Well I have been approved for Voc Rehab. I will be starting online course at the end of october. The counselor mentioned a "Plan" that will be sent to the school. He didn't mention anything else. What is this plan? Also, what are my chances of getting a laptop computer?

Hi SullyCTO5,
This is ElectricSoldier, that's my username. I guess we’ll work with it for now until I see what happen here. Anyway this is my first time on Military.com, so bare with me if I'm in the wrong place. Here's what I'm looking for. I am a disable veteran. Time severed, May 17, 1979 until August 1981. Branch severed in USMC. Discharged Medical Under Honorably Conditions.

Here’s the deal, I’ve been trying to get back in school, going threw the VOC Rehab program. The first time I applied, there was no problems. I went to school completed the courses, and got the completion certificate for the school. But there was a second part to the schooling which was the certification test. Take this test and presto, If you past, you are a certified Technician. Let me get threw some of the chase. Upon finishing this school the VA sent me to, I did not have the confidence that I could past this certification test. Plus I had to come out of my pocket for the cost of the test. So I got the Security job so I could get the money to take the test. Here is where the pressure comes in. Once I got the job, the hours added up to where I didn’t have the time to get back to the schooling. But as life would have it, two and a half years later, the job ended and now I have no proof that I can build and network computers.
Let’s get to the part were I’m seeking help, advice or any aid I can get. After the job end, I went back to the VOC Rehab and ask the counselor to send me back to school. And she tells me, that I don’t have enough time left. She even tells me that she was considering closing my case.

What I need to know, Whom can I contact that is above the Voc. Rehab Counselor that would aid me in a refresher course or high education. Any information you could or would provide would most defiantly be appreciated.

quote:

Originally posted by SullyCT05:
Well I have been approved for Voc Rehab. I will be starting online course at the end of october. The counselor mentioned a "Plan" that will be sent to the school. He didn't mention anything else. What is this plan? Also, what are my chances of getting a laptop computer?

****

If you are taking online courses, it would sem mandatory to have a computer. Have you asked your counselor?

§21.212 General policy in furnishing supplies during periods of rehabilitation.

(a) Furnishing necessary supplies during a period of rehabilitation services. A veteran will be furnished supplies that are necessary for a program of rehabilitation services. For example, a veteran training in a school will be furnished the supplies needed to pursue the school course. If additional supplies are subsequently needed to secure employment, they will be furnished during the period of employment services as provided in §21.214(d).

(b) Determining supplies needed during a period of rehabilitation. Subject to the provisions of §§21.210 through 21.222, VA will authorize only those supplies which are required:

(1) To be used by similarly circumstanced non-disabled persons in the same training or employment situation;

(2) To mitigate or compensate for the effects of the veteran’s disability while he or she is being evaluated, trained or assisted in gaining employment; or

(3) To allow the veteran to function more independently and thereby lessen his or her dependence on others for assistance.

You should read: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookg.html


****

What Happens after the Entitlement Determination is Made?

The veteran and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VR&E) work together to:

* select a VR&E program track leading to an employment or independent living goal
* identify viable employment or independent living services options
* Determine transferable skills
* explore labor market and wage information
* identify physical demands and other job characteristics
* narrow vocational options to identify a suitable employment goal
* investigate training requirements
* identify resources needed to achieve rehabilitation
* develop an individualized rehabilitation plan to achieve the identified employment or independent living goal

What is a Rehabilitation Plan?

A rehabilitation plan is an individualized, written outline of the services, resources and criteria that will be used to achieve successful rehabilitation. It is an agreement that is signed by the veteran and the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)and is reviewed annually to determine whether any changes may be needed.

Depending on their circumstances, veterans will work with their VRC to select one of the following Five Tracks of services (see definitions for more detail):

* Reemployment (with a former employer
* Rapid employment services for new employment
* Self-employment
* Employment through long term services
* Independent living services

What Happens after the Rehabilitation Plan is Developed?

