Vocational rehabilitation

Chapter 31, the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program, was established for service members and veterans with service-connected physical or mental disabilities.

This program can prepare students for a suitable job, help them get and keep jobs, and assist them in becoming fully productive and independent. Services include education and training, financial assistance, career planning and job placement.

For questions about eligibility, call the GI Bill helpline at (888) 442-4551.

For steps on how to establish education benefits at VCU, see our Chapter 31 checklist.

How to apply

If you are applying for Chapter 31 VR&E benefits for the first time:

  1. Contact your local VA hospital to make an evaluation appointment with a Chapter 31 VR&E counselor. If you are in the Richmond area, the closest VA Hospital in Richmond is the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Hospital.
  2. After your VA counselor approves you for the Chapter 31 benefits, your VA counselor will provide you with forms to complete so your desired VCU academic program can be verified. Should you need assistance with completing your VA program review forms, please contact the MSS Office.
  3. Once your VA advisor approves your desired VCU degree program, they will issue an authorization to the University to allow VCU to bill the VA for your tuition and fees. Once VCU receives this authorization, you will be asked to complete the VCU online “Request for Certification” (RFC).
  4. After the online RFC is complete, your enrollment will be certified to the Veterans Administration for the semester.
  5. If you are approved for a books and supply budget, your counselor will also submit a separate authorization to the VCU Bookstore to purchase books and supplies.