Resources

Programs for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E) assists veterans who have service-connected disabilities with obtaining and maintaining suitable employment.  Independent living services are also available for severely disabled veterans who are not currently ready to seek employment.

 

Eligibility:  A veteran must have a Veterans Affairs (VA) service-connected disability rated at least 20 percent with an employment handicap, or rated 10 percent with a serious employment handicap, and be discharged or released from military service under other than dishonorable conditions.  Service members pending medical separation from active duty may also apply if their disabilities are reasonably expected to be rated at least 20 percent following their discharge.

 

Services:  VA pays the cost of all approved training programs.  Subsistence allowance may also be provided.  Depending on an individual’s needs, services provided by VA may include:

 

1. An evaluation of interests, aptitudes and abilities.
2. Assistance with writing a resume and other job seeking skills.
3. Assistance with obtaining and maintaining suitable employment.
4. Vocational counseling and planning.
5. On-the-job training and work-experience programs.
6. Training, such as certificate, two, or four-years college or technical programs.
7. Supportive rehabilitation services and counseling.

 

Period of Rehabilitation:  Generally, veterans must complete a program within 12 years from their separation from military service or within 12 years from date VA notifies them that they have a compensable service-connected disability.  Depending on the length of the program needed, veterans may be provided up to 48 months of full-time equivalent.  These limitations may be extended in certain circumstances.

 

In order to apply for this program a veteran would need to fill out a VA form 28-1900.  A LVER/DVOP in one of the WorkOne offices from around the state could assist you, or you can go to the:

 

Department of Veterans Affairs

575 N. Pennsylvania St.  Room 342

Indianapolis, IN. 46204

Or apply online at http://www.vba.va.gov/bin/vre/

 

Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs:

Chicago Office
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
JRTC
100 West Randolph, Suite 5-570

Springfield Office                                                               
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs                           
833 South Spring Street                                                     
P.O. Box 19432
Springfield, IL  62794-9432 / Phone: 217/782-6641

 

Illinois VA Medical Centers

. Jesse Brown VA Medical Centers

820 South Damen Avenue . Chicago, IL 60612 / Phone: (312) 569-8387

 

. VA Illiana Health Care System

1900 East Main Street . Danville, IL 61832-5198 / (217) 554-3000

 

. Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital

5^th & Roosevelt Rd. P.O. Box  5000 . Hines, IL 60141 / Phone (708) 202-8387

 

. Marion VAMC

2401 West Main . Marion, IL 62959 / Phone: 618-997-5311 or (866) 289-3300

. North Chicago VA Medical Center

3001 Green Bay Road . North Chicago, IL 60064 / Phone: (847) 688-1900- or  (800) 393-0865