After a plan is developed and signed, a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) or case manager will continue to work with the veteran to implement the plan to achieve suitable employment or independent living. The VRC or case manager may coordinate services such as tutorial assistance, training in job-seeking skills, medical and dental referrals, adjustment counseling, payment of training allowance, if applicable, and other services as required to achieve rehabilitation.

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/vrs.htm

quote:

Originally posted by ElectricSoldier:
Hi SullyCTO5,
This is ElectricSoldier, that's my username. I guess we’ll work with it for now until I see what happen here. Anyway this is my first time on Military.com, so bare with me if I'm in the wrong place. Here's what I'm looking for. I am a disable veteran. Time severed, May 17, 1979 until August 1981. Branch severed in USMC. Discharged Medical Under Honorably Conditions.

Here’s the deal, I’ve been trying to get back in school, going threw the VOC Rehab program. The first time I applied, there was no problems. I went to school completed the courses, and got the completion certificate for the school. But there was a second part to the schooling which was the certification test. Take this test and presto, If you past, you are a certified Technician. Let me get threw some of the chase. Upon finishing this school the VA sent me to, I did not have the confidence that I could past this certification test. Plus I had to come out of my pocket for the cost of the test. So I got the Security job so I could get the money to take the test. Here is where the pressure comes in. Once I got the job, the hours added up to where I didn’t have the time to get back to the schooling. But as life would have it, two and a half years later, the job ended and now I have no proof that I can build and network computers.
Let’s get to the part were I’m seeking help, advice or any aid I can get. After the job end, I went back to the VOC Rehab and ask the counselor to send me back to school. And she tells me, that I don’t have enough time left. She even tells me that she was considering closing my case.

What I need to know, Whom can I contact that is above the Voc. Rehab Counselor that would aid me in a refresher course or high education. Any information you could or would provide would most defiantly be appreciated.

* * * *

VocRehab should have paid for the certification test.

* * * *

§21.274 Revolving fund loan.

(a) Establishment of revolving fund loan. A revolving fund is established to provide advances to veterans who would otherwise be unable to begin or continue in a rehabilitation program without such assistance.

(b) Definition. The term advance means a non-interest loan from the revolving fund.

(c) Eligibility. A veteran is eligible for an advance if the following conditions are present:

(1) An Individualized Written Rehabilitation Plan, Individualized Extended Evaluation Plan, or Individualized Independent Living Plan has been prepared; and

(2) The veteran and VA staff agree on the terms and conditions of the plan.

(d) Advance conditions.

(1) An advance may be approved when the following conditions are met:

(i) The purpose of the advance is clearly and directly related to beginning, continuing, or reentering a rehabilitation program;

(ii) The veteran would otherwise be unable to begin, continue or reenter his or her rehabilitation program;

(iii) The advance does not exceed either the amount needed, or twice the monthly subsistence allowance for a veteran without dependents in full-time institutional training; and

(iv) The veteran has elected, or is in receipt of, subsistence allowance.

(2) An advance may not be made to a veteran who meets conditions described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section if the veteran:

(i) Has not fully repaid an advance;

(ii) Does not agree to the terms and conditions for repayment; or

(iii) Will not be eligible in the future for payments of pension, compensation, subsistence allowance, educational assistance, or retired pay.



(e) Determination of the amount of the advance.

(1) If the conditions described in paragraphs (c) and (d)(2) of this section are met, a counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation specialist in the VR&E Division will:

(i) Document the findings; and

(ii) Determine the amount of the advance.

(2) Loans will be made in multiples of $10.

(f) Repayment:

(1) Offset possible. The amount advanced will be repaid in monthly installments from future VA payments for compensation, pension, subsistence allowance, educational assistance allowance or retired pay.

(i) Repayment will begin on the earlier of the following dates:

(A) The first day of the month following the month in which the advance is granted; or

(B) The first day of the month after receipt of the advance in which the veteran receives a subsistence allowance

(ii) The VR&E staff person who approves the advance will determine the rate of repayment.

(iii) The monthly rate of repayment may not be less than 10 percent of the amount advanced unless the monthly benefit against which the advance is being offset is less than that amount.

