Nic, thank you specifically for useful information on Video 3. I included M28R definitions in my response to VRE counselors downplay of my EH and did not give up. I took the intiative to email M28r definitions to her with reasons I was entitled and eligible for approval of my rehabilitation plan expecting resistance. And 1 hour after the interview she called me back and said I was approved for master's degree program I had asked for.. You were instrumental in my preparation. Again thank you so much for making these videos available to vets like me
I'm very happy for you. That's why I made this channel so you guys can take the info and go get your entitlement. Make sure you get all the equipment and supplies you need (video's #26 & #23)
Sorry of your experience, but thanks to you we now have the inside knowledge to fight this. So sad we have to fight this battle when it should have been an automatic benefit. Again, I'm in love with you and I commend you for taking the time to do these vids!!! You are a leader and a true Soldier in my book!
Id like to greatly thank you for your help. I had my voc appointment today and i used what u taught me to get my entitlement. The Examiner tried to give me the run around but i beat him at his own game. This is all thanks to you. Much appreciated
When you show us the mind games at 0:49 it blew me away. That is completely crazy they treat people like that who are only trying to better their lives. I agree that this makes no sense given that this program is suppose to be here to help people. I really appreciate that you have posted these informational videos. Thank you
Thank your for helping i just hurt my back while on the service i just want to get back on my feet i didnt know i also had to fight for Vocational rehab i had to hire a lawyer to get tdiu because the process is slow and horrible we are not supposed to be fighting for our benefits!
Just had my first meeting 3 weeks ago. Towards the end of all the confusion I asked "So am I approved for benefits?" and she replies "No you're only approved for services at this point". I can't believe they make it this confusing and difficult for veterans and I couldn't imagine going through this process not being internet/ tech savvy.
I just had my meeting with the VR&E counselor today. I have a Masters degree in an unrelated field from what I am currently working in and have been working in for the last 7 years. I was just laid off from my job last Friday and now unemployed. I explained to the counselor that my current field adversely affects my disabilities. I was able to provide negative job performance reviews as evidence to my claim. I also said that the problem is keeping a job in my field because I am burned out and always depressed. She seemed very objective and didn't really show any biases toward my claim. I was told that I would know if I was approved either tomorrow or sometime next week. I am 100% P&T.
it’s not so much that your job was exacerbating your service-connected disabilities but that you don’t have the education or training to obtain work that does not exacerbate your service-connected disabilities. Hopefully you communicated that successfully to your counselor.
I recently filed and have my first meeting in March 2022. I came across your 1st video and I subscribed. I will be spending the next 30 days watching all your videos to get me ready. It is crazy how hard you have to fight. Fighting for my SCD was crazy! Thank you so much for sharing all this great information. Have a blessed day!
They often deny you when you’re a federal employee because they know that federal organizations are required to give you accommodations. but sometimes even with accommodations, it does not make it better with the entire job or the entire field or the entire functionality exacerbates your service connected disability‘s.And no matter what, if the job exacerbates your service connected disability, it is not suitable.
I just started watching your videos, I would love to hear more about why I should ideally avoid an informal meeting. Maybe you have a video already on that and I'll find it. Thanks for your help.
I go over that in video #6. Usually I find in the informal meeting they just support whatever the VRC said and 9 times out of 10, you have to take it higher than that to get it overturned. But if you feel like going for it, nothing beats a failure but a try👍
Nic, Thanks for posting this vid. This is almost verbatim what I experienced with me having a Master's degree and a job at the time. Thanks to you posting these helpful and insightful videos, I'll be better equipped when I seek VR & E self-employment help. Take care
if you have a masters, you might want to look at video #15, they hate to give degrees to people with masters so you have to really be ready. You got this.
Love this channel. I have VRE, and four classes left on my bachelor's, but I need to change my program as I want to complete training as a VA chaplain. This was my original request. I was denied this program by other counselors and placed in other bachelor's programs. Also I have gone from 10 to 100 percent service connection.
They can certainly change it with ease but it’s not as simple as requesting a change. You have to justify why the vocational goal you agreed to is no longer suitable. If they denied it previously, they likely will deny it again unless something has changed that renders that goal infeasible or unobtainable. An increase in your rating in and of itself isn’t enough, and they dont care about the needs of the VA or how many job openings there are in your desired field, it’s all about justifying why YOUR ability to get a job in this old field is now illogical. Once they admit you need a different vocational goal, THEN they care about the volume of openings in that new field.
Nic, just wanted to let you know I requested equipment I needed to be successful in my MSW studies and was approvedl for laptop computer. Requested ergonomic desk and chair for online classes which is pending report from my PCP and PM&R providers. Thank you so much! :)
@@iamnicthevet it did, in fact, I was over prepared to shoot down any obstacles. Didn’t have to fight with them at all, thankfully. I’m now in the process of enrolling for the spring semester at the University of Cincinnati. Thanks for your information. 🤠🇺🇸
And pretty, thank you iamnicthevet! i have an appointment on the 11th with a councelor albeit on zoom. I had no idea, the process was this vigorous and complicated. Glad im watching your vids bc they are invaluable. I havent worked since i got out the navy last july, and honestly have little game plan as far as how the benefits work and what kind of jobs they would help me get.
@@playboy198900 I just went through the whole 6 assignments required before I could enroll. All went well. I’m now in the process of enrolling for the spring semester at the University of Cincinnati. My end goal is a BA in Social Work. Good luck, keep your head up. 🤠🇺🇸
@@playboy198900 It's not this complicated for everyone, hopefully your situation will be easy but it's always best to be prepared just in case. They are not career counselors so it's best if you don't depend on them to find what's best for you. Most counselors will stick you in the path that works best for them (similar to a recruiter) so it's good to know what you want going in.
@@iamnicthevet I see, that does make sense. Its definitely confusing if your not paying attention and dont know what your doing. I just dont want to ruin my chances or oppurtunity provided that i get approved. Thanks for the quick reply iamnicthevet, i appreciate your brevity
If you have any rating for PTSD, or anxiety or depression, it's much harder to get nursing approved so you'll have to get letters from people to justify that path and have some extenuating justifications. And if you are 100% for any of those SCD's, it's gonna be very very difficult. Not impossible but inordinately difficult.
@iamnicthevet thank you so much for creating these videos! My initial VR&E is tomorrow via teleconference and I am hoping beyond hope that I don't get treated the way you were. Would you say you hear more negative experiences or positive? Thanks again!
negative and positive is relative. I would say half of the people who contact me simply say “I watched all your videos, I did what you said and I got entitled, thank you so much”. 25% of the people contact me after looking at only three videos and then try to ask me 100 questions and the other 15% watch most of my videos, ask me questions, do everything I suggest and then get their entitlement. 10% want me to do all the work and when they realize I’m not going to do it for them, they just give up. Most people don’t have a super negative experience, they just have to work a little harder in some parts of the country than others. LA New York and Hampton Roads Virginia usually makes their veterans work a little harder than other areas of the country. but every department has one or two VRC‘s who really should’ve retired 10 years ago.
My 2nd time applying to VRE denied before the program I want is pilot the site say you need a private license which is the first one I used my GI for bachelors but no job. The site say they approve for advanced license dual engine close to the 4th license. The 2-3rd is missing from the site. and basically a pilot needs 1-4 to get hired how do I convince them my impairment and challenge them
That is literally abuse of power is it not? Have you considered filing an official complaint against any of the cruel lying VA employees you have been victimized by? I am about to do so next week if a particular VA dentist continues to deny my request for the reason for denial of my entitled benefit. Considering going again to my US Senator. Had to do so twice in the past two years. This time I will ask her to conduct an investigation into that department for any veterans who have been denied service for the past four years.
it’s totally an abuse of power. But you have to decide how you want to fight the system. I fought the system by getting my benefits and the teaching other people how to get their benefits. I have no desire to try to fix the VA. It’s broken … irrevocably and I don’t have a time, energy or inclination to try to fix it. But I will educate as many people as possible so that they don’t go through what I went through.
