Most of the discussion around educational benefits centers on traditional college tracks and the Chapter 30 (Montgomery) and Chapter 33 (Post 9/11) GI Bill options. However, these benefits can apply to almost any kind of education - professional or academic in nature. You can use the GI Bill for test fees, non-college degree programs like EMT training or CDL school, flight training, apprenticeships and on-the-job training, and countless other opportunities.
Beyond the GI Bill, however, is another educational/occupational benefit found in 38 USC § 3100 (Chapter 31) - the VR&E Program. (The VRE program was originally the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, and has recently been rebranded at the Veterans Readiness and Employment Program). Chapter 31 benefits help veterans with service-connected disabilities and employment handicaps prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. This initiative includes "helping veteran entrepreneurs or those too disabled to maintain conventional employment develop and become self-employment business owners." For disabilities that substantially impact the ability to work, Chapter 31 benefits provide for an Independent Living Program.
The simplified process is as follows: apply for Chapter 31 benefits; attend an orientation explaining the program (~ 4 hours); meet with a counselor to establish entitlement to the benefits; draft a plan for your education/vocational training and target employment in a particular sector; execute the plan.
If your GI Bill benefits are exhausted/forfeited/otherwise unavailable, Chapter 31 allows you to attend school and receive either a VR&E Stipend or the GI Bill stipend (basic allowance for housing based upon your school/program's zip code). Veterans participating in VA’s VR&E Program who elect the GI Bill rate are paid at the 100% rate level for their school and training time, even if their GI Bill eligibility is less than 100%. Additional benefits are also available through the VR&E program, such as payment of all required books, fees and supplies as well as other supportive services.
In speaking with a local Veteran's Service Officer (VSO), I learned that veterans of every period of service from the Korean War up to present are regularly enrolled in the Chapter 31 benefit program. The VR&E program provides an intensive, one on one opportunity to dial in on a particular career and get after it with financial and institutional support.
Eligibility for veterans focuses on three predominant factors:
1. Have a disability rating of at least 10%
2. Have a discharge that is not “dishonorable”
3. Apply for the benefits you seek
For Active Duty servicemembers, the factors considered are:
1. Expect to receive an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge upon separation
2. Obtain a memorandum rating of 20% or more from the VA
3. Apply for VR&E services
If you think you qualify for the VR&E program, reach out to your nearest VSO or VA Clinic/Hospital to speak to a representative about applying and determining entitlement.
38 U.S. Code § 3100 states the following: The purposes of this chapter are to provide for all services and assistance necessary to enable veterans with service-connected disabilities to achieve maximum independence in daily living and, to the maximum extent feasible, to become employable and to obtain and maintain suitable employment.
Great post John. VRE is an excellent option for those who plan on pursuing graduate school or exhaust their GI Bill