Which Track Is Right for Me?

Reemployment With Previous Employer

This track is designed for those individuals separating from active duty or in the National Guard or Reserves and who are now returning to work for their previous employer.

What are some of the features of this track? A Rehabilitation Plan with the goal of Reemployment may involve job accommodations, job modification, case management, coordination and linkages of services with VA health care, reemployment rights advice, work adjustment services and consultation with the employer.

Rapid Access to Employment

Rapid access to employment is targeted to those individuals who have expressed a desire to seek employment soon after separation or who already have the necessary skills to be competitive in the job market in an appropriate occupation.

What are some of the features of this track? A Rehabilitation Plan with the goal of immediate employment may provide for job readiness preparation, resume development, job search assistance, development of employment resources, job accommodations and post employment follow-up.

Self-Employment

Self-employment is targeted to individuals who have limited access to traditional employment, need flexible work schedules, or who need a more accommodating work environment due to their disabling conditions or other life circumstances.

What are some of the features of this track? A Rehabilitation Plan with the goal of self-employment may provide for analysis of the viability of a business concept, development of the business plan, training in the operation of small businesses, marketing and financial assistance and guidance on obtaining adequate resources to implement the business plan.

Employment Through Long Term Services

Long Term Services are targeted to individuals who need specialized training and/or education to obtain and maintain suitable employment.

What are some of the features of this track? A Rehabilitation Plan with the goal of training and /or education may provide for on-the-job training (OJT), apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, work monitoring, work-study, public-private job partnering, or higher education sufficient to obtain suitable entry-level employment.

Independent Living Services

Independent living services are targeted to individuals who may not be able to work right now and need rehabilitation services to live more independently.

What are some of the features of this track? A Rehabilitation Plan with the goal of independent living may include assistive technology, independent living skills training, connection to community-based support services, etc.

What Other Benefits May Be Provided?

After a plan is developed, the counselor will assist the veteran to implement the plans to achieve gainful suitable employment or independent living. The counselor or case manager may provide medical and dental referrals, coordination of training allowance, tutorial assistance, adjustment counseling, or other services necessary to achieve rehabilitation

Summary

In summary, a veteran who is found eligible for the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program and who has an employment handicap is entitled to vocational rehabilitation services. Following the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor's determination that a veteran has met the entitlement criteria, the counselor and veteran will jointly develop a plan for a rehabilitation program with a goal typically leading toward employment. In some cases, the plan goal may be related to an independent living need. This plan will provide all of the needed services and assistance identified through the initial evaluation.

In those cases when a veteran is not found to be entitled, the VA Counselor will assist him or her to use the information gathered in the initial evaluation to identify other options, goals, and programs that should contribute to sound vocational adjustment, for example, referral to the State Vocational Rehabilitation program, information about financial aid, and referral to the Department of Labor's DVOP program.

Definitions

Employment Handicap

An impairment of the individual veteran's ability to prepare for, obtain, or retain employment consistent with his or her abilities, aptitudes, and interests. The impairment results in substantial part from a service-connected disability. For veterans rated at 20 percent or more, a finding of employment handicap results in a finding of "entitled."

Serious Employment Handicap (SEH)

A significant impairment of a veteran's ability to prepare for, obtain, or retain employment consistent with his or her abilities, aptitudes, and interests. The SEH results in substantial part from a service-connected disability. For veterans rated at 10 percent and for veterans whose 12-year period of basic eligibility has passed, the finding of an SEH is necessary to establish "entitlement."

Suitable Employment

Work that is within a veteran's physical and emotional capabilities and consistent with his or her pattern of abilities, aptitudes, and interests.

Transferable Skills

Reasonably developed skills, knowledge, and abilities attained through both training and experience (civilian and military) that relate to current employment opportunities in the labor market.