I have recently had to quit my job bc of my SCD but now working somewhere that wont aggravate it AS bad but the pay will not support my family. Im looking into vr&r for a education in a another field. Will the fact that I currently have a job that isnt as demanding cause issues?
No, but if you tell them it exacerbates your SCD's less than before and it doesn't pay enough, they may try to deny you. I would present it as though you left your other job because it exacerbated your SCD's and you had to take this new job that you knew would exacerbate your SCDs but you had to make money to support your family and you need some education/training to get out of that field of work. I would not mention the pay because they may try to use that against you.
Thanks so much for the videos! I have a question regarding a degree I already have: I have a bachelors degree in finance, and I would like to enter a relatively niche field of finance that my current degree will not make me competitive for. I've been accepted to a masters program that has a proven track record of placing students into the specific field of finance that I'm interested in. My counselor indicated that because I have a degree in finance I'm not entitled. How should I explain that the jobs my current degree makes me competitve for don't align with my interests. He seems to be stuck on the fact I want to go into the finance industry without considering the fact that there are various functions within the finance industry and those various functions are vastly different than each other.
Unfortunately, it doesn't matter that your job does not align w/your interests. That cannot be the primary reason for approval. The primary reason must be that your current job exacerbates your SCDs and you don't have the education or training to obtain work that does not exacerbate your SCDs so the fact that working in Finance does not exacerbate your SCDs means you dont meet the entitlement criteria ☹
@@iamnicthevet Thanks for the response! To clarify, I don't currently have a job. I am on transition leave while awaiting my official retirement date for my medical retirement. The only job I have ever had was as an army officer. I never even had an internship in finance, so my degree is essentially worthless at this point. To enter the finance field (unless I were to get a job that didn't require a finance degree) I will need a masters. Also as I understood, suitable employment had to be consistent with the veteran's interests. Is that not the case? Thanks again for your time!
Thank you for these videos. First meeting is tomorrow. Any advice on showing how PTSD has affected my work in the past without making myself look unemployable? My best "comeback" is that I have been unemployed for over a year now and focusing solely on therapy. It was pretty ugly for a while but that's before I was SC and attending therapy. Thx
Cpl Bird Do NOT tell your counselor that you have not been working because you’ve been focusing on therapy. Vocational rehabilitation is not a therapy program, it is not an education program, it is a job program. Because you’ve been unemployed for a year, the fact that PTSD affected your last job is really irrelevant at this point. What you want to do is briefly mention that your last job really exacerbated your PTSD but Focus on the fact that for the last year you’ve been looking for suitable work, applying for jobs and not getting any jobs. While you’ve been looking for work, you’ve also been going to therapy in the hopes of keeping a positive career outlook and continuing to learn how to live And support yourself with PTSD. While going to therapy, things have not gotten any better financially because you’ve been unable to find employment, and that is why you have an employment handicap. You will want to create a job log. Maybe about 25 jobs that you’ve applied for over the past 4-6 months. All you need is the job title and the company name. Don’t let them get you all caught up in the details of the job or iron clad proof that you applied. These days you can apply through indeed.com and there’s no record of the application if you apply as a guest so as long as you really applied for a job, you don’t have to have actual proof. The job log should suffice. You can put it together in an hour and bring it with you to your meeting in case they ask for it.
@@iamnicthevet thank you. That makes sense. I should have stated that my focus has been on therapy. Despite being 100%p&t, my wife and I are still struggling to make ends meet. I have applied to jobs (somewhat reluctantly, but I'll keep that to myself) in hope of bettering our financial situation. Any ideas on how I might be able to rebuttal if they pull from my mental health notes? I'm pretty sure they might have it documented in there stating that I was not interested in working... My PTSD does cause anxiety and fear surrounding the idea of reentering similiar employment to my past experience( all my substantial employment was centered around my former military occupational specialty). Triggers galore in that industry.
Cpl Bird If you told your VA psychologist that you don’t want to work and you told her/him that you have not been looking for work, obviously you can’t tell the VRC that you’ve been looking for work so I’m not sure what to tell you on that end. If you’re denied because of that, Maybe start to change the narrative with the va counselor then reapply after 60 days. If, however, you told her/him that even though you don’t want to work you’re still were willing to look for work then you can tell that to the VRC. You can say “sure I’d love to just takeoff and go to the psychologist and learn how to handle my PTSD forever but I have to support my family so I’ve still been looking for work.” Then you can go into what I mentioned on my previous response about not obtaining any job offers therefore having an employment handicap. You don’t have to focus so heavily on the fact that your PTSD causes anxiety related to your old job. That’s already been established. THAT is the vocational impairment. You need to focus on the fact that for the past year you’ve been looking for work and have not been able to find work, THAT is the employment handicap and THAT is how you will get your entitlement. You can’t work in the old field and can’t find work in a new field therefore you need to be trained in a new suitable field.
@@iamnicthevet thank you so much for taking time to reply. So glad I caught your videos the before I go in tomorrow. Despite telling my therapists I was not interested in working(and to be honest am still fearful of what returning to work might do to mental state, but I gotta try) I did seek employment comparable to my previous employment to no prevail. I've dumped resumes all over the place. But, my resume is such a mess with no formal education to assist either. After my previous employment failure, I returned to college. I was doing ok in school until I finally sought therapy, therapy tore open old wounds and I flunked my last semester. The prior 3 semester I was managing to crank out 3.0-3.5 gpas. Any success I have had in the past has come at great cost to my personal life. 2 divorces, etc... even if I could hold it together at work, it spilled over into my personal life. I can suck it up, but it's not a sustainable option. I'll have colon cancer before I reach 40 if I keep stressing the way I have done in the past. Sorry for the long post. The anxiety is trying its most to take over. Therapy has helped me keep one hand on the wheel at least. Itll all work out.
@@cplbird8179 I’m no psychologist or PTSD expert, I’m only advising on how to get approved for VR&E but if you feel this much pressure and stress, maybe talk to your therapist about the different programs in VR&E (see video #10) and figure out what works best with your PTSD challenges and continued wellness. VR&E is not going anywhere any time soon, sounds like a little more preparation might be good. If you go in there saying all that stuff about stress and anxiety about a job, they will deny you but then that stuff is in your VR&E records and will be harder to overcome the next time you apply. You know what’s best for you and your family but based on what you’ve said, maybe figure out what you want (based on the 5 paths), talk to your counselor about what you both feel is best for your financial and mental well being and then re-apply and go from there. But if you feel ready to proceed, your counselor may ask you for a letter from your va counselor saying she/he feels you're emotionally ready to do this and will likely be successful in your desired path.
Question.. if you still have your full GI Bill entitlement how do you explain why you’re requesting VR&E? (For reference I want to use VR&E for undergrad and then use GI Bill for dental school so that I can graduate debt free)
You have the wrong mindset. You don't have to explain to ANYBODY why you want to use a benefit to which you are entitled. If you meet the entitlement criteria then you get the benefit PERIOD. They shouldn't be asking you why you're not using your G.I. Bill but if they do, I would flip it back on them and question why they are trying to force you to use one benefit to which you have access vs another benefit to which you have access. It's not their place to tell you which one of your benefits to use. I wouldn't even address something like that. I would put it back on them and ask them why they are trying to push me towards one benefit to which I'm fully entitled versus another benefit to which I'm fully entitled. Why is that even a question, these are my benefits, I need the entitlement criteria and your duty to assist is to help find entitlement if it's available. What difference does it make that? I have other options if I meet the entitlement criteria for this benefit?
