On Thursday, February 27, VetsFirst testified before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity regarding the effectiveness of VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) program.
At the hearing, VetsFirst’s Heather Ansley testified about our concern with VR&E’s ability to assist veterans who are living with mental health conditions. A recent report by the Government Accountability Office showed that these veterans have poorer VR&E outcomes than those with other disabilities. This is particularly concerning in light of the number of veterans who are experiencing mental health issues due to years of combat and multiple deployments.
To begin addressing these veterans’ needs, Ms. Ansley noted that VR&E vocational rehabilitation counselors must have the skills and training needed to facilitate job placement and disability-related accommodations. Research shows that many veterans who have acquired disabilities do not believe that they will be able to easily explain the types of job accommodations that they might need due to their disabilities. Without proper information about how to navigate the workforce as a person with a disability, veterans living with mental health conditions and other significant disabilities may face barriers in attaining and retaining employment.
Ms. Ansley also testified that veterans with more significant disabilities may routinely require a higher level of employment supports both pre- and post-placement than are typically provided by VR&E. Without these supports, veterans with disabilities may be unable to remain in the workforce and forced to apply for benefits like VA’s Individual Unemployability or Social Security Disability. To assist these veterans in returning to and remaining in the workforce, VR&E should consider partnering with non-profit organizations that provide the intensive services needed to assist veterans living with significant disabilities, including mental health conditions.
VetsFirst will continue to work with the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee to ensure that veterans with disabilities receive the training and supports they need that will allow them to return to the workforce.