1. Welcome to VetSuccess Orientation
Note:
-Introduce yourself and inform Veterans of the lesson topic.
-Inform Veterans of the purpose of the class.

2. VetSuccess “...let us strive to finish the work we are in, to bind up
the nation’s wounds, to
care for him who shall have
borne the battle and for his
widow, and his orphan....”
-President Abraham Lincoln

3. VetSuccess Program Intent
Provide services to assist Veterans and Servicemembers with service-connected disabilities to succeed:
In transition … through services to support transition back to civilian life
At work … through services resulting in suitable employment
On campus … through services to support them during education and training
At home … and in their communities … through services to maximize independence in daily living

4. VetSuccess Eligibility Criteria
Veterans:
Honorable or other than dishonorable discharge
A final VA service-connected disability rating of 10% or more or memorandum rating of 10%
Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment services
Active Duty Servicemembers:
Expect to receive a honorable discharge
Obtain a VA memorandum rating of 20% or more; or obtain a proposed Disability Evaluation Service (DES) rating
Note:
Memorandum Rating: Servicemembers or veterans who have not received an official rating for service-connected condition(s). The individual is pending a final rating decision, however, it has been determined through a preliminary review by Compensation (Service Center) the individual will receive an official rating of 10% or more for service-connected condition(s).
Disability Evaluation Service rating (DES): A rating evaluation conducted by Department of Defense in compliance with VA standards.

5. VetSuccess Basic Benefit Information
Comprehensive Vocational Assessment
Employment Assistance
Medical Services as needed
Independent Living Services
Personalized Case Management Services
Note:
-Comprehensive Vocational Assessment
To assist in determining the veterans’ or servicemembers’ vocational direction
-Employment Assistance
To assist in obtaining suitable employment
-Medical Services as needed
Medical, Dental, and Vision care; referrals submitted by VR&E staff to VHA
-Notes for Comprehensive Vocational Assessment bullet:
To include educational, vocational, and employment assessments, as well as, other specialized assessments as needed.

6. VetSuccess Basic Benefit Information
A maximum of 48 months of entitlement for Educational and Vocational training
May utilize vocational rehabilitation benefits within 12 years from the date of initial VA disability rating notification
Note – Entitlement extension maybe granted when specific criteria are met.
Note – Extension to 12 year eligibility period may be granted when specific criteria are met.

7. Evaluation and Planning
VetSuccess Process
218
Rehabilitated
Employment Services
Application
Entitlement Decision
Evaluation and Planning
Tracks
Application received (VONAP or )
Veteran’s eligibility established
Schedule Veteran for initial counseling appointment if eligible
On-going case management
Provide employment services
VetSuccess.gov
Interview skills
Job placement assistance
Referral to One-Stop Career Center
Identify track
Establish vocational or independent living goal
Define services needed
Develop written plan of services
Re-Employment
Conduct VR&E orientation to include Five Tracks Video
Veteran meets with Counselor
Determine employment handicap and serious employment handicap
Conduct vocational evaluation to assess skills, abilities & interests
Determine feasibility for employment
Rapid Access
To Employment
Suitably employed, or
Improved ability to live independently
Note:
VONAP: Online application found at
: Paper application. Veteran can request paper application by contacting local regional office or calling the VA number (800)
Self Employment
Employment
Thru Long-Term
Services
Independent Living

8. Track Selection 1 Re-employment Track
For individuals separating from active duty, National Guard, or Reserves
Services focused on return to previous employers
Services may include:
Job accommodations
Job modifications
Work adjustment assistance
Consultation with employer

9. Track Selection 2 Rapid Access to Employment
For individuals seeking employment:
soon after separation or
who already have the necessary skills to be competitive in the job market
Services may include:
Resume Writing
Interviewing Skills Training
Job accommodations
Refresher Courses
Licensure and Certification
Job Search Assistance
Post-Employment Adjustment Services

10. Track Selection 3 Employment Through Long-Term Services
For individuals needing specialized training and/or education to obtain and maintain suitable employment
Services may include:
Apprenticeships and internships
On-the-Job Training (OJT)
Higher education or vocational training
Tuition/fees/books/tools/supplies
Tutoring
Subsistence allowance
Personalized case management support

11. Track Selection 4 Self-Employment
For individuals who are not because of their disabilities:
has limited access to traditional employment,
need flexible work schedules, or
a more accommodating work environment
Services may include:
Analysis of viability of business concept
Assistance with development of a business plan
Training in small business operations
Marketing assistance
Guidance on obtaining resources

12. Track Selection 5 Independent Living
For individuals who are not able to work at the current time and need rehabilitation services to live more independently
Services may include:
Comprehensive in-home assessment
Assistive technologies
Independent living skills training
Connection to community-based support services
Personalized case management services
Coordination with VA’s Specially Adapted Housing Program and/or VA’s Home Improvement Structure Assistance Program
Note:
Emphasize key points:
-This track is designed to assist individuals in living more independently at home and in the community.
-The goal is to increase individuals’ independence to the point that you may someday consider going back to work.
-These services are designed to increase individuals’ current abilities to the maximum extent possible.
-Specially Adapted Housing Program or VA home Improvement Structure program: Specific criteria needs to be met to be eligible for this program

13. VetSuccess.gov What is VETSUCCESS.GOV?
Specialized job bank and “Job Central” bank of over 500,000 jobs
National Association of State Workforce Agencies
Direct Employers – Fortune 500 companies
Job resource tools
resume builder
interviewing skills
career resources
Link to other VA benefits and services
on line application for VR&E – Chapter 31 services
Educational Benefits
Note:
Emphasize key points:
-At VetSuccess.gov website – veterans and servicemembers have access to over 500,000 jobs from Fortune 500 Companies, Federal, state and local agencies, and other employers
-A one-stop centralized employment information website. At this website one can search for jobs, get help with developing a resume, interviewing skills, career information, and link to other employment information.
-Veterans and Servicemembers can log on today and fill out the registration information for a free account. Its easy and employers can view individuals’ resume.

14. Programs of Services
Chapter 31 : Services to obtain and maintain suitable employment and/or to achieve maximum level of independence in daily living
Chapter 36: Educational and vocational counseling for
Comprehensive in-home assessment
Assistive technologies
Independent living skills training
Note:
-Chapter 31: Please refer to independent living slide.
-Chapter 36:
Individuals who are eligible for Chapter 36 services include the following: Transitioning service members who are
-Within six months prior to discharge from active duty, or
-Within one year following discharge from active duty
Visit or call to request VA Form , Application for Educational - Vocational Counseling

15. Programs of Services
Chapter 18: Vocational training and rehabilitation benefits for children born with Spina Bifida of certain veterans who served in Vietnam or Korea
Chapter 35 : Educational counseling for children and widows/spouses of veterans who have a permanent and total service connected disability.
Note:
Both programs require applicants to apply for benefits through the Education Department.
-Chapter 18: Applicant can visit or call to obtain VA Form to apply for services
-Chapter 35: Applicant can visit or call to obtain VA Form to apply for services