@@iamnicthevet Hey Nic, I’m not even wanting to go back to college but after watching some of your videos, I feel like doing it just to be petty…😂🤣🤦🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️
You can use one track and then switch to another track as long as you show that it's justified and necessary. However, Independent living is for people who can't work so you can't get federal funding because you can't work and then turn around and ask them for federal funding to work. Well, you can ask, but I'm pretty sure they'll say no.
The yearly Limit is 35,000 for your tuition and books and equipment etc. But if your school cost more than that you just have to get a high cost approval from the VREO , The Director has an even higher limit than the VREO. Check video number 35, it gives regulations for limits.
I recently left my nursing job due to my service connected disability and difficulty with my performance. I have a bachelors in nursing and I don’t want to stay in the nursing field anymore and pursue another degree. Will I be denied with the counselors mentioning that I have a degree and can leave bedside for something like case management? This is no longer my interest and I can not perform my nursing duties to the standard that they want nurses to be.
It depends on a few variables that I don’t know (about you) but based on what you shared with me, no, that should not be an automatic denial. Please watch video #37 and #15, they will give you a lot more clarity on your situation.
No because that not a thing. They don't care that you're disabled and have run out of G.I. Bill . You have to meet the entitlement criteria. I suggest you watch the entitlement playlist on my channel. Once you have watched that playlist, if you have any questions that were not addressed, feel free to follow up.
Hi thanks for your videos, I was approved for VrE benefits, but I have a question ❓ would I get BAH while using VRE benefits iam going full time to school, I only have 1 month left in my VI bill thanks..
Hi! I was denied due to no EH. Any other pointers? I saw your video to not appeal, so I plan to go speak with the VRC again. I have yet to receive my actual denial letter, but I made the point about not having suitable employment, it exacerbates my SCD's, cannot find suitable employment in the past year, etc. And I backed this all up with supporting medical documentation also.
Rasheema that means your counselor was ignoring your justification. In that case, I would try to escalate up the chain and request an informal meeting with the supervisor present. But you may want to put something in writing before that meeting to justify your entitlement. I will help you get that sorted out if you need it. If so, look under the about tab on This channel and email me the name of your VRC, what regional office to which you were assigned, what date you were denied, and describe your employment situation (briefly). Also let me know if you have a degree if so in what and what vocational goal are you trying to obtain? If you answer ALL of these questions via email, I’ll let you know the best path to get your denial overturned or to reapply and get approved in the initial meeting👍🏽
@@rasheema4391 You only have 30 days to request an informal meeting with a supervisor. They are required to send you the denial letter but because of Covid they may say that the email was the denial letter. If I were you, I would just reapply. There’s a letter that I wrote for a veteran (it’s posted in my Facebook group) the letter was for a veteran who was denied and then she requested a new initial meeting with a new counselor and I had her send that email before the meeting. It basically proved her entitlement and addressed any possible excuse that the VRC could’ve given for denying her. She got approved for a masters degree. My suggestion is look at that letter, copy it and change it to meet whatever your situation is and then once you find out who your new VRC is going to be, email him or her that letter and I think you should be OK. Click on the CZcams link under “about” and it should give you my group information. Make sure you understand WHY you’re entitled and you communicate it in that letter. I suggest you use the template/format that I put together.
also The thing about getting approved as you have to keep pushing. A lot of people say “I said what you told me to say and they still said no”. If you were trying to get a VA loan and they said “you can’t have one”, you would ask why, if they said “the guidelines say you can’t have one”, you would probably say “can I see those guidelines because I need to understand why I’m being denied”. That’s the way you have to do this. you can’t just accept what they say is truth. A lot of them are either lying or don’t see the validity of your entitlement so you have to pick it apart and prove it. Look at video number 31 about appealing look at how I suggest you come back at them repeatedly. If they say “no, the guidelines so you can’t have it” but you know the guidelines say you CAN have it, then you have to challenge that and keep challenging it until they overturn it. And say things like “why are you not acknowledging clear evidence of my entitlement? Show me which one of the entitlement criteria I do not meet?” You have to push it like that especially when you already have a degree (and a job). And when they say you’ve overcome your vocational impairment, you have to push it like in video # 15 and say I have NOT overcome my vocational impairment based on this guideline right here. If they say you didn’t look for enough jobs, you say "where does it say there’s a minimal amount of jobs I have to look for? Why are you making up rules that are not in the guidelines? I looked for 25 jobs for six months, how long do you personally feel I need to struggle before I’ll be allowed to get the help that I’m entitled to receive?”. You have to PROVE your entitlement, if they didn’t approve you yet is because you have not convinced them that you’re really entitled. Look at video # 8 & 9 regarding the only reasons you’re denied.
Hello, long time fan of your helpful videos. I am currently in VR&E, working on my Bachelors degree, I have enough months of benefits left to get a Master's degree. How would I justify that? I am 100% service connected. Thank you for all the help.
Hello, you justify a masters degree by invalidating the strength of your bachelors degree which is very difficult to do when they're paying for it currently. Take a look at video # 37 and then if you still have questions, let me know.
@@iamnicthevet A big Texas THANK YOU! Combing through the 38 CFR and M28R last night and became frustrated. Meeting today with the CH.31 VA counselor(@1900, she's in Hawaii). I have a reduced work tolerance they acknowledge and not sure if I'm categorized 'SEH' by them, but maybe my argument should revolve around the need to be competitive at 51 years old. PTSD, head trauma, hip impingement, labrum tear, knees, and back are all service-connected. Changed degree and being required to sign 'Rehabilitation Plan' reflecting new major and minor. Do we sign these just once? Do I wait till they include the Master's degree I feel needed to make me competitive? Is this the hill to die on or is it an annual revisit to sign off on Rehab Plan? Thanks for the intelligent coaching Nic. Visiting #37 now. Wish there was a way to put a few bucks in your pocket. Veteran to veteran, you make my heart swell with love and pride in your stewardship of our community. `
Hey! Thanks for these awesome videos! I have a virtual appointment on 11/16/22 with the vre counselor any way I can contact you to go over my case! Thanks so much!
That's not really what I do but if you have a specific question about something I mentioned in one of my videos you can email me. Click my name and select contact Nic.
I have a job in the field I want but it's not the career path I want.. am I still entitled? I am a Quality Assurance Engineer/ Software Tester but I want to he a Software developer. I need a Bachelors in computer science in order to do so. I'm scared they will deny be because of my career as a Quality Assurance Engineer/ Software Tester. I only get 80% for my GI bill that is why I am interested in voc rehab
They wont deny you because of QA, they will deny you because your reason for wanting Voc rehab is for upward mobility. Upward mobility is not a factor in voc rehab. ALL they care about is; do you have an EH’s or an SEH’s. If you do, you can be approved, if you don’t, you wont be approved.
I'm 50% with PTSD working in I.T. is the best since I can be on my own for most of it and not have to deal with people. I was entitled before but I my PTSD was Serious bad then and I had to get ALOT of help. Ive learned how to cope but I still take meds everyday. I think I'm entitled still I just don't know 😒
Great Morning ! Your videos are truly a blessing . I have a quick question.. My counselor approved me getting my bachelors in computer science. School starts January, but I would like to change my career goal . Im interested in becoming a lawyer . Is it too late to change it? Also, is it possible for them to approve this without me already having a bachelors degree ? Thank you .
