Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E):

Turn Your MEB or Disability into a Fully Funded Career Path

If you think you may be going through an MEB—and especially if you know what you want to pursue—VR&E is one of the most powerful tools you can use to set yourself up for success after service.

VR&E can take whatever plan or idea you have and turn it into real, funded training, education, or even your own business with no out-of-pocket cost.

What VR&E is…

VR&E is a VA program designed to help service members and veterans with service-connected disabilities transition into civilian careers. It can fund education, trade school, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, or even a small business start-up.

Funding scope:
The VA covers 100% of tuition, fees, licensing, books, equipment, and required supplies for approved programs. You also receive a monthly subsistence stipend (up to ~$2,500 in 2025) to help with living expenses while in training.

Flexibility:
VR&E lets you pursue the occupation that fits your goals—whether that’s a degree, certification, trade, apprenticeship, or entrepreneurship. You meet with a VR&E counselor, discuss your goals, and once your plan is approved, you’re fully funded. Think “TA—but on steroids.”

When You Become Eligible…

You become eligible for VR&E as soon as your MEB opens. Eligibility stays active after separation, retirement, or LAS, and you can continue or restart your VR&E plan at any point.

If your MEB is closed and you’re returned to duty, eligibility pauses—but once you separate again, it reopens.

Program Goal

VR&E builds an Individualized Vocational Rehabilitation Plan (IVRP) that maps your military experience to a viable civilian career path and funds the entire journey—often while you're still receiving military pay, healthcare, and retirement accumulation.

In short:
VR&E turns a medical evaluation that might feel limiting into a fully funded launchpad toward your next career or business.

Who Is Eligible for VR&E?

1. An Open MEB - An active MEB is the primary trigger. You’ll need proof of the date it opened (AF Form 469 or electronic equivalent). 

2. A Service-Connected Disability Rating - Any 10% or higher service-connected disability qualifies. This rating can be from a previous claim or the VA exam tied to the MEB.

3. Discharge Status - You must have an Honorable or General-Under-Honorable discharge. Dishonorable discharges are ineligible.

4. VA Health-Care Enrollment - You must be enrolled—or willing to enroll—in VA health care. This can be done online or via 1-800-827-1000.

5. No Conflicting VA Pension - Receiving a VA pension can affect eligibility unless you also have a compensable service-connected disability.

6. Separation Doesn’t Cancel Eligibility - Once you meet the criteria, your eligibility continues after separation/retirement. Your VR&E counselor will use your DD-214/DD-215, disability rating letter, and proof of VA healthcare enrollment to continue your case.

7. Additional Conditions - You cannot be in a different VA program that exceeds VR&E funding caps. You must not have a discharge-for-cause that bars VA benefits.

Bottom line:
If your MEB is active, you have any service-connected disability rating, you have an honorable-or-better discharge, and you’re enrolled in VA healthcare—you’re good to go.

And yes—you can save your GI Bill for later use or transfer it to your dependents.

Before You Call - Quick Prep Checklist

Have the following ready:

-              MEB notice (AF Form 469 or electronic confirmation)

-              Service-connected disability rating letter

-              DD-214 or DD-215 (if already separated/retired)

-              VA health-care enrollment confirmation (or be prepared to enroll)

Getting in touch with VR&E early—ideally within 14 days of your MEB opening—helps you start your IVRP quickly and gets tuition and stipends moving while you're still drawing military pay.

How to Contact VR&E

VA Hotline: 1-800-827-1000 (Option 2)

VA Regional Office (VRO)

VR&E Online Portal: benefits.va.gov/vocrehab

Find a VSO: Search through the VA’s VSO directory

Disclaimer: A lot has changed in VR&E over the last few years. So even if you aren’t sure, reach out and ask the questions.

Don’t let this opportunity slip by. VR&E can turn your transition from something stressful into an opportunity to build the next chapter of your life—with the VA covering the costs.