Other VA Programs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides services to U.S. veterans through a nationwide network of hospitals, outpatient clinics, community living centers, residential rehabilitation treatment programs, Vet Centers, benefits regional offices, and national cemeteries. Depending on your circumstances, here are a few of the specialized VA programs that can help you reach your goals.

Blind and Visually Impaired Services

If you are a veteran or active-duty service member dealing with blindness or low vision, the VA's Blind Rehabilitation Services (BRS) can help you learn the skills you need to be able to lead an independent and stable life. BRS services are available in the VA’s medical centers, and can include things like vision-enhancing devices and technologies, training in new visual skills to help with everyday tasks, and counseling and therapy to help you adjust to blindness. To learn more, contact the Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) coordinator at your nearest VA medical center, or call the BRS Program office at 1-202-461-7317.

Compensated Work Therapy (CWT)

Offered at VA medical centers, the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program works with employers and agencies to create job opportunities for veterans with disabilities who have difficulty finding and keeping a job. CWT matches veterans who are ready to work with jobs, and gives them the support needed to keep that job. To get CWT services you must:

• Have a physical or mental disability (it does not have to be service-related)
• Be eligible for VA healthcare services
• Have a goal of getting a suitable job, and
• Find it difficult to get and keep a job.

To apply, you need a referral from your VA doctor. To learn more about CWT, contact your local VA Medical Center.

Veteran Readiness and Employability (VR&E)

If you are a military service member or veteran with a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program can help you prepare for, find, and keep a job or career. It can also provide the support you need to let you live as independently as possible. Services can include education, vocational counseling and planning, job training, help finding and keeping a job, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, counseling, medical referrals, independent living services, and more. Many VR&E services are designed to help you find and get suitable employment — a job that doesn’t make your disability worse; is stable; and matches your abilities, aptitudes, and interests.

Learn more in DB101’s article on Veteran Readiness and Employability.

VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC)

The VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program has counselors at over 100 college campuses nationwide, offering vocational testing, career counseling, and faster access to some VA benefits for veterans and their dependents who are attending college using VA education benefits. VSOC is part of the larger VR&E program. The counselors give their students the support they need to reach their educational and career goals. The VA provides a list of schools with VSOC counselors.