Veteran Trade School
Step-by-Step // VR&E Chapter 31

How to Use VR&E
for Training.

VR&E runs through your counselor and an approved plan. This plain-language guide walks through the general path from application to starting training.
The short version: apply at va.gov, complete orientation and assessment, build a rehabilitation plan with your counselor, get training approved, then coordinate enrollment. Your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and the VA drive plan approval — the school provides program details.
The Process // VR&E

Five Steps From
Apply to Enroll.

Each step is general guidance. Your eligibility, plan, and timing are determined by the VA and your counselor.

  1. 01

    Apply for VR&E at VA.gov

    Submit your VR&E application through va.gov. The VA reviews your service-connected disability and employment situation to determine eligibility and entitlement.

  2. 02

    Complete Your Orientation & Assessment

    Once found eligible, you complete an orientation and assessment that helps identify suitable employment directions with your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC).

  3. 03

    Develop Your Rehabilitation Plan

    You and your VRC build a plan around a suitable career goal. If a hands-on trade like automotive reconditioning fits that goal, training can be written into the plan.

  4. 04

    Get Your Training Approved

    Your VRC and the VA approve the specifics. Bring program information from the school so your counselor can evaluate whether it fits your plan.

  5. 05

    Coordinate Enrollment With the School

    With an approved plan, work with school admissions to align your start date and any paperwork with the steps your counselor outlines.

This guide is informational and is not benefits or legal advice. Confirm VR&E eligibility, entitlement, and plan details with the VA at va.gov.

How-To // Field Questions

VR&E Process
Questions.

Practical questions about the steps to using VR&E. For anything official, work with your counselor and the VA.

Apply through va.gov. If you are found eligible, you are assigned a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor who guides you through the rest of the process.

Very. Your VRC helps determine suitable employment goals and whether a specific training program fits your plan. Plan approval runs through the counselor and the VA, not the school.

Yes. Many veterans research programs and bring information to their VRC. We can provide reconditioning program details you can share during your plan discussion.

For approved plans, VR&E is designed to cover approved training costs and may provide a subsistence allowance. Actual coverage depends on your plan and is determined by the VA.

Keep Reading // Related

Related Veteran Resources

Benefit Page

VR&E Chapter 31 for Trade Training

The full overview of Veteran Readiness and Employment and how it may support reconditioning training.

Compare

GI Bill vs VR&E Benefits

Not sure which benefit applies? Compare the Post-9/11 GI Bill and VR&E side by side.

Next Step

Learn More

Ready to move forward? Get the program details for your plan conversation.

Veteran Benefits // Get Oriented

Get Program Details
for Your Plan.

Talk with admissions so you have the reconditioning program information your VR&E counselor needs to evaluate fit.

Talk to AdmissionsVR&E Overview