VR&E Services New Tricks for 2022 - Episode 42

[@prentfaiyaz]

My counselor is amazing. She doesn't say no to anything I want. I love her.

[@iamnicthevet]

Like I said, there are great VRC's out there, glad you have one of them 😊

[@prentfaiyaz]

@@iamnicthevet me too because I hear too many horror stories

[@Malia_BabyFloJo]

Who is your VRC and where is she located because mine is terrible!😢

[@josephvadder]

Is it possible to get a quick one on one phone call with you on Monday or Tuesday?

[@seanfrancis7101]

I want a good one! I’m headed for disaster in LA! I had to buy my own MacBook because I was denied so many times! Almost $4000! That I didn’t have!

[@guardingwbunionman9038]

Sending flowers, I followed her steps in early videos and passed information on to three other veterans, all of us were approved. She has excellent advice on interview preparation and regulation rules. Shis a a TRUE blessing

[@iamnicthevet]

Congratulations 🎉🥳🎊

[@ishaamid]

Truth be told. I've been traumatized so much by the folks at VA and VR&E. Im just so tired of dealing with my own people at the VR&E where I am.

[@iamnicthevet]

I feel you, I just sent an email to a regional director because the VR&E forms have been inaccessible for almost 6 months. I have sent no less than 15 emails to three different directors for fifteen weeks and NOTHING, they just don’t give a crap. We have fight for EVERYTHING and it’s completely exhausting. I hope this channel makes things a little easier for you. Hang in there.

[@gunchief0811]

It is a tricky benefit yes. However it is also a beautiful blessing when you navigate it properly and honestly. And I would add that these videos are very educational and helpful these types of generous informational videos from excellent Veterans trying to help other veterans. Are invaluable. So thank u as a U.S. Veteran for these information packed videos / tutorials I look forward to starting my education plan too see how it's gonna all play out for my future goals. For sure it's helpful. I am grateful for VR&E for sure.

[@iamnicthevet]

I'm glad the information is helpful, I hope you get all you need 😊

[@tierrasardine562]

Ewww Miss Nic ❤️ your looking so good! & thank you for your knowledge

[@denisehuber2051]

Thank you, these videos have helped me AND MY SON go to undergrad and grad school. I really appreciate all that you do for veterans. Gracias!

[@iamnicthevet]

de nada

[@rachelb.9365]

Thank you for these videos! They're such a great tool to prepare for the eligibility sessions. I just had my appt and my counselor was such a sweetheart. I pray that you all have an easy, honest process as well.

[@producingme2504]

Thank for sharing, gives me hope

[@mikenate8576]

thank you i watched this before and now i am rewatching it again and answered my question. my vrc is just lied to me and i cannot believe it. Thank you again!

[@iamnicthevet]

Its a sad reality but its happened to a ton of us, now you're equipped to respond accordingly👍🏽

[@spawnupe]

Great video! I started in school and now have decided to go with the Self employment option. I was told that they would just send me over to the small business association and that my request would be sent up to DC to get approved. I want to start a business as a VA accredit claims agent . It was funny to hear my counselor say that “ only 13 percent get approved” so don’t get your hopes up to high . I am willing to take it to the top..

[@iamnicthevet]

Take a look at my video on self-employment, it will help you present a solid case. it’s # 34

[@chazlyle41]

Thank you for helping with #3! I'm really wanting to change tracks.

[@MrRaecannon]

Thank you so much, the 38 CFR 21.94 is my current situation and I did not know how to approach it until now

[@iamnicthevet]

👍🏽😊

[@Basillio11]

Thank you sooo much for your videos. This particular one hit close to home. Up until last Fall I persued a BSN in the VocRehab program and performed well until the clinicals. My disability forced me to switch programs and it was not easy. I had to prove that my disability played a major role in my leaving the Nursing program, requiring letters from my therapist and myself. What was most upsetting was the failure I felt about not being able to finish that BSN program after years of effort and planning and I received no support in that regard from the VA. Just hoops, paperwork and a lack of follow up once I was accepted into new program which was multimedia design. It took me a year to get the equipment I requested that the school used, ie a Mac, reimbursement for adobe creative suite, etc. but somehow I maintained a 3.7 gpa. I used your templete to help with my request for the laptop. I also read the sections you citied so I was familiar with the guidelines and I believe Id still be in a holding pattern on equipment if I had not utilized your info, so thank you! One request, could you speak on continued training options after you graduate? My design program isnt very thorough despite being a "good school". thank you!

