Voc Rehab OJT Program (Apprenticeship)

[shawn55]

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

Edited January 31, 2019 by shawn55

[broncovet]

What is your disability for?  Many times, Vets with 100 percent (or tdiu) arent eligible for Voc Rehab because that is a conflict with the criteria for 100 percent (mental health) or TDIU.  

The 100 percent criteria for mental health states that you have "total occupational and social impairment".  That is in conflict with going through Voc rehab to get a job.  

If you are SC for things OTHER than mental or tdiu, then this would not apply.  

Of course, you can appeal...its not all that unusual for VA to "make stuff up" when denying you.  Did you check the written criteria for your program?  If not, you should do so. 

The VA has to rate us "on the criteria", and can't deny us because we have purple hair and ride a yellow motorcycle.  

Generally for 100 percent Vets, most Vet advocates would instead recommend ILP, the indepentdent living program.  This is NOT to try to get you working, but to make your life better.  

My advice is to compare the reasons they denied you with the applicable criteria (you will have to look that up yourself, it sounds like that wont be that hard for you).  If the reasons for denial have little to do with the criteria, certainly you have a bases for appeal.  

Remember, "just because" you have 100 percent does not mean you cant work or get voc rehab.  A great example is the late Senator John McCain who was 100 percent.  Also, another high profile person who is 100 percent in a high profile job is Senator Tammy Duckworth.  Tammy is a 100 percent disabled Vet, who worked for VA, and is now a Senator.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tammy_Duckworth