One of the difficulties that Veterans face after overcoming the challenges and stresses of combat is re-integrating themselves into civilian society. The Department of Veterans Affairs, through the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program, strives to help Veterans with service-connected disabilities to “prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs,” as articulated on their website. If the service-connected disability of the Veteran is too severe, such that working was not immediately possible, the VetSuccess program will help the Veteran improve their ability to live as independently as they could.

Services Offered

The VR&E VetSuccess Program offer the following services, based on the information on their website:

• Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills, and interests for employment
• Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning for employment services
• Employment services such as job-training, job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness assistance
• Assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives and job accommodations
• On the Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and non-paid work experiences
• Post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school
• Supportive rehabilitation services including case management, counseling, and medical referrals
• Independent living services for Veterans unable to work due to the severity of their disabilities

Eligibility

Both active duty service members and Veterans are eligible to avail of VR&E VetSuccess services.

Active duty service members are eligible if they expect to be honorably discharged, have a memorandum rating from the VA of at least 20%, and apply for VR&E VetSuccess services. Veterans need to have been honorably discharged, apply for VR&E VetSuccess services, and have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%, or a memorandum rating of 20% or more from the VA.