[@iamnicthevet]

I’m so sorry they put you through that. VA often does things that humiliate us and leave us feeling really discouraged. You should be proud of yourself for getting as far as you did. What they could’ve allowed you to do was slow it down considerably or take a break and come back to it later to give you time to decide whether or not you really are able to complete it. Either way, I’m glad you’re in a new program hopefully you now know how this game is played and things are a little easier now. As long as your case is not closed, you can get whatever you need. After I graduated with my masters degree, I told them I needed to brush up on my after effects and premiere so I went to a local college and took three weeks of those classes as a refresher, and then I told them I needed a new printer and an office chair and then I told them I needed to make a reel and in order to do that I needed $75,000 but then I found out you can’t get cash so I told them I needed the equipment to do the work so they switched me to self-employment and I got the $25,000 in equipment. So what I would do if I were you is, think about what you need in order to become suitably employed and then write that down and then present it to your VRC’s. Once you figure out what you want and you put it together, if you want me to take a look at the email before you send it to the VRC, I will. It has to make sense, it has to be really justified and it has to be allowed. If you need more equipment in order to find work you need to ask for it now. Use the letters in video # 40 to ask for it. Hang in there.

[@Basillio11]

​@@iamnicthevet Thank you so much. Its a great program if you know what to ask for and how. People like yourself make that possible, so thank you.

[@zaneschannel9470]

I got VR and E services thanks to your channel!

[@iamnicthevet]

woohoo, congrats 🎉🥳🎊

[@melvinallenjr.4690]

Thank you....

[@michaelk.porter3773]

Great video. Thank you very much for putting this information out. You're doing something right if a federal government agency changes its regulations because of your KZbin channel.

[@iamnicthevet]

They didn't actually change the regulations (CF Code), they just changed the way it's defined in the manual (M28C) in order to trick Veterans into thinking they changed the regulations (CF code), but I get your point 😊

[@my2centz728]

I was hit with the SSDI trick in 2011 and the volunteer thing during a recent VR&E session in 2022.

[@iamnicthevet]

you can always get educated and reapply 👍🏽

[@my2centz728]

@@iamnicthevet I have a master's level education and proved how I haven't been able to find employment in my area that's related to my degree. So, the VRC had me complete a Career Readiness Course designed to help build winning resumes.

[@RockinBarBRanch]

Wow you know your stuff thank you for sharing!

[@producingme2504]

Thank you so much… Its getting laughable at the reasons for denial for various services. The new one, I just got “I can be personally sued, if I approve you for the specific major you want.. and you go to work, hurt someone, and that person sued me, the Voc rehab consular who approved you for your major.” but if you choose the concentration I believe you are capable of doing.. We can start working on your plan.. This was a recorded interview.. his name is Louis. He also said, if I was 50 years old, he would not approve me, because I would be too old and disable to finish the training program or work. Yep…. That is what he said. I am asking for the recorded session, because I truly want opinions, is there an official Voc rehab rule, that stops veterans over 50? I’m not 50, I’m 45, I getting there, in age, where he said, after 50 he would have denied me, for sure. See.. Sorry for the lengthy comment, just dealing with this and luckily I get to speak to his supervisor next week. nic the vet~> Semper fi , I salute you for doing this for us Veterans I

[@iamnicthevet]

Make sure you watch Video #36 because that is the gist of what you will need to communicate to the supervisor in order to get what you want.

