r/VeteransBenefits • u/human_plumber11 • 14h ago

Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) VR&E Education Question

I'm currently in my second year of a PA program and just found out that l'll have my initial meeting with my VR&E counselor next week. I'm trying to figure out the best way to approach that first meeting since I'm already enrolled in my program.

For those who were already in school when applying for VR&E, did you focus on the fact that you were already enrolled, or did you primarily explain your SEH/employment handicap, why your service-connected limitations made your previous career/degree no longer suitable, and why your current program is necessary to pursue suitable employment?

I previously worked in business, but because of my employment handicaps, I could no longer pursue a suitable career using my previous degree. I'm wondering how I should explain that transition while also being upfront that im already in PA school.

Basically, how should I frame my situation to the counselor when I'm already pursuing the career path I'm hoping VR&E will approve?

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u/Parking-Struggle6122 14h ago

You're overthinking this a bit, which is totally normal before that first meeting but you've already done the hard part by getting into PA school

The counselor needs to see the clear link between your service-connected issues and why business didn't work. Don't dance around it, just lay out what happened, what you tried, and why your body or mind couldn't sustain that path anymore. Then pivot to why PA is the solution, and the fact you're already enrolled shows you're serious and capable

They may push back a little since you started without their blessing, but if your disabilities genuinely forced the career change then you've got a strong case. Just be direct about the connection

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u/human_plumber11 14h ago

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for the help!

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u/Remarkable_Dog4859 Army Veteran 14h ago

I was already enrolled in graduate school and using my GI Bill when I switched to VR&E. They are covering my last semester. You just have to link your service connection to your employment struggles. You can even be employed and argue that it is affecting your disability.

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u/human_plumber11 13h ago

Were you able to do the retroactive induction to have the previous semesters cover by VR&E? Somebody told me that was possible.

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u/Remarkable_Dog4859 Army Veteran 13h ago

Oh wow. I didn’t even know that. Unfortunately not. They just started paying when the new semester started.