1. It's never too late to ask to change but I think it would be a mistake for you to request it. Their goal is to educate you to get a degree that will give you the best chance of finding suitable employment not to give you a degree in your dream job. If you want a dream job you need to present it as the most feasible path to you obtaining suitable employment. Since you guys clearly have already found that path, the vrc is not going to be inclined to switch it to you "dream job". That's how they will see this request. 2. It's highly unlikely that they pay for a doctoral degree when you don't have a bachelors degree unless you present it in a way that makes them confident that you will not obtain any suitable work unless you take that specific path. 3. If you want to go to law school, video #37 tells you the best way to present that case. Because you have no bachelors, it is not feasible for them to approve a doctoral degree because their contention will be, once you finish your undergrad, you will have the education to find suitable employment. And it doesn't make sense for them to pay for a bachelors degree that is not going to afford you a huge opportunity to obtain work. Additionally, you can go to law school with a bachelors degree in computer science so there's no real reason to change that goal either. And no matter what your undergrad degree is, you're still gonna have to justify the law degree based on video # 37. I think you really need to look at that video closely so you can understand how they view this type of request.
Nic please help! I am someone who watched your videos and had my meeting(phonecall) this morning and was denied. She stated that even though I have 50% PTSD disability rating she said that I do not allow her to check the box to approve me because I did not seek treatment. I asked for the regulation that states that treatment is required and she was upset saying she would not approve me at this time. I feel like she targetted me because it was PTSD and not a physical impairment that she could relate to. I prepared and stated the definition of EH and that at this time I do not have employment and not able to obtain suitable employment that is stable and requires reasonably developed skills. What is your advice when I appeal this?
1st I NEVER suggests an appeal. Appeals take too long, are too expensive and too stressful. I’d either fight up the chain or just reapply. 2nd based on M28R, Part III, Section C, Chapter 2 “If a case manager is considering a determination of infeasibility due to psychiatric or medical problems, and the Veteran claims to be actively receiving treatment at a VA Medical Center (VAMC), the case manager must obtain copies of the treatment records from the VAMC prior to making a decision on infeasibility. So if you ever sought treatment, she has a duty to get these treatment records (whether inside VA or outside VA) before making an entitlement decisions. You can also, start treatment and reapply in a few months.
I’ve met with my counselor once in person.. he said I could get a job with my bachelors degree and sent me on my way. I just emailed him a doctors note and references to the CFR about “interests and abilities”. How did you go about things after being initially denied? Do I just ask for my case to be reviewed by a supervisor?
Sadly, he doesn't care about your letter and it won't make a difference. ALL that matters is did you prove your EH or your SEH. I'd look at all 10 of my videos or at the very least, look at #'s 6, 7, 8 & 9.
iamnicthevet Thanks for the response. I only have 10% so I have to prove a SEH. I just watched your video referring to that; it seems I have some work to do to put that together for my next appointment.
@@danieljohnston6503 Its VERY VERY VERY hard to be found entitled with a 10% rating. You must have an SEH per M28R, Part IV, Section A, Chapter 3, 3.04, b so if your 10% is not a psychological rating, you’re pretty much done. I’d work on getting a ratings increase first. Hope it works out
Educational training doesn't not affect your rating. You are rated based on occupational impairment, not educational. Even if you make straight As in college you can still be OCCUPATIONALLY impaired. School, college, training is not "work". That's what I've been told anyway.
Here’s a defense that negates your VRCs claim of it being too expensive. its found at M28R, Part IV, Section C, Chapter 1. it says "If the facility cost exceeds the VRC’s approval level, as indicated below, then the VRC must complete the High Cost Memo in CWINRS and submit to the VR&E Officer (VREO) for approval of the higher cost facility prior to plan development. The High Cost Memo is located under the Rehabilitation Tab, and can be accessed by clicking “View Plan” and choosing the “High Cost Memo” button.” So if he/she says your school hits her limit, there’s an easy fix for that and it’s NOT grounds to deny your chosen path or chosen school.
@@leggsinthesky If you download the m28R on my web page, go to page 707 (or M28R, Part V, Section A, Chapter 1) and it explains all the pilot parameters but the cap is a lie based on the previous regulation I posted. I don't know what SUU is but you now have enough ammunition to argue your case.
@@iamnicthevet Thank you for the help. Was approved for voc rehab. Next fight is they are saying the VA does not pay for private pilots license which is part of the schools degree program.
I think its so sad as vets, that we have to fight with the people are supposed to be helping us the most!
I 1000% Agree. They act like its their money but its our tax money and we put our lives at risk to served this country!
my call took less than 15 minutes and she deemed me entitled. thank you so much for your help. this is going to change my life.
Nic, thank you specifically for useful information on Video 3. I included M28R definitions in my response to VRE counselors downplay of my EH and did not give up. I took the intiative to email M28r definitions to her with reasons I was entitled and eligible for approval of my rehabilitation plan expecting resistance. And 1 hour after the interview she called me back and said I was approved for master's degree program I had asked for..
You were instrumental in my preparation. Again thank you so much for making these videos available to vets like me
I'm very happy for you. That's why I made this channel so you guys can take the info and go get your entitlement. Make sure you get all the equipment and supplies you need (video's #26 & #23)
Mr. Jon Cech, If I may bother you for a question, where can I obtain a literature of M28R?
I’m only on video 3 and I’m hooked. Thank for making your videos 5 min. Straight to the point with lots of information.
THIS right Here is the Gold!! Thank You!! ✅Thank U Nic you are amazing & intelligent! ✊🏾
you got it
It’s sad that as service men and women that we have to fight for something that’s there for us, quiet sickening.
Sorry of your experience, but thanks to you we now have the inside knowledge to fight this. So sad we have to fight this battle when it should have been an automatic benefit. Again, I'm in love with you and I commend you for taking the time to do these vids!!! You are a leader and a true Soldier in my book!
Wow, never knew having no interests of that current job equal to "non-suitable" which then help match with the M28R. 👍
Where in the M28R does it talk about no interest in a job equals not suitable?
Nic, thank you so much. I have my meeting next week and saw your chanel as someone on reddit recommended you. YOU ARE A GOD SEND - fellow vet
Id like to greatly thank you for your help. I had my voc appointment today and i used what u taught me to get my entitlement. The Examiner tried to give me the run around but i beat him at his own game. This is all thanks to you. Much appreciated
Jerzey Drive thats awesome, congratulations, I’m very happy for you😊
When you show us the mind games at 0:49 it blew me away. That is completely crazy they treat people like that who are only trying to better their lives. I agree that this makes no sense given that this program is suppose to be here to help people. I really appreciate that you have posted these informational videos. Thank you
Thank your for helping i just hurt my back while on the service i just want to get back on my feet i didnt know i also had to fight for Vocational rehab i had to hire a lawyer to get tdiu because the process is slow and horrible we are not supposed to be fighting for our benefits!
Just had my first meeting 3 weeks ago. Towards the end of all the confusion I asked "So am I approved for benefits?" and she replies "No you're only approved for services at this point". I can't believe they make it this confusing and difficult for veterans and I couldn't imagine going through this process not being internet/ tech savvy.
Yes it's unfortunate that they sometimes play those games. Hopefully this channel will help you navigate those games & what you need.
