Eligibility for Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly Voc Rehab)

You’re eligible to apply for VR&E (formerly Voc Rehab) benefits and services if you meet both of these requirements: 

All of these must be true:

• You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, and
• You have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from the VA

When we receive your VR&E application, we’ll schedule your initial evaluation with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). The VRC will determine if you can receive VR&E benefits and services.  

If you were discharged from active duty before January 1, 2013, your basic period of eligibility ends 12 years from one of these dates, whichever comes later:

• The date you received notice of your date of separation from active duty or
• The date you received your first VA service-connected disability rating

The basic eligibility period may be extended if a VRC finds that you have a serious employment handicap (SEH). Having an SEH means your service-connected disability significantly limits your ability to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment (a job that doesn’t make your disability worse, is stable, and matches your abilities, aptitudes, and interests).

If you were discharged from active duty on or after January 1, 2013, the 12-year basic eligibility period doesn’t apply to you. There’s no time limit on your eligibility.

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