V ocational Rehabilitation and Employment for veterans (VR&E) is an entitlement program that provides job training and related services "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." The program is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For severely disabled veterans for whom employment is not possible, the program strives to help them achieve the highest quality of independent living possible with a future chance of employment, given medical and technological advances. The VR&E program is administered by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) within the VA.

		Financing and Costs

VR&E costs are divided between mandatory and discretionary spending. Costs for these activities in FY2016 were $1.315 billion. To be eligible for VR&E services, a veteran must
have served on or after September 16, 1940; have received, or will receive, a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable; and have a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more. An applicant is entitled to VR&E services if the evaluation finds that he or she has
a service-connected disability rated at 20% or more and an employment handicap; or a service-connected disability rated at 10% and a serious employment handicap. Case Management and Rehabilitation Planning

After a veteran is found to be entitled to VR&E services, a case manager is assigned to work with the veteran. The required services may be provided by the VRC or the case manager may provide referrals for other services. If necessary, a veteran may change tracks while enrolled in the VR&E program. Reemployment Track

The Reemployment Track is for veterans who wish to return to work with their previous employers. Rapid Access to Employment Track

The Rapid Access to Employment Track emphasizes the goal of immediate employment and is available to separating veterans who already have the skills necessary to compete in the job market in suitable occupations. Employment through Long-Term Services Track

This track targets veterans who need long-term employment training to prepare them for suitable employment. This limit is waived for veterans who have been adversely affected by a natural or other disaster, as determined by the VA.
IL programs for veterans are typically limited to 24 months. Veterans who are only receiving (1) initial evaluation, (2) placement or postplacement services, and (3) counseling from the VR&E program are not eligible for a subsistence allowance, nor are veterans who are enrolled in a training program less than half-time.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment for veterans (VR&E) is an entitlement program that provides job training and other employment-related services to veterans with service-connected disabilities. In cases where a disabled veteran is not able to work, the VR&E program provides independent living (IL) services to help the veteran achieve the highest possible quality of life. The VR&E program is administered by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
To be entitled to VR&E services, a veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and be found to have either (1) a service-connected disability rated at 20% or more and an employment handicap, or (2) a service-connected disability rated at 10% and a serious employment handicap. After a veteran is found to be entitled to VR&E, a vocational rehabilitation counselor helps the veteran identify a suitable employment goal and determine what services will be necessary to achieve that goal. The veteran is then assigned to one of five reemployment tracks:
Reemployment for veterans who wish to return to work they held prior to their military service; Rapid Access to Employment for veterans who already have the skills necessary to compete in the job market and only need short-term services such as job search assistance; Employment through Long-Term Services for veterans who require postsecondary or vocational training to reach their employment goals; Self-employment for veterans who have the skills to start businesses; or Independent Living for veterans for whom employment is not a viable goal.
Veterans may change tracks if a disability worsens or if their employment objective changes. Services may be provided by the VA, though they are more frequently purchased from an outside provider.
VR&E benefits are typically limited to 48 months, though the benefit period can be extended under certain circumstances. In most cases, veterans are entitled to a subsistence allowance while they are enrolled in an education or training program.
In FY2016, approximately 29,340 veterans developed a new plan of service with VR&E and 11,531 veterans completed rehabilitation. In FY2016, costs for mandatory VR&E benefits were approximately $1.3 billion. Discretionary support services and other administrative costs were approximately $218 million.