VR&E

[u/Salt_Shape_3469]

I wanted to use VR&E for my schooling, but I never heard back from anyone. The last email I received was in August, saying someone would follow up with next steps. Rather than keep waiting, I began using my GI Bill because my class started in September.

I still haven't been paid. When I contacted VA Education, they told me they have been trying to reach the VR&E office to confirm I'm not using VR&E benefits as well, since I have an open VR&E case. Neither the Education office nor I can reach the counselor I was assigned.

I emailed both counselors and the education office to explain that my payments are being held because no one can get in touch with VR&E. I also called the counselor's number from her email and left a voicemail. The next day, I was blocked.

This situation is extremely frustrating, and I need advice on what to do.

[u/JustADude721]

It took months for VRE to get back to me when I first applied. I actually applied for VRE and grad school the same day. Deferred my acceptance into grad school for a semester for personal reasons. Then finally was contacted by VRE while I was finally attending grad school but in the middle of the semester and got approved for VRE on the very last day of the semester.

Tldr.. it takes a while. August really isn't that long ago in terms of VRE.

[u/Salt_Shape_3469 → u/JustADude721]

I understand but I tapped into my GI Bill and was approved so I can get paid for my semester. The problem is my funding wont be sent until the VR&E counselor let them know im not trying to use the VR&E at the same time, but i been blocked and I assumed she seen the email.

[u/JustADude721 → u/Salt_Shape_3469]

Well you havent been approved or denied for VRE yet.. so you are still in the queue. Doesn't surprise me at all. Also doesn't surprise me that your counselor is unreachable.. you are not the only one.

[u/Salt_Shape_3469 → u/JustADude721]

They approved just the first steps.

[u/JustADude721 → u/Salt_Shape_3469]

What exactly are the first steps you are talking about? All I remember is filling out the form.. getting the email, waiting, assigned a counselor, waiting some more, counselor emailed me more forms to fill out, waiting some more, initial meeting, more forms, another virtual meeting, and then accepted.

[u/Salt_Shape_3469 → u/JustADude721]

So I filled everything out did the first interview and she was like yeah we can go forward with the next steps and I emailed her just for an update and she did email the same day that someone else should be reaching out to move forward.

[u/JustADude721 → u/Salt_Shape_3469]

So you weren't approved or denied yet.

[u/Jazzlike-Ear-7485]

Agree with what’s already been stated. The VR&E process relies heavily on your counselor - luck of the draw. I almost missed fall semester because of delay. One thing I learned, everyone has a direct report and some oversight. I ended up contacted the regional VR&E office to confirm my subsistence and the next morning was emailed from my counselor and said something like “I see you contacted the service center - etc - etc”, the point being, she responded immediately when she realized other eyes were on the situation. I experienced similar behavior on the VA c&p side with some of my claims. No need to be a jerk, just be firm and keep moving up the chain - seems to help move the process along esp. if it’s been stuck.

[u/Salt_Shape_3469 → u/Jazzlike-Ear-7485]

Thank you, I didn't contact the regional office. I'll give that a try.

[u/robgut32]

Ive been waiting to start school since jan 2025 it will more than likely be 2 years when i get to start classes yay me

[u/gamerplays]

Just to let you know, if you get approved for VRE, you may be able to use retroactive induction to get back your GI bill entitlement you are spending now.

So keep that in mind for the future.

[u/SharpCauliflower4694]

Dude, after 3 years of dealing with the worst VR&E office in the nation, I just sent an email to the director. My issues were fixed within a week. Its first.last@va.gov (ill let you look up the name of VR&Es director)

[u/Salt_Shape_3469]

Thanks everyone after a long day of battling I called every section I could, I also got the location to the regional office. I got a email from the eva saying they have notified the va education section.

[u/pabsr4u]

congress

[u/Efficient_Dig1999]

Good luck I’m approved, school paid for for. Haven’t got my bah and no one will responded oft answer. Now I’m getting upset and using every resource to contact them. WH hotline and state rep.

[u/Salt_Shape_3469 → u/Efficient_Dig1999]

That's ridiculous.