Excellent advice on "suitable" employment, knowledge of the M28R is power
This is awesome! I feel as though I am better prepared for my Vocational Rehabilitation interview in October. Thank you!
You're welcome. Don't forget your EH/SEH Justification letter & please watch video #15 before your meeting.
I just had my meeting with the VR&E counselor today. I have a Masters degree in an unrelated field from what I am currently working in and have been working in for the last 7 years. I was just laid off from my job last Friday and now unemployed. I explained to the counselor that my current field adversely affects my disabilities. I was able to provide negative job performance reviews as evidence to my claim. I also said that the problem is keeping a job in my field because I am burned out and always depressed. She seemed very objective and didn't really show any biases toward my claim. I was told that I would know if I was approved either tomorrow or sometime next week. I am 100% P&T.
it’s not so much that your job was exacerbating your service-connected disabilities but that you don’t have the education or training to obtain work that does not exacerbate your service-connected disabilities. Hopefully you communicated that successfully to your counselor.
Wow, this is exactly what happened with me, and for a few minutes I lost it and thought it was me mentally.
It's TOTALLY not you, they do this to all of us. It's a horrible travesty.
You are a God sent! Thank you so much for selflessly sharing your knowledge! 💐💐💐
I recently filed and have my first meeting in March 2022. I came across your 1st video and I subscribed. I will be spending the next 30 days watching all your videos to get me ready. It is crazy how hard you have to fight. Fighting for my SCD was crazy! Thank you so much for sharing all this great information. Have a blessed day!
You may not have to fight but it's best to be prepared.
You are Godsend!!!! I was denied because I am a federal employee.....I intend on reapplying.
They often deny you when you’re a federal employee because they know that federal organizations are required to give you accommodations. but sometimes even with accommodations, it does not make it better with the entire job or the entire field or the entire functionality exacerbates your service connected disability‘s.And no matter what, if the job exacerbates your service connected disability, it is not suitable.
I wish I would have had these when I first applied. I am going to use them now!
You will probably get way more out of the program now that you understand all that you have a right to.
Fire thank you for sharing this advice
Thank for your videos. I just received my entitlement letter.
YW, congratulations🎉🥳🎊
I just started watching your videos, I would love to hear more about why I should ideally avoid an informal meeting. Maybe you have a video already on that and I'll find it. Thanks for your help.
I go over that in video #6. Usually I find in the informal meeting they just support whatever the VRC said and 9 times out of 10, you have to take it higher than that to get it overturned. But if you feel like going for it, nothing beats a failure but a try👍
That’s so crazy that you had to go through all of those mind games
That was ME!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!
Nic,
Thanks for posting this vid. This is almost verbatim what I experienced with me having a Master's degree and a job at the time. Thanks to you posting these helpful and insightful videos, I'll be better equipped when I seek VR & E self-employment help.
Take care
if you have a masters, you might want to look at video #15, they hate to give degrees to people with masters so you have to really be ready. You got this.
@@iamnicthevet Thanks for the encouragement Nic. Take care..
Love this channel. I have VRE, and four classes left on my bachelor's, but I need to change my program as I want to complete training as a
VA chaplain. This was my original request. I was denied this program by other counselors and placed in other bachelor's programs. Also I have gone from 10 to 100 percent service connection.
I was turned down because of growth rates and not based on the needs of the VA and the lack of female veteran chaplains.
They can certainly change it with ease but it’s not as simple as requesting a change. You have to justify why the vocational goal you agreed to is no longer suitable. If they denied it previously, they likely will deny it again unless something has changed that renders that goal infeasible or unobtainable. An increase in your rating in and of itself isn’t enough, and they dont care about the needs of the VA or how many job openings there are in your desired field, it’s all about justifying why YOUR ability to get a job in this old field is now illogical. Once they admit you need a different vocational goal, THEN they care about the volume of openings in that new field.
I am binge watching your videos to become more familiar with the vocabulary and procedure.
Thank you so much for what you done miss.
Nic, just wanted to let you know I requested equipment I needed to be successful in my MSW studies and was approvedl for laptop computer. Requested ergonomic desk and chair for online classes which is pending report from my PCP and PM&R providers.
Thank you so much! :)
excellent, congrats
Thank you for your video. Tomorrow morning I do my first interview with my vr&e consoler.
You're welcome. Hope it went well
@@iamnicthevet it did, in fact, I was over prepared to shoot down any obstacles. Didn’t have to fight with them at all, thankfully. I’m now in the process of enrolling for the spring semester at the University of Cincinnati.
Thanks for your information. 🤠🇺🇸
You’re a strong intelligent person.
Thank you
And pretty, thank you iamnicthevet! i have an appointment on the 11th with a councelor albeit on zoom. I had no idea, the process was this vigorous and complicated. Glad im watching your vids bc they are invaluable. I havent worked since i got out the navy last july, and honestly have little game plan as far as how the benefits work and what kind of jobs they would help me get.
@@playboy198900 I just went through the whole 6 assignments required before I could enroll.
All went well. I’m now in the process of enrolling for the spring semester at the University of Cincinnati. My end goal is a BA in Social Work.
Good luck, keep your head up. 🤠🇺🇸
@@playboy198900 It's not this complicated for everyone, hopefully your situation will be easy but it's always best to be prepared just in case. They are not career counselors so it's best if you don't depend on them to find what's best for you. Most counselors will stick you in the path that works best for them (similar to a recruiter) so it's good to know what you want going in.
@@iamnicthevet I see, that does make sense. Its definitely confusing if your not paying attention and dont know what your doing. I just dont want to ruin my chances or oppurtunity provided that i get approved. Thanks for the quick reply iamnicthevet, i appreciate your brevity
It's crazy! I was deemed SEH and feasible for outcome BUT the VRC keeps bringing up static disabilities that she wont approve me for nursing.
If you have any rating for PTSD, or anxiety or depression, it's much harder to get nursing approved so you'll have to get letters from people to justify that path and have some extenuating justifications. And if you are 100% for any of those SCD's, it's gonna be very very difficult. Not impossible but inordinately difficult.
@iamnicthevet thank you so much for creating these videos! My initial VR&E is tomorrow via teleconference and I am hoping beyond hope that I don't get treated the way you were. Would you say you hear more negative experiences or positive? Thanks again!
negative and positive is relative. I would say half of the people who contact me simply say “I watched all your videos, I did what you said and I got entitled, thank you so much”. 25% of the people contact me after looking at only three videos and then try to ask me 100 questions and the other 15% watch most of my videos, ask me questions, do everything I suggest and then get their entitlement. 10% want me to do all the work and when they realize I’m not going to do it for them, they just give up. Most people don’t have a super negative experience, they just have to work a little harder in some parts of the country than others. LA New York and Hampton Roads Virginia usually makes their veterans work a little harder than other areas of the country. but every department has one or two VRC‘s who really should’ve retired 10 years ago.
My 2nd time applying to VRE denied before the program I want is pilot the site say you need a private license which is the first one I used my GI for bachelors but no job. The site say they approve for advanced license dual engine close to the 4th license. The 2-3rd is missing from the site. and basically a pilot needs 1-4 to get hired how do I convince them my impairment and challenge them
I’m not going to lie the mind games thing had me dying laughing bc it’s true in my case too. Informative channel btw sista
Later this month I'm posting the informal meeting with a supervisor..next level Jedi mind tricks.
