz7kju62m?t%3DVET2VET ▶ feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:198832065/sounds.rss ▶ soundcloud.com/vet2vet ▶ stitcher.com/s?fid=80842&refid=stpr ★ LIMITED LIABILITY CLAUSE ★ THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE THROUGH THE VET2VET MAY INCLUDE INACCURACIES OR ERRORS. CHANGES ARE PERIODICALLY ADDED TO THE INFORMATION HEREIN. VET2VET MAY MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AND/OR CHANGES OF THE CONTENT AT ANY TIME. ADVICE RECEIVED VIA VET2VET SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON FOR PERSONAL, MEDICAL, LEGAL OR FINANCIAL DECISIONS AND YOU SHOULD CONSULT AN APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL FOR SPECIFIC ADVICE TAILORED TO YOUR SITUATION. IF YOU ARE DISSATISFIED WITH ANY PORTION OF VET2VET, YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY IS TO DISCONTINUE CONSULTING VET2VET. -
I was in the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VRE) program for about two years and I was placed in a job by the VRE employment coordinator that I worked for about 3 years. I was determined to be rehabilitated by VRE. I was medically retired from the job due directly to my service connected conditions. This is well documented as the reason I could no longer work at my job. Because of the 5 years spent preparing for and working at this job, I am over my 12 year eligibility period from my first rating of disability making me eligible. I am in the process of a Serious Employment Handicap (SEH) determination to make me eligible for extended services, but I found something that makes me wonder if this SEH determination is even necessary: §21.284 Reentrance into a rehabilitation program. (a) Reentrance into rehabilitation to the point of employability following a determination of rehabilitation. A veteran who has been found rehabilitated under provisions of §21.283 may be provided an additional period of training or services only if the following conditions are met: (1) The veteran has a compensable service-connected disability and either; (2) Current facts, including any relevant medical findings, establish that the veteran's service-connected disability has worsened to the extent that the effects of the service-connected disability considered in relation to other facts precludes him or her from performing the duties of the occupation for which the veteran previously was found rehabilitated; or (3) The occupation for which the veteran previously was found rehabilitated under Chapter 31 is found to be unsuitable on the basis of the veteran's specific employment handicap and capabilities. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3101(a)) (b) Reentrance into a program of independent living services following a determination of rehabilitation. A finding of rehabilitation following a program of independent living services may only be set aside, and an additional period of independent living services provided, if the following conditions are met: (1) Either: (i) The veteran's condition has worsened and as a result the veteran has sustained a substantial loss of independence; or (ii) Other changes in the veteran's circumstances have caused a substantial loss of independence; and (2) The provisions of §21.162 pertaining to participation in a program of independent living services are met. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3109) (c) Reentrance into rehabilitation to the point of employability during a period of employment services. A finding of rehabilitation to the point of employability by VA may be set aside during a period of employment services and an additional period of training and related services provided, if any of the following conditions are met: (1) The conditions for setting aside a finding of rehabilitation under paragraph (a) of this section are found; (2) The rehabilitation services originally given to the veteran are now inadequate to make the veteran employable in the occupation for which he or she pursued rehabilitation; (3) Experience during the period of employment services has demonstrated that employment in the objective or field for which the veteran was rehabilitated to the point of employability should not reasonably have been expected at the time the program was originally developed; or (4) The veteran, because of technological change which occurred subsequent to the declaration of rehabilitation to the point of employability, is no longer able: (i) To perform the duties of the occupation for which he or she trained, or in a related occupation; or (ii) To secure employment in the occupation for which he or she trained, or in a related occupation. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3117) [49 FR 40814, Oct. 18, 1984, as amended at 58 FR 68769, Dec. 29, 1993] Is a SEH determination necessary? I was once in the program and now I just want to reenter because my service connected conditions caused me to lose my job. Does this regulation require that I am in my basic 12 year eligibility period, or since I was once in, I can get back in without worrying about anything other than showing that this regulation applies to me? I greatly would appreciate help in this matter. Thank you!
