Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program is authorized by Congress under Title 38, United States Code, Chapter 31. It is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program. The VR&E program assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap and Servicemembers who are in the process of transitioning from military to civilian employment prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For Veterans and Servicemembers with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, VR&E offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible.

Who is eligible?

Veterans are eligible if they:

  • Have received a discharge that is other than dishonorable
  • Obtain a VA service-connected disability rating or memo rating of 10 percent or more (for Veterans rated 10 percent, a serious employment handicap is also needed to establish entitlement).
  • Apply for VR&E services
  • Have an established employment handicap resulting from a service-connected disability.

Basic period of Eligibility

The basic period of eligibility ends 12 years from the date of notification of one of the following:

  • Date of separation from active military service, or
  • Date the veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected disability rating.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

By appointment only


800 West Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Tel: (805) 781-5766

Fax: (805) 781-5769

By appointment only


240 Scott Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446

Tel: (805) 781-5766

Fax: (805) 781-5769

Monday - Friday 9-5


801 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Tel: (805) 781-5766

Fax: (805) 781-5769

FAQS

Services that may be provided by the VR&E Program include:

  • Comprehensive evaluation to determine abilities, skills, and interests for employment
  • Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning for employment services
  • Employment services such as job-training, job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness assistance
  • Assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives and job accommodations
  • On the Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and non-paid work experiences
  • Post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school
  • Supportive rehabilitation services including case management, counseling, and medical referrals
  • Independent living services for Veterans unable to work due to the severity of their disabilities