[@keenen5252]

Dang, this is wild and I wish I would've known! I was previously found eligible for VRE, established a goal and career path but it was in something other than what I really wanted to do. I've always wanted to be a pilot so I accomplished that and used most of my GI Bill. Then did VRE but the VRC said that she wouldn't be able to approve me due to SCDs. So, I said I would go for something else (software engineering). I decided to go through VETTEC for that and hated it. Got back in touch with VRC and told her I didn't want to do that any longer and that I still want to finish my degree in aviation and ratings as a pilot. I also mentioned that not being able to approve me for that career path, due to my SCDs, would be an invalid reason because I hold an FAA medical certificate which deems me eligible to fly, AFTER disclosing all of my ailments, and should trump the opinion, or feelings, of the counselor. The FAA is literally saying I'm medically fit to fly.. She told me that she would have to close my file and I'll need to re-apply. So, here we are, I've re-applied and have another initial meeting tomorrow. Sigh

[@iamnicthevet]

Unfortunately, she lied, she did not have to close your case but that's water under the bridge. Make sure you look at video #25 so you understand how to open up this conversation and then please try to go through the entitlement playlist so you know how to argue your case. Especially video #36. I hope it works out for you.

[@keenen5252]

@@iamnicthevet thanks for your reply! Fortunately, everything went smoothly and I was found entitled again. This time for the actual major I wanted! I’ve watched many of your videos a few times over in the last two years so, I’ve been very prepared for both initial meetings but luckily I haven’t had to employ any tactics (except for video 42, definitely could’ve watched that one before closing my file). Thanks for everything you do for us, we appreciate you!

[@theadventuresofjohnandjennifer]

It's been over a month since I was contacted by a automated text service from these people. And I still have no clue what they are there for?

[@mel2ofem418]

I just got entitled this week. I literally I’m in the process of opening my own business.. and my councilor said SE track is for people that are handicapped

[@iamnicthevet]

Watch video #34

[@lori3788]

Question: Will successful completion of Voc Rehab allow you to file Schedule A as a hiring path with gov employment? You are Awesome! Thank you for all you do

[@iamnicthevet]

Being a 30% + disabled veteran or already being in VR& E services already puts you ahead of everyone who is not in those categories so I'm not sure how useful the Schedule A is for people like us but you can request on from your VRC before or after you reach your VR goal.

[@canecable9216]

Thank you!!

[@iamnicthevet]

You're welcome!

[@davidj6588]

I just did my VR&E interview. The counselor kept telling me they don’t think I will be approved but will see what they can do. I do have a bachelor’s degree in culinary management and used Voc rehab before. Due to my service connected disabilities, it is hard for me to work in the food service industry. I am attempting to go back to school to get my bachelors in cyber security. I also told them I can not find quality employment back home even though I have a degree. That is why I needed to come overseas to work. What should I do if I am denied these benefits?

[@iamnicthevet]

It depends on why they deny you. If you KNOW you meet the entitlement criteria and KNOW you REQUIRE a masters in order to gain suitable employment then do whats in video #39.

[@davidj6588]

@@iamnicthevet thank you for the information

[@curiousone9944]

I was told last year Early 2022 that the VA didn't have funding for ergonomic chairs and desk. She read my VA medical records that stated I have increased back pain and getting treated for it. She denied me twice so I gave up.

[@iamnicthevet]

she lied.

[@tuyenpham1033]

I am about to meet with my VR&E counselor in Jan 17th.

[@commwell8738]

I just applied to VR&E, but I have 100% for mental health. Super anxious that I will be turned down. I'm more than capable to finish school and work once I get training/education.

[@iamnicthevet]

Watch the entitlement playlist on my channel and get a letter from your psych/therapist that says you're able to do school/work and you should be ok. Don't stress, just prepare. You got this 👍🏽

[@commwell8738]

@@iamnicthevet I'm doing that now. I'm a bit confused. I thought if I have a SEH they must find me entitled? So how can they use 100% PTSD as a denial. It's so backwards.

[@iamnicthevet]

​@@commwell8738 It's called lying 😟

[@tanyadavila7551]

A counselor told me that I SHOULD look into having my MH rating increased to %100. She said she believed that working would negatively impact my MH and denied me

[@iamnicthevet]

Did you have a question?

[@tanyadavila7551]

@@iamnicthevet I guess my question is, can she deny me on what she "believes" my rating should be?

[@iamnicthevet]

@@tanyadavila7551 That violates the guidelines but she can do anything you allow her to do.

[@numa333]

I have yet to speak with my counselor even seeing an automated message from them, but nothing beyond that and it's been more than a week according to their systems it should've taken a week to consider my case. Does it typically take a long time for the first appointment with the counselor? I'm in Tampa.

