Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment VetSuccess Program - Chapter 31

Active Duty Service Members are eligible if they:

• Expect to receive an honorable discharge upon separation from active duty
• Obtain a memorandum rating of 20 percent or more from the VA
• Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess services

Veterans are eligible if they:

• Have received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable
• Have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10 percent, or a memorandum rating of 20 percent or more from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)
• Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess services

Basic period of eligibility

The basic period of eligibility in which VR&E VetSuccess services may be used is 12 years from the latter of the following:

• Date of separation from active military service, or
• Date the veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected disability rating.

The basic period of eligibility may be extended if a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) determines that a Veteran has a Serious Employment Handicap.

Process before Enrolling in Franklin:

A veteran who is eligible for an evaluation under Chapter 31 must first apply for services and receive an appointment with a vocational rehabilitation counselor (VRC). The VRC will work with the veteran to determine if an employment handicap exists as a result of his or her service connected disability. If an employment handicap is established and the veteran is found entitled to services. The VRC and the veteran will continue counseling to select a track of services and jointly develop a plan to address the veteran's rehabilitation and employment needs.
 
The rehabilitation plan will specify an employment or independent living goal, identify intermediate goals, and outline services and resources that VA will provide to assist the veteran to achieve his/her goals. The VRC and the veteran will work together to implement the plan to assist the veteran to achieve his or her employment and/or independent living goals.
 
If a veteran is found not to be entitled to services, the VRC will help him/her locate other resources to address any rehabilitation and employment needs identified during the evaluation. Referral to other resources may include state vocational rehabilitation programs; Department of Labor employment programs for disabled veterans; state, federal or local agencies providing services for employment or small business development; internet-based resources for rehabilitation and employment; and information about applying for financial aid.

Application Process at Franklin:

1. Have your vocational rehabilitation counselor (VRC) submit a copy of your 28-1905.
2. Notify Franklin’s Office of Military & Veteran Affairs once you are registered for classes.
3. Franklin’s Office of Military & Veteran Affairs will submit a Certification to your assigned VRC.
4. Request a book voucher from Franklin’s Office of Military & Veteran Affairs 3 weeks prior to your first class.

• If you are local, you can pick the voucher up at the Welcome Center for Student Services.
• If you are not local, we will mail your books to you.

5. Notify Franklin’s Office of Military & Veteran Affairs of any schedule changes that may occur immediately.