Vocational rehabilitation is a program offered by the VA to assist disabled veterans whose service-connected disability or disabilities affect their ability to prepare for, obtain, and retain employment. See generally 38 U.S.C. ch. 31 (Training and Rehabilitation for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities, §§ 3100 to 3122); 38 C.F.R., pt. 21, subpt A.
A veteran is eligible to receive benefits under this program if, among other things, the veteran has a disability rating of at least 20% and is determined by the VA to have an "employment handicap" or, if the veteran has a disability rating of 10% and VA has determined that rehabilitation is necessary as a result of a serious employment handicap. See 38 U.S.C. § 3102; 38 C.F.R. § 21.40 (2012).
Once the VA has determined that a veteran is entitled to receive such benefits, the veteran will work with a vocational rehabilitation counselor to develop an individualized written rehabilitation plan (IWRP), which includes an evaluation of the skills needed and the training or educational services required to achieve rehabilitation. Either alone or as part of an individual rehabilitation plan, employment services may also be provided. 38 C.F.R. §21.88 (2012).
