Chapter 31:  Vocational Rehabilitation and
                 Employment Program

To receive an evaluation for vocational rehabilitation services, a service member must:
    • Be within 6 months of separation from active duty.
    • Have a Memorandum Rating of 20% or greater.
    • Apply for vocational rehabilitation services.
 
A veteran must:
    • Have received, or eventually receive, an honorable or other than dishonorable
      discharge.
    • Have a VA service-connected disability rating of 10% or more.
    • Apply for vocational rehabilitation services.
 
The law provides for a 12-year basic period of eligibility in which services may be used. 
The 12-year period begins on the date of separation from active military duty or the date
the veteran was first notified of a service-connected disability rating, whichever is later.
 
A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor will meet with the individual to complete a
Comprehensive Evaluation to determine the extent of the employment handicap.  After
an entitlement decision is made, the veteran and the counselor will work together to
develop a rehabilitation plan.  This is a written detailed outline of services provided under
the program and can include Reemployment, Rapid Access to Employment,
Self-Employment, Employment Through Long Term Services, and Independent Living.

How Do I Apply?

You can apply through the Internet by going to the VONAPP website at
http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp.

When you use this site to complete and send an application to VA, your application will be
sent directly to the VA office with jurisdiction over your application.  Processing will begin
and you will receive an automated response from the VA office letting you know that it
received your application. 
 
You may also pick up an official blank VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application
for Vocational Rehabilitation, at the TAMU-CC Veterans Affairs Office.

How is entitlement charged?

You’re charged one full day of entitlement for each day of full-time benefits paid.

What if you change enrollment?

If enrollment changes, whether you add a class, drop a class or withdraw completely,
you must notify the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Veterans Affairs Office
immediately at (361) 825-2331. This may change the amount of benefits you receive.
Also, you must notify the VA office if there are any changes in address or marital status.

Additional Information…
        • Break Pay is money you receive in between semesters or terms. The VA pays
           break pay unless one of the following restrictions precludes payment for the break.
                   o The break is more than 8 weeks.
                   o The term before or after the break is shorter than the break.
                   o Training time the last day of the preceding semester is less than 1⁄2 time.
                   o The student withdrew from all courses during the preceding semester.
                   o The student’s entitlement will exhaust and not paying the break is to the
                      student’s advantage.
                   o The student requests no pay for a break before payment is authorized.
                   o The student is on active duty.
   Veterans Semester Hours Classification

If you do not wish to receive break pay, you must notify the Veterans Affairs Office
at TAMUCC, as well as submit the request in writing to the VA Regional Processing Office.


Any other Questions?
Contact the TAMU-CC Veterans Affairs Office at (361) 825-2331
.