Vocational Rehabilitation

1. Vocational Rehabilitation Texas Veterans Commission Fall Conference 2009

2. Overview Eligibility Requirements Types of Counseling/Training Application and Process Payments Effects on Unemployability Ancillary Benefits

3. Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for Voc Rehab a Veteran must meet ALL of the following: Have a combined 20% Compensable Disability Rating as a result of service since 16 September 1940, and Two exceptions to this rule Veterans who have a serious employment handicap need only be rated 10% Those who filed and were found eligible before 1 Nov 1990 may continue or reapply

4. Eligibility Requirements (cont.) Have received, or going to receive, a other-than-dishonorable discharge, and Need services because of a serious employment handicap, and The service-connected disability must be the principal cause for the handicap

5. Eligibility Requirements (cont.) Be within the period of eligibility Must normally complete the program within 12 years of receiving a rating of disability from the VA Extensions may be granted if Voc Rehab determines that conditions prevent the Veteran from completing within the 12 years.

6. Types of Counseling/Training Counseling/Training currently available: Job Counseling Job Placement College or University Training Vocational Training

7. Types of Counseling/Training (cont.) Apprenticeship/On-the-Job Training On-Farm Training Independent Living Services Under special circumstances, training in a rehabilitation facility, sheltered workshop, or the Veteran�s home is available

8. Types of Counseling/Training (cont.) Employment Services Assistance Services Include: Counseling Medical Social Other Placement Post-Placement These services are meant to assist the Veteran in obtaining and maintaining employment

9. Types of Counseling/Training (cont.) Self-employment May be considered if normal channels is limited because of their disability Nonpaid work experience Veteran receives pay by way of subsistence allowance, this is paid through the Voc Rehab program Veteran can also receive pay from the agency of which they are working

10. Application and Process Flow VA Form 28-1900, �Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation� This is the basic application for benefits. Once the Veteran applies for benefits the Veteran Rehab Specialist will assist them in completing any other necessary forms.

11. Application and Process Flow (cont.) Process Flow VA receives the Veterans application Adjudication determines eligibility Once eligibility is established the file is then transferred to the Vocational Rehabilitation division If the Veteran is rated 20% or greater then they will be contacted for diagnostic testing

12. Application and Process Flow (cont.) Process Flow (cont.) If the Veteran is rated 10% then the VA will have to make a determination if that rating presents a serious handicap Next, the Veteran will go through diagnostic testing to determine a course of action for the Veteran to receive the most-suited benefits As with any VA decision if the Veteran is denied benefits they can appeal the decision

13. Payments Option 1: Receive payments for training and monthly subsistence allowance VA Pays all training expenses to include tuition, fees, books, and supplies Option 2: Veteran uses another education program Only applies if the Veteran is eligible for any other Education Programs Veteran would receive the entitlement and then pay for their own expenses

14. Effects on Unemployable Rating Although a rating of Individual Unemployability (IU) has been established the Veteran can still be eligible for Voc Rehab If employment is obtained; the job must last 12 consecutive months before it will effect the IU rating

15. Ancillary Benefits Other benefits available to Voc Rehab students: Tutorial Services Revolving Fund Loans Employment Adjustment Allowance Voc Rehab for VA Pensioners

16. Ancillary Benefits (cont.) Tutorial Services If the Veteran needs assistance for tutorial needs the VA must complete a contract with the provider of the service VA does NOT reimburse the Veteran for tutoring charges

17. Ancillary Benefits (cont.) Revolving Fund Loans (RFL) Provide a short-term relief (up to $600) for Veterans receiving Chapter 31 benefits who incur financial emergencies If a Veteran has a RFL they cannot obtain another until the original loan is repaid RFL is repaid by automatic deductions from the monthly Compensation check

18. Ancillary Benefits (cont.) Employment Adjustment Allowance Entitlement to 2 additional months of subsistence allowance at the full-time rate while the Veteran is seeking employment Can be paid even if the Veteran is already employed

19. Ancillary Benefits (cont.) Voc Rehab for Pensioners Veteran must have started receiving Pension PRIOR to 31 December 1995 Veteran continues to receive Pension while receiving training

20. Review Eligibility Requirements Types of Counseling/Training Application and Process Payments Effects on Unemployability Ancillary Benefits

21. Questions