@@iamnicthevet I’ll watch
That is literally abuse of power is it not? Have you considered filing an official complaint against any of the cruel lying VA employees you have been victimized by? I am about to do so next week if a particular VA dentist continues to deny my request for the reason for denial of my entitled benefit. Considering going again to my US Senator. Had to do so twice in the past two years. This time I will ask her to conduct an investigation into that department for any veterans who have been denied service for the past four years.
it’s totally an abuse of power. But you have to decide how you want to fight the system. I fought the system by getting my benefits and the teaching other people how to get their benefits. I have no desire to try to fix the VA. It’s broken … irrevocably and I don’t have a time, energy or inclination to try to fix it. But I will educate as many people as possible so that they don’t go through what I went through.
@@iamnicthevet You're doing a marvelous job.
Girl I went in there and said Suitable Employment 37 times today and got accepted 😂😂😂😂💗
lol - I LOVE IT. They are not used to Vets knowing the rules. Good for you. Congrats!!!
Suitable employment 37 times? How did they respond before approving you?
I have recently had to quit my job bc of my SCD but now working somewhere that wont aggravate it AS bad but the pay will not support my family. Im looking into vr&r for a education in a another field. Will the fact that I currently have a job that isnt as demanding
cause issues?
No, but if you tell them it exacerbates your SCD's less than before and it doesn't pay enough, they may try to deny you. I would present it as though you left your other job because it exacerbated your SCD's and you had to take this new job that you knew would exacerbate your SCDs but you had to make money to support your family and you need some education/training to get out of that field of work. I would not mention the pay because they may try to use that against you.
Thanks so much for the videos! I have a question regarding a degree I already have: I have a bachelors degree in finance, and I would like to enter a relatively niche field of finance that my current degree will not make me competitive for. I've been accepted to a masters program that has a proven track record of placing students into the specific field of finance that I'm interested in. My counselor indicated that because I have a degree in finance I'm not entitled. How should I explain that the jobs my current degree makes me competitve for don't align with my interests. He seems to be stuck on the fact I want to go into the finance industry without considering the fact that there are various functions within the finance industry and those various functions are vastly different than each other.
Unfortunately, it doesn't matter that your job does not align w/your interests. That cannot be the primary reason for approval. The primary reason must be that your current job exacerbates your SCDs and you don't have the education or training to obtain work that does not exacerbate your SCDs so the fact that working in Finance does not exacerbate your SCDs means you dont meet the entitlement criteria ☹
@@iamnicthevet Thanks for the response! To clarify, I don't currently have a job. I am on transition leave while awaiting my official retirement date for my medical retirement. The only job I have ever had was as an army officer. I never even had an internship in finance, so my degree is essentially worthless at this point. To enter the finance field (unless I were to get a job that didn't require a finance degree) I will need a masters. Also as I understood, suitable employment had to be consistent with the veteran's interests. Is that not the case? Thanks again for your time!
Thank you for these videos. First meeting is tomorrow.
Any advice on showing how PTSD has affected my work in the past without making myself look unemployable? My best "comeback" is that I have been unemployed for over a year now and focusing solely on therapy. It was pretty ugly for a while but that's before I was SC and attending therapy. Thx
Cpl Bird Do NOT tell your counselor that you have not been working because you’ve been focusing on therapy. Vocational rehabilitation is not a therapy program, it is not an education program, it is a job program. Because you’ve been unemployed for a year, the fact that PTSD affected your last job is really irrelevant at this point.
What you want to do is briefly mention that your last job really exacerbated your PTSD but Focus on the fact that for the last year you’ve been looking for suitable work, applying for jobs and not getting any jobs. While you’ve been looking for work, you’ve also been going to therapy in the hopes of keeping a positive career outlook and continuing to learn how to live And support yourself with PTSD. While going to therapy, things have not gotten any better financially because you’ve been unable to find employment, and that is why you have an employment handicap.
You will want to create a job log. Maybe about 25 jobs that you’ve applied for over the past 4-6 months. All you need is the job title and the company name. Don’t let them get you all caught up in the details of the job or iron clad proof that you applied. These days you can apply through indeed.com and there’s no record of the application if you apply as a guest so as long as you really applied for a job, you don’t have to have actual proof. The job log should suffice. You can put it together in an hour and bring it with you to your meeting in case they ask for it.
@@iamnicthevet thank you. That makes sense. I should have stated that my focus has been on therapy. Despite being 100%p&t, my wife and I are still struggling to make ends meet. I have applied to jobs (somewhat reluctantly, but I'll keep that to myself) in hope of bettering our financial situation.
Any ideas on how I might be able to rebuttal if they pull from my mental health notes? I'm pretty sure they might have it documented in there stating that I was not interested in working...
My PTSD does cause anxiety and fear surrounding the idea of reentering similiar employment to my past experience( all my substantial employment was centered around my former military occupational specialty). Triggers galore in that industry.
Cpl Bird If you told your VA psychologist that you don’t want to work and you told her/him that you have not been looking for work, obviously you can’t tell the VRC that you’ve been looking for work so I’m not sure what to tell you on that end. If you’re denied because of that, Maybe start to change the narrative with the va counselor then reapply after 60 days.
If, however, you told her/him that even though you don’t want to work you’re still were willing to look for work then you can tell that to the VRC. You can say “sure I’d love to just takeoff and go to the psychologist and learn how to handle my PTSD forever but I have to support my family so I’ve still been looking for work.” Then you can go into what I mentioned on my previous response about not obtaining any job offers therefore having an employment handicap.
You don’t have to focus so heavily on the fact that your PTSD causes anxiety related to your old job. That’s already been established. THAT is the vocational impairment. You need to focus on the fact that for the past year you’ve been looking for work and have not been able to find work, THAT is the employment handicap and THAT is how you will get your entitlement. You can’t work in the old field and can’t find work in a new field therefore you need to be trained in a new suitable field.
@@iamnicthevet thank you so much for taking time to reply.
So glad I caught your videos the before I go in tomorrow.
Despite telling my therapists I was not interested in working(and to be honest am still fearful of what returning to work might do to mental state, but I gotta try) I did seek employment comparable to my previous employment to no prevail. I've dumped resumes all over the place. But, my resume is such a mess with no formal education to assist either.
After my previous employment failure, I returned to college. I was doing ok in school until I finally sought therapy, therapy tore open old wounds and I flunked my last semester. The prior 3 semester I was managing to crank out 3.0-3.5 gpas. Any success I have had in the past has come at great cost to my personal life. 2 divorces, etc... even if I could hold it together at work, it spilled over into my personal life.
I can suck it up, but it's not a sustainable option. I'll have colon cancer before I reach 40 if I keep stressing the way I have done in the past.
Sorry for the long post. The anxiety is trying its most to take over. Therapy has helped me keep one hand on the wheel at least.
Itll all work out.
@@cplbird8179 I’m no psychologist or PTSD expert, I’m only advising on how to get approved for VR&E but if you feel this much pressure and stress, maybe talk to your therapist about the different programs in VR&E (see video #10) and figure out what works best with your PTSD challenges and continued wellness. VR&E is not going anywhere any time soon, sounds like a little more preparation might be good. If you go in there saying all that stuff about stress and anxiety about a job, they will deny you but then that stuff is in your VR&E records and will be harder to overcome the next time you apply. You know what’s best for you and your family but based on what you’ve said, maybe figure out what you want (based on the 5 paths), talk to your counselor about what you both feel is best for your financial and mental well being and then re-apply and go from there. But if you feel ready to proceed, your counselor may ask you for a letter from your va counselor saying she/he feels you're emotionally ready to do this and will likely be successful in your desired path.
