Chapter 31, something you're probably not using, but absolutely should

A

armyvet1981

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
I don't really see this VA benefit getting mentioned very often anywhere, and I am currently in the program, so I wanted to share my experience thus far in easy-to-read bullet point format (I see you knuckle-draggers; I can see your calluses from here):

- VA is paying for my tuition to get my MBA (they will pay up to 48 months)
- On top of tuition, I'm also getting a monthly, tax-free stipend of $1134.72 (this is the current full-time student with three dependents, wife+2 kids, rate)
- They also paid for my new Dell laptop ($1200), Brothers printer ($300), and a monitor ($150) that I required for school
- They also paid for an ergonomic chair ($1100) to accommodate a service-connected back issue I have since I am taking all online classes
- All fees for REQUIRED books are covered every semester, and you get $75 every semester for supplies (pens, notebooks, etc)
- The whole process was super-easy and I was surprised more eligible veterans don't use this service
 
armyvet1981 said:
I don't really see this VA benefit getting mentioned very often anywhere, and I am currently in the program, so I wanted to share my experience thus far in easy-to-read bullet point format (I see you knuckle-draggers; I can see your calluses from here):

- VA is paying for my tuition to get my MBA (they will pay up to 48 months)
- On top of tuition, I'm also getting a monthly, tax-free stipend of $1134.72 (this is the current full-time student with three dependents, wife+2 kids, rate)
- They also paid for my new Dell laptop ($1200), Brothers printer ($300), and a monitor ($150) that I required for school
- They also paid for an ergonomic chair ($1100) to accommodate a service-connected back issue I have since I am taking all online classes
- All fees for REQUIRED books are covered every semester, and you get $75 every semester for supplies (pens, notebooks, etc)
- The whole process was super-easy and I was surprised more eligible veterans don't use this service
Click to expand...
Would you have gotten more monthy stipend if you took in person classes?
 
armyvet1981 said:
I don't really see this VA benefit getting mentioned very often anywhere, and I am currently in the program, so I wanted to share my experience thus far in easy-to-read bullet point format (I see you knuckle-draggers; I can see your calluses from here):

- VA is paying for my tuition to get my MBA (they will pay up to 48 months)
- On top of tuition, I'm also getting a monthly, tax-free stipend of $1134.72 (this is the current full-time student with three dependents, wife+2 kids, rate)
- They also paid for my new Dell laptop ($1200), Brothers printer ($300), and a monitor ($150) that I required for school
- They also paid for an ergonomic chair ($1100) to accommodate a service-connected back issue I have since I am taking all online classes
- All fees for REQUIRED books are covered every semester, and you get $75 every semester for supplies (pens, notebooks, etc)
- The whole process was super-easy and I was surprised more eligible veterans don't use this service
Click to expand...
I just talked to my VA guy about this I am wanting to use this to get my BS and then use the GI bill for my MBA. How does it work to get the computer. I have a macbook but I am going into software development and need a windows computer for some of the programs. Do they just send you money to get the computer and show proof or is it like a code to use on a certain website?
 
I went through this 6ish months ago. I have a Mac that wasn’t going to work for school. It was a simple conversation with my VR&E counselor where I explained that I couldn’t access the systems I needed to without a windows computer. I was sent a form to fill out, sent it back, and a couple of weeks later a large box arrived with a new laptop, a printer, and some ancillary items. I didn’t request a particular type of laptop but I’ve heard that there is some flexibility depending on your course needs.
 
SLTW said:
I just talked to my VA guy about this I am wanting to use this to get my BS and then use the GI bill for my MBA. How does it work to get the computer. I have a macbook but I am going into software development and need a windows computer for some of the programs. Do they just send you money to get the computer and show proof or is it like a code to use on a certain website?
Click to expand...
So for me, I found the recommended computer specs my university suggested for my degree plan and then I went on dell.com and picked a laptop that best matched. I paid for it myself, but I sent the university requirements and invoice to my VR&E rep and he refunded the full amount. I did get the okay from him before making the purchase, though.
 