[@iamnicthevet]

They normally give you a same-day decision but it could take as much is 30 days. If you want to reiterate your case in writing to make it stronger, you can pull up the EH/SEH justification letter, edit to lean towards your situation and then email it back to your counselor and ask for a decision.

[@robbie6625]

You had mentioned in one of your other videos (I'm not sure which one, I'm on a binge right now LOL) that you could have someone write a business plan for you for the SE track. Do you have any recommendations for where to look for that? I'm looking on a few websites and it's hard to figure out who is legit and will do a good job.

[@iamnicthevet]

try fiverr.com

[@jeremypease6191]

My counselor continues to fail me everyday. She refuses to provide me with any new training except wanting me to do a month long online employment search class. I continue to tell her that my anxiety has been getting worse during this process but she doesn't seem to care. It is as if I would be taking money from her pocket if I was provides new educational services.

[@iamnicthevet]

Sounds like theres a backstory to this since you said any "new" training. It also sounds like you're saying your anxiety is exacerbated by a job search so you want training instead. That may not be what occurred but that's what it sounded like and your brief comment. If you've already been trained then new training requires justification. if you justified it (and it makes sense) and she refuses, you can escalate per video #42 but if your justification is illogical or violates the m28c or has some other reason that it doesn't make sense, it doesn't matter who you escalate too, it's going to be denied.

[@BrandonBoswell]

Hello Nic! I just started with voc rehab and got approved to finish my bachelors in advertising. 2 more semesters. I requested a computer today, signed the 1905 and agreement but nothing was spoken about brand or anything. How do I go about getting a Mac? That’s all I ever used.

[@iamnicthevet]

Ask for it. Justification letters are on my website

[@BrandonBoswell]

@@iamnicthevet do they buy it for you and ship it to your home or do they send cash?

[@iamnicthevet]

​@@BrandonBoswelleither they buy or you buy and they reimburse you. check vids 40 & 23

[@BrandonBoswell]

@@iamnicthevet ok thank you so much. I sent the Mac justification letter.

[@iamnicthevet]

@@BrandonBoswell use the letters from video #40 to respond to whatever reason she gives you to deny your request. If she needs a letter from your professor, there's a template on my website.

[@JohnnyKReviews]

Thank you Nic! Glad to see you back. Question on your last point 6, if I'm already in a program VRE and get the 100% MH, are they able to remove me from VRE services?

[@iamnicthevet]

Hi, they can’t just put you out because you got a new rating. They can evaluate you, I mentioned those guidelines in the video. But if nothing has really changed drastically; no arrests, no overdoses, no assaults, no reports of self harm, and you are still doing well in your track, then there should be no reason for them to interrupt your training with an evaluation. Check valid justifications for discontinuing services at M28C.III.A.1, 102, j

[@sonyaartis4515]

Thank you for this! I am currently having an issue with my counselor as she is wanting to close my case due to “MRG” but not rehabilitated. I am asking for a conference with her as I am currently in grad school.. I asked her if they could rewrite my program. She says I need to work because I haven’t and because of my age. I was floored!! What should I do?

[@iamnicthevet]

Email me and let me know' 1. where you are (state), 2. your age 3. how much time till you graduate 4. If she previously approved the degree you're currently pursuing. [e-mail]

[@sonyaartis4515]

@@iamnicthevet sending you an email now.

[@JCgen717]

I'm rated 100% P&T for a mental health conditions and have the total occupational and social impairment phrasing in my rating decision. Can you clarify for me if this disqualifies me from all VR&E eligibility or am I still able to be assessed for the Independent Living track?

[@JCgen717]

After I posted this comment I found and watched episode 43 and saw that there is a possible I could still qualify for IL. What steps can I take to make my case for this?

[@iamnicthevet]

@@JCgen717 check to see if you have a serious employment handicap per video #8 and then look at video #33 for ILP, look at the regulations, and then present your case if you meet the criteria that they require for approval.

[@JCgen717]

@@iamnicthevet Thank you!

[@EvilEye1986]

I work with horses and some veteran friends are saying I should try go to farrier school to be able to shoe horses. Is this something I can do through vre? I’m 100%p&t

[@iamnicthevet]

As long as it's an approved program, you can check the Weams website to find out.