Question.. if you still have your full GI Bill entitlement how do you explain why you’re requesting VR&E? (For reference I want to use VR&E for undergrad and then use GI Bill for dental school so that I can graduate debt free)
You have the wrong mindset. You don't have to explain to ANYBODY why you want to use a benefit to which you are entitled. If you meet the entitlement criteria then you get the benefit PERIOD. They shouldn't be asking you why you're not using your G.I. Bill but if they do, I would flip it back on them and question why they are trying to force you to use one benefit to which you have access vs another benefit to which you have access. It's not their place to tell you which one of your benefits to use. I wouldn't even address something like that. I would put it back on them and ask them why they are trying to push me towards one benefit to which I'm fully entitled versus another benefit to which I'm fully entitled. Why is that even a question, these are my benefits, I need the entitlement criteria and your duty to assist is to help find entitlement if it's available. What difference does it make that? I have other options if I meet the entitlement criteria for this benefit?
Why do they even work there if there not trying to help veterans? I’m confused?
For some it's just a job and helping Vets is not even a factor.
@@iamnicthevet Hey Nic, I’m not even wanting to go back to college but after watching some of your videos, I feel like doing it just to be petty…😂🤣🤦🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️
@@iBarber504 uh oh😳
Can I use more than one VRE program? After utilizing the Independent Living Track can I request to be excepted into the reemployment track?
You can use one track and then switch to another track as long as you show that it's justified and necessary. However, Independent living is for people who can't work so you can't get federal funding because you can't work and then turn around and ask them for federal funding to work. Well, you can ask, but I'm pretty sure they'll say no.
Hi Vic, for the MBA if they approve is it up to a certain amount only and specific schools?
The yearly Limit is 35,000 for your tuition and books and equipment etc. But if your school cost more than that you just have to get a high cost approval from the VREO , The Director has an even higher limit than the VREO. Check video number 35, it gives regulations for limits.
I recently left my nursing job due to my service connected disability and difficulty with my performance. I have a bachelors in nursing and I don’t want to stay in the nursing field anymore and pursue another degree. Will I be denied with the counselors mentioning that I have a degree and can leave bedside for something like case management? This is no longer my interest and I can not perform my nursing duties to the standard that they want nurses to be.
It depends on a few variables that I don’t know (about you) but based on what you shared with me, no, that should not be an automatic denial. Please watch video #37 and #15, they will give you a lot more clarity on your situation.
My GI finishes in 4 months I would need coverage for another 3 semesters to get my bachelors. I am a disabled vet. Do you have a video on that?
No because that not a thing. They don't care that you're disabled and have run out of G.I. Bill . You have to meet the entitlement criteria. I suggest you watch the entitlement playlist on my channel. Once you have watched that playlist, if you have any questions that were not addressed, feel free to follow up.
Hi thanks for your videos, I was approved for VrE benefits, but I have a question ❓ would I get BAH while using VRE benefits iam going full time to school, I only have 1 month left in my VI bill thanks..
yep
Hello, I’m really enjoying your videos but where are the M28R in the comments?
I have my first meeting on Thursday and I am very nervous.
Hi, the m28R isn't used anymore, just google m28c. Video # 35 goes over the changes.
Hi! I was denied due to no EH. Any other pointers? I saw your video to not appeal, so I plan to go speak with the VRC again. I have yet to receive my actual denial letter, but I made the point about not having suitable employment, it exacerbates my SCD's, cannot find suitable employment in the past year, etc. And I backed this all up with supporting medical documentation also.
Rasheema that means your counselor was ignoring your justification. In that case, I would try to escalate up the chain and request an informal meeting with the supervisor present. But you may want to put something in writing before that meeting to justify your entitlement. I will help you get that sorted out if you need it. If so, look under the about tab on This channel and email me the name of your VRC, what regional office to which you were assigned, what date you were denied, and describe your employment situation (briefly). Also let me know if you have a degree if so in what and what vocational goal are you trying to obtain? If you answer ALL of these questions via email, I’ll let you know the best path to get your denial overturned or to reapply and get approved in the initial meeting👍🏽
@@iamnicthevet Thank you! I'll email you the info shortly.
@@rasheema4391 You only have 30 days to request an informal meeting with a supervisor. They are required to send you the denial letter but because of Covid they may say that the email was the denial letter. If I were you, I would just reapply. There’s a letter that I wrote for a veteran (it’s posted in my Facebook group) the letter was for a veteran who was denied and then she requested a new initial meeting with a new counselor and I had her send that email before the meeting. It basically proved her entitlement and addressed any possible excuse that the VRC could’ve given for denying her. She got approved for a masters degree. My suggestion is look at that letter, copy it and change it to meet whatever your situation is and then once you find out who your new VRC is going to be, email him or her that letter and I think you should be OK. Click on the CZcams link under “about” and it should give you my group information. Make sure you understand WHY you’re entitled and you communicate it in that letter. I suggest you use the template/format that I put together.
also The thing about getting approved as you have to keep pushing. A lot of people say “I said what you told me to say and they still said no”. If you were trying to get a VA loan and they said “you can’t have one”, you would ask why, if they said “the guidelines say you can’t have one”, you would probably say “can I see those guidelines because I need to understand why I’m being denied”. That’s the way you have to do this. you can’t just accept what they say is truth. A lot of them are either lying or don’t see the validity of your entitlement so you have to pick it apart and prove it. Look at video number 31 about appealing look at how I suggest you come back at them repeatedly. If they say “no, the guidelines so you can’t have it” but you know the guidelines say you CAN have it, then you have to challenge that and keep challenging it until they overturn it. And say things like “why are you not acknowledging clear evidence of my entitlement? Show me which one of the entitlement criteria I do not meet?” You have to push it like that especially when you already have a degree (and a job). And when they say you’ve overcome your vocational impairment, you have to push it like in video # 15 and say I have NOT overcome my vocational impairment based on this guideline right here. If they say you didn’t look for enough jobs, you say "where does it say there’s a minimal amount of jobs I have to look for? Why are you making up rules that are not in the guidelines? I looked for 25 jobs for six months, how long do you personally feel I need to struggle before I’ll be allowed to get the help that I’m entitled to receive?”. You have to PROVE your entitlement, if they didn’t approve you yet is because you have not convinced them that you’re really entitled. Look at video # 8 & 9 regarding the only reasons you’re denied.
Hello, long time fan of your helpful videos. I am currently in VR&E, working on my Bachelors degree, I have enough months of benefits left to get a Master's degree. How would I justify that? I am 100% service connected. Thank you for all the help.
Hello, you justify a masters degree by invalidating the strength of your bachelors degree which is very difficult to do when they're paying for it currently. Take a look at video # 37 and then if you still have questions, let me know.
@@iamnicthevet A big Texas THANK YOU! Combing through the 38 CFR and M28R last night and became frustrated. Meeting today with the CH.31 VA counselor(@1900, she's in Hawaii). I have a reduced work tolerance they acknowledge and not sure if I'm categorized 'SEH' by them, but maybe my argument should revolve around the need to be competitive at 51 years old. PTSD, head trauma, hip impingement, labrum tear, knees, and back are all service-connected. Changed degree and being required to sign 'Rehabilitation Plan' reflecting new major and minor. Do we sign these just once? Do I wait till they include the Master's degree I feel needed to make me competitive? Is this the hill to die on or is it an annual revisit to sign off on Rehab Plan? Thanks for the intelligent coaching Nic. Visiting #37 now. Wish there was a way to put a few bucks in your pocket. Veteran to veteran, you make my heart swell with love and pride in your stewardship of our community. `
Hey! Thanks for these awesome videos! I have a virtual appointment on 11/16/22 with the vre counselor any way I can contact you to go over my case! Thanks so much!