I thought VR&E is an employment program. How do you use it for education (MBA) after medical separation or retirement? Did you start while you were in the IDES process?
 
Hey All! I used the same program for my MBA at Northwestern. The process is super simple. Discussing it here isn't bad, but the folks at the VA walked me through everything. Just to make sure I was getting the correct info, I asked them to point me to the progam's website so I didn't need to keep calling back. The key to starting everything is being enrolled in courses or having an acceptance letter. In terms of the stipend question: I did a full-time, in person classes and got all the same benefits. I was leaving active service when I applied for everything.

Also, applying sooner is better than later because I got my GMAT paid for as well.
 
Which VA location did you apply for benefits at? Which out of the 5 programs for VR&E did your education assistance fall under?

I've heard from other folks not to mention school but drive the conversation with your counselor to the job that you desire. Then, after the initial counseling discuss the importance of school (MBA) to reach your employment goals.
 
Nswo13 said:
Which VA location did you apply for benefits at? Which out of the 5 programs for VR&E did your education assistance fall under?

I've heard from other folks not to mention school but drive the conversation with your counselor to the job that you desire. Then, after the initial counseling discuss the importance of school (MBA) to reach your employment goals.
Click to expand...
Hi. I applied in NC. I fall under the 'long-term services track'. In my case, I did mention specifically which school I wanted to do my MBA with (Johns Hopkins). I explained that I needed to attend a school that offered online-only classes due to my pending knee/back surgery and my responsibilities to my kids (wife works full-time). The VA has a list of schools that they contract with, so make sure your school is on that list (your VRC can email you the Excel file). Good luck!
 
Nswo13 said:
Which VA location did you apply for benefits at? Which out of the 5 programs for VR&E did your education assistance fall under?

I've heard from other folks not to mention school but drive the conversation with your counselor to the job that you desire. Then, after the initial counseling discuss the importance of school (MBA) to reach your employment goals.
Click to expand...
I found the search website for schools affiliated with the VR&E program:

 
armyvet1981 said:
I don't really see this VA benefit getting mentioned very often anywhere, and I am currently in the program, so I wanted to share my experience thus far in easy-to-read bullet point format (I see you knuckle-draggers; I can see your calluses from here):

- VA is paying for my tuition to get my MBA (they will pay up to 48 months)
- On top of tuition, I'm also getting a monthly, tax-free stipend of $1134.72 (this is the current full-time student with three dependents, wife+2 kids, rate)
- They also paid for my new Dell laptop ($1200), Brothers printer ($300), and a monitor ($150) that I required for school
- They also paid for an ergonomic chair ($1100) to accommodate a service-connected back issue I have since I am taking all online classes
- All fees for REQUIRED books are covered every semester, and you get $75 every semester for supplies (pens, notebooks, etc)
- The whole process was super-easy and I was surprised more eligible veterans don't use this service
Click to expand...
Wow. Thank you for sharing this! I have the paperwork in to have it pay for my tuition, but I had no idea about the other benefits.
 

Just to remind everyone that you are automatically entitled to this excellent program. I got zero information about this from anyone at the VA and stumbled upon it. ​

2.04 Impact of Public Law 110-181, Automatic Entitlement on Service members​

(Change Date September 29, 2018)​

NDAA for FY 2008 does not define “severe injury or illness”; however, it is VA’s view that Congress intended to use the term “serious injury or illness”. This is based on the fact that “serious injury or illness” is used throughout the law, and is defined in section 1602(8) as “an injury or illness incurred in by the {service} member in {the} line of duty on active duty in the Armed Forces that may render the {service} member medically unfit to perform the duties of the {service} member’s office, grade, rank, or rating.

a. Automatic Entitlement to Chapter 31 Services​

1. IDES​

(Change Date September 1, 2017)​

As a result of the law, SMs awaiting discharge due to a medical condition resulting from a serious injury or illness that occurred in the line of duty may be automatically entitled to Chapter 31 services (IDES), WTU, E2I. Entitlement is established without regard to a VA service-connected disability rating or a determination of employment handicap.
 
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