Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Building icon
The .gov means it's official
Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser’s address (or “location”) bar.
Lock icon
This site is also protected by an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that’s been signed by the U.S. government. The https:// means all transmitted data is encrypted — in other words, any information or browsing history that you provide is transmitted securely.

Veteran Readiness and Employment Services for Veterans with Disabilities


Veteran Readiness and Employment Services for Veterans with Disabilities (VR&E) is an employment-oriented program that helps transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap to prepare for, obtain and maintain suitable employment. Services may include employment assistance, short or long-term training, purchase of required supplies and equipment, and on-the-job training.

For Servicemembers and Veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities so severe that they may not be able to work, the program offers services to improve their ability to live independently to the maximum extent possible in their homes and community. The support these Veterans are provided may eventually enable them to return to work.

VR&E utilizes the five tracks to employment model in the provision of services. These tracks are:

  • Reemployment
  • Rapid Access to Employment
  • Self-Employment
  • Independent Living Services
  • Employment through Long-Term Services

Veteran Readiness and Employment Services for Veterans with Disabilities (VR&E) is an employment-oriented program that helps transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap to prepare for, obtain and maintain suitable employment. Services may include employment assistance, short or long-term training, purchase of required supplies and equipment, and on-the-job training.

For Servicemembers and Veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities so severe that they may not be able to work, the program offers services to improve their ability to live independently to the maximum extent possible in their homes and community. The support these Veterans are provided may eventually enable them to return to work.

VR&E utilizes the five tracks to employment model in the provision of services. These tracks are:

  • Reemployment
  • Rapid Access to Employment
  • Self-Employment
  • Independent Living Services
  • Employment through Long-Term Services


To receive the benefits from this program, you must meet one of the following criteria:

  • A Veteran with a combined service-connected disability (SCD) rating of at least 20 percent or higher and meets the criteria for an employment handicap;
  • A Veteran with a combined SCD rating of 10 percent and meets the criteria for a serious employment handicap;
  • A Servicemember who is awaiting discharge due to a medical condition resulting from a serious injury or illness from active duty. (Automatic entitlement is based on documentation from military service and not based on a VA disability rating or memorandum rating.); or
  • A Servicemember who is awaiting discharge, has obtained a VA memorandum rating of 20 percent or more, and expects to receive an honorable discharge upon separation from active duty.

Note: A Veteran’s character of discharge must be other than dishonorable discharge or release. Other than dishonorable discharge include general discharge, honorable discharge, and under honorable conditions.

Reservists and National Guard members who are activated for Federal service or who are disabled while on training status are considered Veterans.

Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members, and Veterans, once discharged.


The quickest way is to apply online at va.gov and click on Veteran Readiness and Employment. You may also submit a completed application (VAF 28-1900) at the local VA regional or out based office or mail the completed application to the closest regional office.


For more information, visit the Veteran Benefits Administration (VBA) Fact Sheet page or the VR&E homepage.

If you have any questions, visit the Ask VA (AVA) website to ask a question electronically.

To apply for VA benefits and services, view your benefit status, and many more services go to www.va.gov and either logon with your eBenefits sign on or use www.Logon.gov to enroll. VA.gov is a one-stop source for information on Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and services. Veterans, service members and their family members can conduct self-service transactions such as checking compensation and pension claim status information, enrolling in GI Bill, and obtaining copies of civil service preference letters, military records (DD214), and other personal information. For further information visit the VA.gov website.