Anyone using VA VOC Rehab...

Nurses Disabilities

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I was wondering if anyone on this forum is currently or has used the VA Vocational Rehab program to go through nursing school? I am in school for my RN and looking at becoming an advanced practiced nurse (apn). I need help with making a plan for my initial meeting with my VRC.

Have your disabilities limited you, when it came to making the initial goal with your Voc Rehab Counselor (VRC)?? Any information that can be given would be helpful.

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I have used Dept of Voc. Rehab. for disabilities. In my state, (not VA), I know that they would not help to finance that type of program. (not enough funds, even for some of the simple things!) My goals tend to be more short term. And yes, my disability has limited me (unfortunately) in many ways. It really depends on your DVR counselor as to what services you may receive, and how much "help" you will actually receive, but it certainly doesn't hurt to ask for the services.

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Hi! I am currently in the chapter 31 voc rehab program at Mount Saint Marys College, I consider myself very lucky considering the VA is paying my full tuition and books, considering it is a provate catholic school im super glad, I have 50% service connected disability, 30 PTSD and 20 for my knees, I was a navy hospital corpsman and was deployed to Fallujah, I am kind of curious as to whether or not they will continue to pay for my school because I am only getting my AA, I dont know but honeslty I would think it all depends on how you carry youreself, what youre grades look like, and many other factors, location and the individual voc rehab counseler you get makes a huge difference, I live in southern california and honestly there is not a whole lot of Iraq veterans so I stand out a bit, let me know if you need any advice etc, it's a really great program and will help you no matter what the cost, it doesnt boil down to money, heck its the governments money trust me you earned it, let me know if you have any questions GOOD LUCK!

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@AA012

Any luck with VA Voc Rehab paying for nursing school?

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I am not in VA but close to it and for me, voc rehab will pay for some books, diagnosis of my disability (which I had already paid for out of pocket but I'm trying to get reimbursed. It was $1,000!!) and I think there may be other things as well such uniforms. Good luck!!

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Specializes in All Icus x Nicu/ Shock Trauma/flight nur.

Dear Voc Rehab,

Although my disability was not service connected I utilized my state vocational rehab facilities. After almost two years of getting jerked around I found the Kansas Disiability Rights Center in Topeka. There is no charge to you, and now you have an attorney in help you. I was livid most of the time before I had this team of attornies to asist me. I called the head of the Kansas Vocational Rehabilitation department and asked one question? If you can't help a RN get back to work then I want to know who are you helping! A meeting was held shortly thereafter with my attorney, the man with who decided what VR would be responsible for and his secretary. I walked out of that meeting with a car, computer, books, tuition, scrubs, and unlimited budget for textbooks, internet access paid for, gas allowance for clinical days, money for new shoes and a watch, CPR for healthcare providers, etc.

Just keep in mind that it took me almost two years before I found theses attorney's. What I want to say is it isn't easy to get them to turn loose with funding especially now, but it is possiable. My final thought is if you get the run around, politely let them know that you are going to the largest newspaper and tell your story...

Keep me posted, I would love to hear how your getting along. If you have any questions drop me a line.

P.S. Don't let them get you down, that is the initial interviewer to frustrate you. Never ever give up! [email protected]

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Specializes in All Icus x Nicu/ Shock Trauma/flight nur.

I found some resources on Allnurses: Link and resources for nurses with Disabilitly forum...Fltnrse2

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I've been accepted into Voc Rehab using the Chapter 31 benefits and have been approved to pursue a BSN along with my NP if I can get it knocked out in the standard 48 month window, that's the tricky part. As it stands right now I'm going to be meeting with a person at the VA tomorrow, not my counselor, who's offered to give me some helpful advice on how to extend the 48 month period to incorporate the NP as well.

I've done a ton of research and would be glad to help any fellow disabled veterans who are on the same journey. 99% of the battle to getting approved is going in with knowledge and plenty of ammunition to substantiate why you want to go into nursing and if it'll be a feasible career for you prior to showing up to your first Voc Rehab meeting.

This is the only thread I could find in my search related to Voc Rehab and I think this could be a great way to post valuable info for others.

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Hi! I am currently in the chapter 31 voc rehab program at Mount Saint Marys College, I consider myself very lucky considering the VA is paying my full tuition and books, considering it is a provate catholic school im super glad, I have 50% service connected disability, 30 PTSD and 20 for my knees, I was a navy hospital corpsman and was deployed to Fallujah, I am kind of curious as to whether or not they will continue to pay for my school because I am only getting my AA, I dont know but honeslty I would think it all depends on how you carry youreself, what youre grades look like, and many other factors, location and the individual voc rehab counseler you get makes a huge difference, I live in southern california and honestly there is not a whole lot of Iraq veterans so I stand out a bit, let me know if you need any advice etc, it's a really great program and will help you no matter what the cost, it doesnt boil down to money, heck its the governments money trust me you earned it, let me know if you have any questions GOOD LUCK!

Why not go for your BSN since you've already qualified for Chapter 31? Get it done now while the VA is covering your tuition, books, stipend, etc. Just a thought...

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Hey is this thread still active? I too am using chapter 31 to pursue my Bsn. My counselor has been great about equipment needs and a few extras. I have tried researching on getting an extension so I could pursue a joint MBA/MSN degree but I haven't had any luck. Do you know of any good resources? Thanks.

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UPDATE: Hey all. Long time, no talk. Proud to say that chapter 31 Voc Rehab has paid 24 months of my education so far. I have my Associates and am working on my BSN. I'm applying to grad school now, so I'll be more involved on the forum if anyone has questions.

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So do they give u a stipend every month and pay your tuition? Or do they just cover tuition?

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