VA Form 28-1900
Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation
You have a service-connected disability (generally 10%+ rating or with an employment handicap) and need vocational rehabilitation, job training, or employment assistance beyond what GI Bill provides.
- Who fills it
- veteran
- Journey phase
- Education & Training
- Estimated time
- 20-30 minutes.
- When to file
- After receiving any service-connected disability rating. VR&E has a 12-year delimiting period from the date of VA's discharge notification or final VA decision, whichever is later.
Official VA form page: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-28-1900/
Gather before you start
- ▸VA service-connected disability rating (any rating qualifies with employment handicap; 20%+ qualifies automatically)
- ▸Current employment situation (employed, unemployed, underemployed)
- ▸Education and training history
- ▸Current job or career goals
- ▸DD-214 if not on file
Attach with the form
- ▸VA rating decision (if available)
- ▸DD-214 (if not on file with VA)
Section I - Veteran Identification
Blocks 1-6Name, SSN, VA File Number, DOB, address, phonePII
Your identifying information. Include VA File Number from your rating decision. A VR&E counselor will be assigned based on your location.
(legal name, SSN, VA file number)
Common mistakes
- ×Not knowing VR&E is for veterans with SC disabilities, not just those with GI Bill - different program, different entitlement.
- ×Waiting too long - 12-year delimiting period applies from separation notification.
Section II - Disability Information
Blocks 7-10SC disability rating and employment handicap
Report your current VA disability rating. VR&E is available to veterans rated 10%+ with an employment handicap (the SC disability affects ability to obtain or maintain employment), or 20%+ regardless of employment status. If you have no rating yet but have a pending claim, you can still apply and VA will determine eligibility later.
e.g., Total combined SC rating: 60%. Employment handicap: PTSD and lumbar DDD prevent sustained concentration and physical labor.
Common mistakes
- ×Not applying because you think you need a high rating - 10% with an employment handicap qualifies.
- ×Not knowing about Independent Living (IL) track for veterans unable to pursue gainful employment.
Authority
- 38 CFR 21.40 - Service-connected ≥10% rating + employment handicap eligibility.
Related ClaimRecon tools
- rating-calculator - Calculate your combined rating to confirm 20%+ VR&E eligibility.
Section III - Employment and Training Goals
Blocks 11-14Current employment situation and career/training goals
Describe your current job or lack of employment. Briefly describe your career goals or the type of work you want to do. VR&E counselors will help you develop a formal rehabilitation plan (using VA Form 28-1902) after this initial application.
e.g., Currently unemployed due to PTSD and back injury. Goal: become a data analyst or IT professional. Interested in certification programs rather than a 4-year degree.
Common mistakes
- ×Being vague - specific career interests help the VR&E counselor identify appropriate training programs.
- ×Not mentioning interest in entrepreneurship if applicable - self-employment is one of VR&E's 5 tracks.
Section IV - Certification
Blocks 15-16Veteran signature and datePII
Sign and date. Apply online at va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/apply-vre-form-28-1900 if possible.
(signature/date)
Common mistakes
- ×Not knowing VR&E can provide benefits on top of GI Bill in some cases - ask your VR&E counselor about combining benefits.
Statutory and regulatory authority
- 38 CFR 21.40 - Service-connected ≥10% rating + employment handicap eligibility.
- 38 CFR 21.282 - IL track for veterans not feasible for employment.
- 38 USC 3101 - Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) basic entitlement for SC veterans with employment handicap.