VetsFirst testified on the importance of the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) services in helping eligible service members and veterans with service-connected disabilities receive the skills and training necessary to reintegrate into their families and communities.

In her written testimony to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Committee on Veterans’ Affairs U.S. House of Representatives, Heather L. Ansley, Esq., MSW, director of Veterans Policy at VetsFirst/United Spinal Association explained how VR&E services provide veterans with service-connected disabilities the opportunity to return to or remain in the workforce.

The opportunity to participate in the workforce is critical because employment provides people with both financial and social benefits that contribute to an enhanced sense of one’s life’s purpose.

VetsFirst believes that VR&E services are critical to veterans with disabilities and their efforts to work and live independently. A significant number of veterans, however, do not successfully complete their rehabilitation plans.

Because the services provided by VR&E are critical to ensuring that participants successfully complete and excel in their rehabilitation, sufficient financing must be available for the VR&E program.

For example, eligible veterans should not be delayed or hindered due to VR&E staffing limitations. In addition, veterans who are pursuing “employment only” tracks should be able to receive a monthly subsistence allowance to ensure that they are not deterred due to lacking the financial assistance that would allow them to fully benefit from VR&E services.

Other barriers that challenge VR&E’s mission to focus on the employment of veterans with service-connected disabilities who have “employment handicaps” should also be eliminated. Specifically, the 12-year delimiting period to apply for VR&E services and the yearly cap for independent living services must be removed.

Furthermore, VR&E must continue to increase collaboration with other agencies and organizations that provide employment and rehabilitation assistance, including state vocational rehabilitation agencies, to ensure that veterans have access to a full range of services.

VetsFirst believes that addressing barriers to successful completion of veterans’ rehabilitation plans will allow more veterans with service-connected disabilities to fully benefit from VR&E services, actively engage in and be a part of their communities, and regain financial stability.

A PDF of Ansley’s full report can be viewed here.

You can also access the video from the hearing, by visiting
http://veteransaffairs.edgeboss.net/wmedia/veteransaffairs/2011/110331.wvx.