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Does anyone know or they themselves ever received assistance through Voc Rehab for self employment? I need specific information... I would greatly appreciate anyone's help and I am going to share what I find after reviewing Board of Veterans Appeals Decisions in regards to the matter. Maybe no one ever has? §21.257 Self-employment. (a) Approval of self-employment as a vocational goal. A program of vocational rehabilitation benefits and services may include self-employment for an individual if VA determines that such an objective is a suitable vocational goal. VA will make this determination based on— (1) The results of the individual's initial evaluation conducted in accordance with the provisions of §21.50; and (2) The provisions of this section. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3104(a)) (b) Definition. For purposes of this subpart, individuals with the most severe service-connected disability(ies) who require self-employment means individuals who have been determined by VA to have limitations affecting employability arising from the effects of each individual's service-connected disability(ies), which are so severe as to necessitate selection of self-employment as the only reasonably feasible vocational goal for the individuals. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3104) (c) Scope of self-employment benefits and services. (1) VA may provide the self-employment services listed in paragraph (d) of this section to program participants who are pursuing the vocational goal of self-employment. (2) VA may provide the more extensive services listed in paragraph (e) of this section to individuals with the most severe service-connected disability(ies) who require self-employment. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3104(a)) (d) Assistance for other individuals in self-employment. Subject to the provisions of §21.258, VA may provide the following assistance to any individual for whom self-employment is determined to be a suitable vocational goal— (1) Vocational training; (2) Incidental training in the management of a business; (3) License or other fees required for self-employment; (4) Necessary tools and supplies for the occupation; and (5) Services described in §21.252. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3104(a)) (e) Special self-employment services for individuals with the most severe service-connected disability(ies) who require self-employment. Individuals described in paragraph (b) of this section who are in a self-employment program may receive— (1) The services described in paragraph (d) of this section; and (2) The assistance described in §21.214. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3104, 3116, 3117) (f) Feasibility analysis of a proposed self-employment business plan. VA will conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of the feasibility of a proposed business plan, as submitted by the individual or developed with VA's assistance, prior to authorizing a rehabilitation plan leading to self-employment (a “self-employment plan”). The feasibility analysis must include— (1) An analysis of the economic viability of the proposed business; (2) A cost analysis specifying the amount and types of assistance that VA will provide; (3) A market analysis for the individual's proposed services or products; (4) Availability of financing from non-VA sources, including the individual's personal resources, local banks, and other sources; (5) Evidence of coordination with the Small Business Administration to secure special consideration under section 8 of the Small Business Act, as amended; (6) The location of the site for the proposed business and the cost of the site, if any; and (7) A training plan to operate a successful business. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3104) [75 FR 3170, Jan. 20, 2010] §21.258 Cost limitations on approval of self-employment plans. A self-employment plan with an estimated or actual cost of less than $25,000 may be approved by the VR&E Officer with jurisdiction. Any self-employment plan with an estimated or actual cost of $25,000 or more must be approved by the Director, VR&E Service. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3104) [75 FR 3170, Jan. 20, 2010]
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I have just graduated from a 6-month educational program that Voc Rehab paid for. Now I am supposed to submit my resume and license to Voc Rehab and start the "Employment Ready" portion of the program, where I receive 2 months of pay to tide me over while I look for work. I have a license to work for myself, so technically showing my resume and license would be enough to qualify for being Employment Ready. However, my husband has just been offered a position to travel internationally for the next year or two. Of course my daughter and I will be going with him, and we leave Sept 1. So I'm conflicted about what to do with Voc Rehab. I'd like to be honest, of course, but I'd like to know what the repercussions will be when I tell my counselor. If I tell my counselor that I'm putting my "looking for work" on hold for 1-2 years, will they make me pay back my tuition? Does anyone know what is required of me after these 2 months of "looking for work"? Am I supposed to meet with my counselor 2 months from now, a year from now, etc? Basically, I'm trying to sort out what would happen if tell her or or not tell her, so I can lessen the possibility of something going badly. Thanks so much for your help! -
tdiu Flash-Educational Opportunity
RuskiLinguist posted a topic in Veterans Benefits State & Federal
I have to admit that I did not do much research on this opportunity, but it did come to me from a different Veterans Benefits web site, and I think there may be one or two or more on this site who could/would take advantage of such an opportunity. Overall summary, is that if you are unemployed, and looking for some retraining, but can not afford the cost of changing courses, then you may be interested in reading/pursuing more: http://benefits.va.gov/vow/education.htm I am also attaching the wording of the VA Notification so you can decide if you want to pursue this link and the advertised benefits on your own. I assume that I personally do not qualify for this benefit, due to my ongoing need for treatment, but that is not an official answer. Anyway, this is a time-sensitive benefit, and in my opinion, an extremely valuable opportunity for a lot of folks on this site or their significant others. I wish you all well!!!! Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) Congress passed, and the President has signed into law, the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. Included in this new law is the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP). VRAP offers up to 12 months of training assistance to unemployed Veterans. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the Department of Labor (DOL) are working together to roll out this new program on July 1, 2012. The VRAP offers 12 months of training assistance to Veterans who: Are at least 35 but no more than 60 years old Are unemployed Received an other than dishonorable discharge Are not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g.: the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance) Are not in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability Are not enrolled in a federal or state job training program The program is limited to 45,000 participants from July 1, 2012, through September 30, 2012, and 54,000 participants from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014. Participants may receive up to 12 months of assistance equal to the monthly full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill–Active Duty program (currently $1,473 per month). DOL will offer employment assistance to every Veteran who participates upon completion of the program. Participants must be enrolled in a VA approved program of education offered by a community college or technical school. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree, or a Certificate, and train the Veteran for a high demand occupation. High Demand Jobs VRAP will provide training for programs of education that lead to a high demand occupation, as determined by the Department of Labor. Click here to see a listing of high demand occupations. VRAP Applications Are Open We are accepting VRAP applications now. Please visit eBenefits to apply. Remember, to complete the application, you will need to know your direct deposit information (bank routing number and account number), the name and location of your school, the program you wish to pursue, and the applicable high demand occupation