[@theunorthodoxestyl9696]

hello, I am so glad i found your videos of course i would the day of my appt with my rep. she declined my voc rehab. stating she didn't find an seh even though ive been through the program before, had a seh and am down as unrehabilitated. i did get confused with a lot of the acronyms. But i dont understand if i was found unrehabilitated and seh. Plus i went from 30% to 100% how she would find a way to deny me?

[@iamnicthevet]

Going from 30% to 100% is not justification to approve you in and of itself. If your first S cD rating was more than 12 years ago then you need to have a SEH in order to be found entitled. The SEH criteria is in video #8. If you meet that criteria and they said you didn't then they likely denied you because you weren't able to adequately explain that or defend it. If your first SCD rating was within the last 12 years then you don't need an SEH, only an EH (which is covered in video #16). As for being unrehabilitated previously, it depends on why. You may be barred from the program, there could be a lot of answers to that. I would check with them to find out why you were denied first and then go from there.

[@theunorthodoxestyl9696]

@@iamnicthevet ok thank you. I am trying to find the original letter. After watching videos I definitely qualify for seh. I honestly didn't fully understand most of what shw was saying. I also though seh meant I had a serious injury and couldn't work at all. So I stated I didn't have that and I am able to work. I also dont understand the handicap question. She hasn't closed mine out yet but could I ask for a new counselor that could explain things thoroughly so that I can answer correctly? I went for esthetics which is a training program. I can no longer do it due to my issues so I wanted to finish my degree in logistics. I wish I just finished my degree instead of doing the technical school. And thank you so much for responding kjndly

[@iamnicthevet]

​@@theunorthodoxestyl9696 It's better that you understand the process yourself than to seek out a VRC that you HOPE will explain everything to you. Some VRC's are awesome but a lot of them are not and will not tell you things that are beneficial to you. If you meet the SEH criteria and you have no degree at all, getting approved for one should be easy as long as you understand what to say. Yes, you can ask for them to re-review your case with a different counselor but it's probably easier for you if you just reapply. During that time (while you are waiting for your initial meeting to be scheduled), I would suggest you look at video # 25 which tells you what to say in your opening statement. Then you can review the other videos in my entitlement playlist so by the time your next Initial meeting comes up you will be fully prepared. Once you have watched all of the videos from that playlist, if you have any questions just email them to me.

[@ashleycbla]

So they have access to your medical records or just your claims file?

[@iamnicthevet]

both

[@advin_]

They asked a letter from a rehab doctor to get reimbursement for an ergonomic chair. So annoying!

[@xavierlopez6673]

Can you do a video for those who are in IDES. They say we are automatically entitled but I’m not sure if that means to e are accepted

[@iamnicthevet]

I address that in video # 29.

[@josephvadder]

Is it possible to get a one on one phone call with you this week?

[@iamnicthevet]

It's possible but I only do those if we cannot resolve the issue via email, and that rarely happens. Feel free to email me your question.

[@shawnmartin1449]

How many times can you apply for VRE!

[@iamnicthevet]

647

[@dwaynemartin8495]

Are they train to be nasty and lying? I have had 5 counselors since I have been in the program. The ones who were really nice quit fast and the ones who are nasty stay with the VRE.

[@iamnicthevet]

When one is incentivized to give a veteran less, it takes a person of great integrity to give the veteran what they really need even if it will displease the supervisors and managers. The system is horribly broken and I don't think it's going to change anytime soon. But the more educated the veteran is, the more they can get past that wall of deception. Hang in there

[@TheChalino12]

@@iamnicthevet I’m having trouble reaching my counselor over a month and a half what is the correct way to go and speak to someone who is above them respectfully. Because no email or text or anything for my counselor to respond.

[@iamnicthevet]

@@TheChalino12 email me the location of your vba (from video #41) and I'll give you the vreo's email adrs

[@iamnicthevet]

@@TheChalino12 email is always best. Watch video # 41 and then email me and let me know who your VREO is and I’ll send you his or her email address.

[@moneymondayswithmike9935]

Hey Nov what’s your email address? Great great info. I have a few questions I want to ask you. Thanks again

[@iamnicthevet]

click my name then click contact Nic