Government solutions · Veterans

Veterans Readiness & Employment (VR&E)

If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, Veteran Readiness and Employment — formerly Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, also known as Chapter 31 — can help. ATA delivers leading-edge cyber, IT and project-management training and certifications for VR&E participants.

Chapter 31VR&E benefit
10%+VA disability rating
VRCcounselor guided
Careeroutcome focused
What VR&E is · who's eligible

Chapter 31, built around your career outcome

The VR&E program empowers transitioning service members and Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for and obtain meaningful employment. It helps you explore employment options and address education and training needs — and in some cases, your family members may also qualify for certain benefits.

Eligibility

Veterans (discharged)

  • Must not have received a dishonorable discharge
  • VA service-connected disability rating of at least 10%
  • Applying triggers an evaluation by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to determine entitlement
Eligibility

Active-duty service members

  • 20% or higher pre-discharge (memorandum) disability rating and impending discharge
  • Or awaiting discharge due to a severe active-duty illness or injury
  • Severely injured active-duty members can receive benefits before a VA rating
  • Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) enables disability claims 180–90 days before discharge
Also using the Post-9/11 GI Bill®? See our VA GI Bill page for Chapter 33 and Chapter 35 benefit paths.
Time limits for discharged Veterans

When you can use VR&E

Your discharge date determines whether an eligibility window applies. A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) confirms your entitlement when you apply.

Check eligibility on VA.gov

Discharged before Jan 1, 2013 12-year basic eligibility period, starting from the later of your separation notice or first VA disability rating. May be extended with a Serious Employment Handicap (SEH) finding.
Discharged on or after Jan 1, 2013 No time limit on eligibility.
How it works · 4-step process

From counselor to certified to employed

Meet your counselor

Build your employment plan with your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC).

Select training

Choose an approved ATA certification track that fits the plan.

VA authorizes

Your VRC authorizes the training with ATA.

Train toward employment

Complete training and certification on the path to employment.

Ready to start? Apply on the official VA VR&E application page.

Reimbursement

Get reimbursed for tests & prep courses

Need reimbursement for licenses, certifications or prep courses? Download the proper VA form below — both are submitted after you've taken the test.

VA Form 22-0803

Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test Fees

For license or certification tests: print and complete the form after you've taken the test, then send it to the Regional Processing Office for your region listed in the form.

Get VA Form 22-0803 →

VA Form 22-10272

Reimbursement of Prep Course for Licensing or Certification Test

For prep courses: print and complete the form after you've taken the test, then send it to the Regional Processing Office for your region listed in the form.

Get VA Form 22-10272 →

Engage with us

Tell us about your training goals

Complete the form and a training advisor will follow up — or call 800.674.3550.

Ready to use your VR&E benefit?

A training advisor will help you align certification training with your VRC-approved employment plan.

Request a Quote Call 800.674.3550