(2) Offset not possible. If the amount advanced cannot be repaid from the benefits cited in paragraph (f)(1) of this section because the veteran is not in receipt of any of these benefits, collection of the amount due will be made in the same manner as any other debt payable to VA. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3112)


[49 FR 40814, Oct. 18, 1984, as amended at 66 FR 44053, Aug. 22, 2001]

I found when I was enrolled in Voc rehab that it was a bunch of BS. I had a counselor here Missouri and all he wanted to do is to send me to some local office that helps people look for jobs and tells you to much sure you take a shower and comb your before an interview. I told this punk I wanted to go back to college and get Education degree. He gave this song and dance that since I had a college degree he wouldn’t send me back. After fighting with this dude for about 6months of wasted time and writing letters to his superior, he agreed to basically pay for me to go back and my Master degree. Almost a year had gone by, and I lost interest. I am thinking about reapplying. I had to remind this cat that he worked for us the Veterans and that is the reason he was employed with DVA. Don’t let these two-bit punks push you around!

Bodybag,

I feel for you. Voc Rehab is a bunch of BS. I applied two years ago and was accepted into the program,yet they would not let me attend an online school that was approved by the VA. I spent six months arguing back and forth as well as having it out with the regional supervisor.

I reapplied last year and was denied since I hold down a civilian job. The regional office wants a letter from my physician that states I can no longer do my job. I already have that in my military records since I can no longer so what I was trained to do in the military. (the reason I was approved last time). My question is, where does it state in the CFR that I can't hold down a job while under this program? I do possess an "employment handicap" due to my lack of education. (that is in the CFR as an employment hadicap.) I am also 40% disabled and work through my aches and pains daily (I fell out of an airplane in 1999; not that far off the ground, but far enough to end my career). It seems so easy to apply for this benefit, but in reality it is a joke. The stops they put in front of you makes it so hard to even get through to step 2. Applying is step 1. The so called "case managers" are so idiotic and want you to jump through hoops and once you do and get them what they need, they want more, then more then more. It is a frustrating, never ending ferris wheel of buruecracy. All I wanted was what I am entitled to and have never got it. 26 years in and not even a gold watch!! No GI Bill (thank you selective service) and not even a good reason why I can't get reinstated into the program!

I have been through the program. They pushed me once to change schools. Case managers develop plans with you to achieve a new career that compensates for your disability.

I was in the program before online schools. The VA standards for Voc Rehab may be stricter than GI bill. Also, you must follow a program that meets your joint plan. When I fought the case manager, short term I won, but long term I lost graduate school. It took years to realize it.

I just got done with the whole VOC rehab merry go round and I start college monday. They are sending me for a degree.

The problem from what I see on this board is that the case managers have alot of power and each region runs the program how they feel it should be implmented.

The other issue seems to be that there is very little in the way of advice online for the vets. There are tons of dicussion threads online concerning C&P and other benefits.

I was fortunate to have a few veterans in my area who knew the program, and the case managers in my region, that gave me excellent advice.

Honestly the Voc Rehab people were alot easier to deal with then my state's dept of labor. And the hoops are the same, no matter if you are dealing with the state vocational rehab/ employment people or the VA. The difference is that the VA will actually spend money once you get past the merry go round, the state will not. Or they will make you beg every semester for crumbs.

and my case manager said no laptop or computer. she told me to save up my allowance for it. I think once my neurologist gives me a diagnosis for the nerve damage in my writing arm I will get one.

quote:

Originally posted by 15990687:
and my case manager said no laptop or computer. she told me to save up my allowance for it. I think once my neurologist gives me a diagnosis for the nerve damage in my writing arm I will get one.

Sec. 21.212 General policy in furnishing supplies during periods of
rehabilitation.

