Eligibility for veteran readiness and employment | veterans affairs

IF I’M A VETERAN, AM I ELIGIBLE FOR VETERAN READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT? You’re eligible to apply for VR&E 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 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’re entitled to 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 period of eligibility 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

period of eligibility doesn’t apply to you. There’s no time limit on your eligibility. IF I’M STILL ON ACTIVE DUTY, AM I ELIGIBLE FOR VETERAN READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT? You may be eligible

for VR&E benefits and services if you’re a service member and you meet at least one of these requirements. AT LEAST ONE OF THESE MUST BE TRUE: * You have a 20% or higher pre-discharge

disability rating (memorandum rating) and will soon leave the military, OR * You’re waiting to be discharged because of a severe illness or injury that occurred while you were on active duty

Learn more about accessing VR&E services through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System NOTE: Severely injured active-duty service members can automatically receive VR&E

benefits before VA issues a disability rating. This is according to Sec. 1631(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act (PL 110-181). BENEFITS DELIVERY AT DISCHARGE (BDD): If you have an

illness or injury that you believe was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, you can file a claim for disability benefits through the BDD program 180 to 90 days before you leave

active duty. This may help speed up the claim decision process so you can get your benefits sooner. Learn more about BDD and what to do if you have less than 90 days left on active duty Go

to our video about BDD (YouTube)