That's not really what I do but if you have a specific question about something I mentioned in one of my videos you can email me. Click my name and select contact Nic.
I have a job in the field I want but it's not the career path I want.. am I still entitled?
I am a Quality Assurance Engineer/ Software Tester but I want to he a Software developer. I need a Bachelors in computer science in order to do so. I'm scared they will deny be because of my career as a Quality Assurance Engineer/ Software Tester.
I only get 80% for my GI bill that is why I am interested in voc rehab
They wont deny you because of QA, they will deny you because your reason for wanting Voc rehab is for upward mobility. Upward mobility is not a factor in voc rehab. ALL they care about is; do you have an EH’s or an SEH’s. If you do, you can be approved, if you don’t, you wont be approved.
I'm 50% with PTSD working in I.T. is the best since I can be on my own for most of it and not have to deal with people. I was entitled before but I my PTSD was Serious bad then and I had to get ALOT of help. Ive learned how to cope but I still take meds everyday. I think I'm entitled still I just don't know 😒
@@therealrossy 1. Based on your situation, do you need to have an EH or an SEH? 2. Based on the criteria, do you have an EH or an SEH?
Great Morning ! Your videos are truly a blessing . I have a quick question.. My counselor approved me getting my bachelors in computer science. School starts January, but I would like to change my career goal . Im interested in becoming a lawyer . Is it too late to change it? Also, is it possible for them to approve this without me already having a bachelors degree ? Thank you .
1. It's never too late to ask to change but I think it would be a mistake for you to request it. Their goal is to educate you to get a degree that will give you the best chance of finding suitable employment not to give you a degree in your dream job. If you want a dream job you need to present it as the most feasible path to you obtaining suitable employment. Since you guys clearly have already found that path, the vrc is not going to be inclined to switch it to you "dream job". That's how they will see this request. 2. It's highly unlikely that they pay for a doctoral degree when you don't have a bachelors degree unless you present it in a way that makes them confident that you will not obtain any suitable work unless you take that specific path. 3. If you want to go to law school, video #37 tells you the best way to present that case. Because you have no bachelors, it is not feasible for them to approve a doctoral degree because their contention will be, once you finish your undergrad, you will have the education to find suitable employment. And it doesn't make sense for them to pay for a bachelors degree that is not going to afford you a huge opportunity to obtain work. Additionally, you can go to law school with a bachelors degree in computer science so there's no real reason to change that goal either. And no matter what your undergrad degree is, you're still gonna have to justify the law degree based on video # 37. I think you really need to look at that video closely so you can understand how they view this type of request.
@@iamnicthevet thank you for the feedback! Ill be studying your videos more . Have a wonderful day .
Just got denied for the first excuse like 18 minutes ago
😥
@@iamnicthevet may I email you please 🙃
@@mryungthug2010 sure, click my channel name then 'contact nic'
Nic please help! I am someone who watched your videos and had my meeting(phonecall) this morning and was denied. She stated that even though I have 50% PTSD disability rating she said that I do not allow her to check the box to approve me because I did not seek treatment. I asked for the regulation that states that treatment is required and she was upset saying she would not approve me at this time. I feel like she targetted me because it was PTSD and not a physical impairment that she could relate to. I prepared and stated the definition of EH and that at this time I do not have employment and not able to obtain suitable employment that is stable and requires reasonably developed skills. What is your advice when I appeal this?
1st I NEVER suggests an appeal. Appeals take too long, are too expensive and too stressful. I’d either fight up the chain or just reapply.
2nd based on M28R, Part III, Section C, Chapter 2 “If a case manager is considering a determination of infeasibility due to psychiatric or medical problems, and the Veteran claims to be actively receiving treatment at a VA Medical Center (VAMC), the case manager must obtain copies of the treatment records from the VAMC prior to
making a decision on infeasibility.
So if you ever sought treatment, she has a duty to get these treatment records (whether inside VA or outside VA) before making an entitlement decisions.
You can also, start treatment and reapply in a few months.
Dumb question but am i eligible for VR&E if I have a job? I think the answer is no right. Sorry for the question, but I am lost.
The answer is yes. Please watch video # 25 to understand why.
What is SEH, EH, or SCD? SCD (Service Connected Disability)?
definitions here and yes for SCD czcams.com/video/Tge_yHy0pg8/video.html
Now that you've shined the lights on the games and stress placed on Veterans requesting benefits from Vocational Rehab, does it continue in 2020?
All day every day but now Vets are responding with the right information and getting their entitlement.
My Orientation day is March 31st and thanks to you, I couldn’t be more prepared.
Will this help for job retention of moved to new position?
I don’t know what this means.
I’ve met with my counselor once in person.. he said I could get a job with my bachelors degree and sent me on my way. I just emailed him a doctors note and references to the CFR about “interests and abilities”. How did you go about things after being initially denied? Do I just ask for my case to be reviewed by a supervisor?
-note, I’ve already been accepted into a doctorate program that is required for my the fields entry level job
Sadly, he doesn't care about your letter and it won't make a difference. ALL that matters is did you prove your EH or your SEH. I'd look at all 10 of my videos or at the very least, look at #'s 6, 7, 8 & 9.
iamnicthevet Thanks for the response. I only have 10% so I have to prove a SEH. I just watched your video referring to that; it seems I have some work to do to put that together for my next appointment.
@@danieljohnston6503 Its VERY VERY VERY hard to be found entitled with a 10% rating. You must have an SEH per M28R, Part IV, Section A, Chapter 3, 3.04, b so if your 10% is not a psychological rating, you’re pretty much done. I’d work on getting a ratings increase first. Hope it works out
iamnicthevet Good to know! It isn’t. I’ll work on the rating. Thanks!
You still collect your disability compensation while on va voc rehab correct?
Michael Viray correct
Educational training doesn't not affect your rating. You are rated based on occupational impairment, not educational. Even if you make straight As in college you can still be OCCUPATIONALLY impaired. School, college, training is not "work". That's what I've been told anyway.
How do I find the guide lines for an SER
I mean SEH
@@lidgettproduction google "m28c SEH"
I'm being told there is a cap on how much Voc Rehab will fund for a degree program, is that true or do you know where I can find that info?
Here’s a defense that negates your VRCs claim of it being too expensive. its found at M28R, Part IV, Section C, Chapter 1. it says "If the facility cost exceeds the VRC’s approval level, as indicated below, then the VRC must complete the High Cost Memo in CWINRS and submit to the VR&E Officer (VREO) for approval of the higher cost facility prior to plan development. The High Cost Memo is located under the Rehabilitation Tab, and can be accessed by clicking “View Plan” and choosing the “High Cost Memo” button.”
So if he/she says your school hits her limit, there’s an easy fix for that and it’s NOT grounds to deny your chosen path or chosen school.
@@iamnicthevet SUU Aviation Science Pilot program Associates degree
And thank you.
@@leggsinthesky If you download the m28R on my web page, go to page 707 (or M28R, Part V, Section A, Chapter 1) and it explains all the pilot parameters but the cap is a lie based on the previous regulation I posted. I don't know what SUU is but you now have enough ammunition to argue your case.
@@iamnicthevet Thank you for the help. Was approved for voc rehab. Next fight is they are saying the VA does not pay for private pilots license which is part of the schools degree program.
Hi Nic, how can I contact you?
Paul Kamara you just did, what’s up?
@@iamnicthevet I'm not sure if you offer consulting services...
@@pazo321 Unfortunately I do not but I help many vets via FB or email - you're welcome to contact me at iamnicthevet@gmail.com