Some disabled veterans are better than others.
By Guest Blogger – Ben Krause
Senate Bill S. 3447 is purported to be a cure-all for veterans attending college under the numerous programs currently available. While this is largely true all Post 9/11 veterans and disabled veterans that qualify for Chapter 33, it leaves many others out in the cold.
Specifically, pre-9/11 disabled veterans using Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation. The new GI Bill allows qualified veterans and disabled veterans the opportunity to attend college and receive a housing allowance which can be as much as $2,800 a month. Meanwhile, older disabled veterans attempting to complete training through Vocational Rehabilitation will receive $600 – $700.
Seem strange?
Over one year ago, both the House and the Senate had proposed legislation to resolve this disparity. The first was by the House, H.R. 297 Veteran Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Subsistence Allowance Improvement Act. Later, the Senate also pushed a similar bill called S. 514 Veterans Rehabilitation and Training Improvement Act. Neither of these two bits of legislation has received attention since April of 2009. Yet, much is being done to accommodate one subsection of disabled veterans over another, despite the fact that both groups deserve equal attention.
The VA has received pressure from most Veterans Service Organizations over the difference in treatment between new disabled veterans and old disabled veterans. We all fought under the same flag. It’s time to end government-sponsored discrimination of all veterans. Show some solidarity by joining the Facebook group Disabled Veterans – Chapter 31 Voc Rehab and writing to your elected officials.
Tell your elected official how you feel about this injustice. Send a letter today! This only takes a few second. For insider information on how to get the most out of Chapter 31 Voc Rehab, please visit DisabledVeterans.Org or email thevetset@gmail.com.
You're so right I'm in the same boat as you. When it first came out no one in the know was clear on some of the stipulations. First it was briefed that the member must enroll in order to be able to transfer the benefit to their dependents later. However, it was not It was not briefed initially that the member would not be able to transfer the benefit to their dependents after they retire. Initially when the question was asked the so called SME's were telling folks they would be able to transfer it to their kids that were not even born yet after they retire. I'm with you if I already earned the benefit so why can't I have my child use it.
I want to use my gi bill but I do not know how to.
<a href="http://www.miltary.com.education/content/gi-bill/learn-t…” target=”_blank”>www.miltary.com.education/content/gi-bill/learn-t…. html
also call a local state or county vet rep.
GOOD LUCK!
Go to A COLLEGE and there should be a veterans support Representative there to help you through if not call the va to direct you to get started.
Manuel,
The very first thing you should do is visit <a href="http://www.va.gov” target=”_blank”>www.va.gov website, enroll in VONAPP and the V.A. will determine your eligibility for G.I. Bill education benefits. After that you can pick a college or technical training program and begin your post secondary education.
I suggest that you look into a Veterans' Upward Bound program in your state, if you are from Montana, I can assist you. If not, use the Internet search engine to locate a VUB in your state, as they will be more than willing to assist you and everything we do to assist veterans is free.
I had to waive my GI Bill in order to use my Voc Rehab benefits….you have to call the VA Administration I believe
Discrimination based on age of a minority of veterans in need at time law enacted.
Discrimination based on year of disability of a minority of veterans in need at time law enacted.
No older vets or disabled vets can resign in to service get new bennies due to AGE and/or Disability.
Just like other befits special help for newbies even special connect to VA and OLDER VETS STILL LEFT OUT -OFTEN IN THE ROAD.
OLDER VETS DENIED ACCESS TO HPRP funds or other supports too.
CHAT LINES turnout to be just another layer not a solution too, REFER TO THE SAME PEOPLE WHO NEVER HELPED disabled vets get section8 or out side state voc rehab or ptsd care near home etc etc etc..
They want to help but have no authority to repair or report when the referral leads to no USABLE help for older disabled veterans.
IAVA vets have GOOD ADVOCACY BUT the OLDER VET ORGS seem to be more focused on other politics or activities and/or membership than helping vets in need.
Where is the lawyer?
This is what is being misunderstood with this. The up to $2800 comes from the new GI bill, NOT from Chapter 31. ALL veterans who get chapter 31 benefits get the same amount for the category they are in.
Also ALL vets have their version of a GI bill; there is the first GI bill, Montgomery GI bill, VEAP, this new GI bill and others I can't remember at the moment. Each era of vets had an educational assistance program they where allowed to use and that can be used in conjunction WITH Voc Rehab. Put grants, that don't have to be paid back, scholarships, that don't have to be paid back, and a vet can get a college degree for free and live quite comfortably also.
As far as the "top out" for voc rehab, there really isn't one. This link explains that: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/sa.htm
I hope this clears some of the confusion up.
Tanya Boozer
100% Disabled GW Veteran
Veteran Advocate
NGWRC Board Member
There is a top out. Also, have been trying to go to school under VOCREHab, and I was approved I have 70% and can not work my regular Job, my job gave me a letter and I have put in for an increase. My counselor has just put me through so much, he say I have to bring in job opening from newspaper or computer and I can only go to school for what is being put in paper because that is what is going to be hired for in the future. I have to have three to four then next time I look in paper there might not be any job opening for what I can do so we being going at this for almost a year. I wanted to go to a hand-on school that train you for what you will be working in. He act like its his money and just make it so hard I am 55yrs old at the rate we going I will be to old to train or work when he finish. I never used my GI Bill but lost it because it has been too long I got out in 85 after 10yrs. You have 100% so you good.
I am one of those Pre 9/11 Ch 31 Vets. I think it should be the same across the board, but I can tell you I am having trouble getting my regular living allowance, much less a larger amount. It makes it almost impossible to pay my bills as I am a single mother with disabilities, without this money–no matter how small it may be. I think that the counselors are extremely overwelmed with cases and the responsibilities that they have. There may also be alot of turnover too, as my counselor has been out for awhile.
Jerri, what benefits are being denied based on residency?
hell why did i even think i would get any benefits? They expired. GPA 3 RD YR 3.8. keep them and share them with someone who deserves them. God is my real accountant.
I am a veteran, but when I joined the army in 1979 i was only 17 yrs old and really didn't know what I was doing, but apparently i didn't want any money taken out of my check for the gi bill, I really wish I had because I want to go back to school, but dont have the money
I am the wife of a Vietnam vet who is not disabled but has shrapnel still in his shoulder and face. (purple heart). He has never used any educational benefits but our kids could use some help with school. Are there any transferable benefits or scholarships out there for them?
Barb Finch
how bout if your 100 % and vietnam era vet ??
that's good to hear have son going to school in fall too
thanks, barb
Can I use the Gi bill benefits of my husband if he is using voc rehab? He is not using them,, and they are transferrable to spouses now.