(a) Furnishing necessary supplies during a period of rehabilitation
services. A veteran will be furnished supplies that are necessary for a
program of rehabilitation services. For example, a veteran training in a
school will be furnished the supplies needed to pursue the school
course. If additional supplies are subsequently needed to secure
employment, they will be furnished during the period of employment
services as provided in Sec. 21.214(d).
(b) Determining supplies needed during a period of rehabilitation.
Subject to the provisions of Sec. Sec. 21.210 through 21.222, VA will
authorize only those supplies which are required:
(1) To be used by similarly circumstanced non-disabled persons in
the same training or employment situation;
(2) To mitigate or compensate for the effects of the veteran's
disability while he or she is being evaluated, trained or assisted in
gaining employment; or
(3) To allow the veteran to function more independently and thereby
lessen his or her dependence on others for assistance.
(c) When supplies may be authorized. Supplies should generally be
authorized subsequent to the date of enrollment in training or beginning
date of other rehabilitation services unless there are compelling
reasons to authorize them earlier. Supplies may not be authorized
earlier than the date the veteran's rehabilitation plan is approved by
VA and the veteran is accepted by the facility or individual providing
services.
(d) Supplies needed, but not specifically required. VA may determine
that an item, such as a calculator, while not required by the school for
the pursuit of a particular school subject, is nevertheless necessary
for the veteran to successfully pursue his or her program under the
provisions of Sec. 21.156 pertaining to incidental goods and services.
The item may be authorized if:
(1) It is generally owned and used by students pursuing the course;
and
(2) Students who do not have the item would be placed at a distinct
disadvantage in pursuing the course.
(e) Supplies for special projects and theses. The amount of supplies
that VA may authorize for special projects, including theses, may not
exceed the amount generally needed by similarly circumstanced
nonveterans in meeting course or thesis requirements.

Look at D(2) The way I see it, if a majority of students come to class with laptops, you'er at a disadvantage. Besides, all student will probably use computers for their home work.

The response you will get is that the school has computers in the library and computer lab for you to use.

quote:

Originally posted by mcvikair:

Look at D(2) The way I see it, if a majority of students come to class with laptops, you'er at a disadvantage. Besides, all student will probably use computers for their home work.

I needed a computer for in class, so even if my school had a computer lab, it wouldn't have helped.

You should talk to someone above your counsler. I started getting my mechanic degree and because tools are more or less needed they foot the bill for $5000 in tools.
I guess I've been lucky I have never had any of the problems with the VA system that I hear about from other vets.

1599 and revrnd - What areas are you in?

Dave Barker (if you read this thread) - Do veteran services officers help vets out with getting voc rehab services??

Im in MN

I completed both my masters and doctorate (course work only, not dissertation) under Voc Rehab. The issue with all college based Voc Rehab is to extremely low success rate - people simply don't finish their rehabilitation program, keep trying to change schools and majors, fail core courses, etc.

Ten years ago Congress was considering eliminating all college based VA Voc Rehab.

Voc Rehab is not about allowing veterans to go to college -- that's a different program. Voc Rehab is about rehabilitation -- helping disabled veterans to prepare for re-entry into employment as fast as possible. If your plan requires college based education the deal is that you complete that education as quickly and cheaply as possible. That's your agreement with the American people who are paying the bill.

The more you screw around, dropping out, coming back, changing goals, etc. the less willing the VA is going to be to fund you. That's their deal with the American people.

quote:

Originally posted by revrnd:
You should talk to someone above your counsler. I started getting my mechanic degree and because tools are more or less needed they foot the bill for $5000 in tools.
I guess I've been lucky I have never had any of the problems with the VA system that I hear about from other vets.

In all seriousness, what VA Regional Office handles your claims? What part of the country do you live in?

Seriously, I might move there.

quote:

Originally posted by CWOMadMike:
Voc Rehab is not about allowing veterans to go to college -- that's a different program.

What program is it then? Most jobs that give you a pay good enough to live on require a degree, unless you have a tech back ground with many, many years of experience. Are you refering to the GI bill?

Can anyone tell me exactly what the "Subsistence Allowance" is for? Since I’m taking mainly distant learning classes, my counselor was reimbursing me for my internet cost. Now there telling me the "Subsistence Allowance" is what covers the cost of my internet service. However, I haven't been able to find a definition anywhere on what it covers.
Thanks

BAS/BAQ - Food and shelter.