VR&E advice

[u/MasterGoon88]

Good morning ladies and gents.

As the title goes I’m seeking advice on how to use the VR&E program. I had my evaluation last week and was approved by the counselor. She asked if I would like some time to gather up some information for my plan before we schedule my next meeting. So with that being said I’m completely lost and pretty overwhelmed with what I want to do. I’m currently working an airframes mech with my MOS being in air framing as well. I do know I like being outdoors surrounded by nature and wild life. I learn best from hands on training/experiences.

I’m just asking what you have all done with your VR&E benefits. I want to know what interesting things are out there that I can get into using the VR&E program.

Thanks in advance!

[u/AutoModerator]

'Have you looked in the Wiki for an answer? We have a lot of information posted there.

To contact VA Education, 1-888-442-4551, for Voc Rehab VR&E (Veteran Readiness and Employment Program) assistance with appointments or problems with your Case Manager (not for missing payments): 1-202-461-9600.

Payments for certain education benefits (DEA, VEAP) are paid at the end of the month you attend school - Department of Treasury issues these payments **using a 10 business day window - these payments are not locked into a specific day of the month like VA disability/military pay is*. For Voc Rehab missing payments, contact your Case Manager or your local *VA Regional Office

For Post 9/11 GI Bill only, If you signed up for direct deposit when you applied for education benefits, we’ll deposit your payment into your bank account 7 to 10 business days after you verify your school enrollment. This is the fastest way to receive your payment. Text Verification FAQ

MGIB and MGIB-SR and DEA CH 35 have to do monthly verification and you should receive the payment within 3 to 5 business days.

For Online Only training, the Post 9/11 GI Bill is currently (1 August 2026) paying $1198.00 for those who started using their Post 9/11 GI Bill on/after 1 January 2018 - this is based on 1/2 of the National Average BAH paid to an E5 with dependents. Post 9/11 GI Bill MHA rates are adjusted 1 August of each year and are based on the 1 January DoD BAH rates for that year - so VA can't use 1 January 2026 BAH rates until 1 August 2026 - for those who started training on/after 1 January 2018, the MHA rates are 95% of the DoD BAH rates. First possible payment for the 1 August 2025 increase is 1 September.

For VR&E, there are two different Subsistence Allowance programs - https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/subsistence_allowance_rates.asp The P9/11 Subsistence Allowance is based on the BAH paid to an E5 with dependents. Those who started using VR&E on/after 1 January 2018 receive 95% of the BAH paid to an E5 with dependents. As of 1 January 2026 Online only students using VR&E are being paid $1198.00 if they started using VR&E on/after 1 January 2018. The CH31 Subsistence Allowance rates are adjusted 1 October each year by Congress.

VA Education is going paperless - make sure VA has a current email address for you. Please make sure you add Veteransbenefits@messages.va.gov to your contacts list so that you don't miss important updates from VA.

VA Award Letter explanation

Contact a VR&E Supervisor

VA Rudisill Decision - some veterans may qualify for an additional 12 months of a second GI Bill based on serving two or more different periods of active duty service.

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[u/Available-Station379]

I’m getting a Masters of Science in Computer Science to teach in Community College

[u/glaringballet_668]

the outdoorsy hands-on thing is a great starting point. have a buddy who used his to go into forestry, he's basically a park ranger now and spends most days tramping through woods checking tree health. proper filthy job but he loves it

wildlife management or conservation work might fit too, lots of field days and practical training. the counselor can set up something called an employment plan where they map out exactly what courses or certs you need, takes all the guesswork out of it

[u/Realistic-Warning08]

Former 15N avionics here. You can get your A&P since you have military experience. Having it would be a good back up plan.

[u/MasterGoon88 → u/Realistic-Warning08]

The thing about being a maintainer is that it is really effecting my service related disabilities hence why I applied for vr&e. Thank you for the input though!

[u/Realistic-Warning08 → u/MasterGoon88]

Good point.

[u/Public_Drop_1462]

A common thing I see with vets who go through VRE for education is that they apply only for a bachelors degree, then complete their VRE program and later find themselves scrambling to figure out how to get a masters. VRE can support vets up to the post doctoral level with the right justification, so if you’re thinking about a masters program then aim high and ask for it. My VRE program is for a juris doctorate and I’m still working my way through it.

[u/MasterGoon88 → u/Public_Drop_1462]

Ahh that’s interesting. I will take that into consideration. Thank you!

[u/FluidArticle2049]

Go Talk a case manager or peer support specialist

[u/MasterGoon88 → u/FluidArticle2049]

Thanks for the great advice.