Apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment
Chapter 31 provides individualized rehabilitation services for suitable work or, when appropriate, independent living.
Who this program may help
VA evaluates service-connected disability, employment needs and the applicable Veteran or service-member requirements.
Read official eligibility instructions1. Choose the Veteran or service-member instructions
Application instructions differ when you do not yet have a VA rating.
Use VA’s instructions for your rating and discharge situation.
Why this matters
A service-member memorandum process differs from a Veteran application.
Official action:
Read VA’s VR&E application instructionsVA determines the appropriate eligibility process.
Official references
2. Prepare the application documents
VA Form 28-1900 is the Veteran application.
For applicable active-duty cases, read the service-member notice and current VA instructions together.
Why this matters
The notice is not a substitute for every requested application document.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 28-1900 — Apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment
Veteran application or when required with the service-member notice
conditional - VA Form 28-0588 — Read the active-duty VR&E eligibility notice
Qualifying service-member application instructions
conditional
VA may arrange a disability memorandum when applicable.
Use the current application service
The linked active-duty notice is dated December 2000 and names a retired online service. Use the current VA VR&E application page for online filing and read the notice for its applicable eligibility information.
Official references
3. Submit the VR&E application
VR&E uses its own intake destination.
Apply online when available, mail the application, or bring it to a regional office.
Why this matters
A health clinic is not the Chapter 31 intake office.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 28-1900 — Apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment
For the paper Veteran application
alternative
Official action:
Continue to VA to apply for VR&EKeep submission confirmation and a copy.
VA arranges an initial counselor appointment.
Official references
4. Meet with the rehabilitation counselor
The counselor evaluates rehabilitation needs and entitlement.
Describe your education, work experience and limitations truthfully.
Why this matters
Eligibility to apply and entitlement to services are separate questions.
The counselor explains the entitlement decision and suitable options.
Official references
5. Develop and follow the agreed plan
An approved plan defines the services and goals.
If entitled, work with your counselor on the appropriate employment or independent-living plan.
Why this matters
The plan determines the services rather than a generic tuition promise.
Your counselor helps implement and review the plan.