Stop Losing $100K+: Use VR&E Before Your GI Bill!

It seems like every week I run into another veteran burning through their GI Bill without realizing they are chewing up thousands in education benefits.

Think I am kidding?

You may be burning through your GI Bill benefits without realizing you might be losing up to $100,000 or more in educational funding.

It’s time to stop, rethink, and learn the strategy that could transform your future.

Many veterans unknowingly miss out on incredible opportunities offered by the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program by prioritizing their GI Bill benefits first. VA-accredited attorney and veteran advocate, Benjamin Krause, has helped thousands of veterans unlock their full potential.

Today, I’m sharing the insider tip you need: use VR&E before the GI Bill to maximize your benefits. Let’s dive in!

Why VR&E Is the Hidden Gem for Veterans

Did you know VR&E can cover expenses that go beyond the GI Bill? This program isn’t just a complementary benefit—it’s a powerhouse that offers far more flexibility and funding. VR&E can pay for:

• Training beyond 36 months.
• Tools, laptops, cameras, and lab equipment.
• Professional certifications and licensing exams.
• Tutoring and transportation assistance.
• Relocation support and workplace accommodations.

For veterans with a serious employment handicap (SEH), VR&E can even extend benefits beyond 48 months, offering unparalleled opportunities for education and career advancement. I received over 70 months of funding through VR&E, showing what the program can really do when it’s firing correctly.

The Costly Mistake Veterans Are Making

Many veterans default to using their GI Bill first because it’s familiar and easy. Schools frequently promote the GI Bill, often neglecting information about VR&E. That’s especially true for for-profit colleges and universities.

However, this approach can backfire, leaving veterans with:

• Fewer months of funded training.
• Out-of-pocket expenses for equipment and certifications.
• Missed graduate school funding opportunities.
• Lower subsistence payments for future training.
• Limited long-term career flexibility.

Veterans often realize the mistake only after their benefits run out, at which point it’s too late to reclaim what was lost. Don’t let this happen to you.

Real-World Success Stories

Here are three examples that highlight the difference VR&E can make:

• Veteran 1: Used VR&E first, earning both a bachelor’s degree and a fully funded graduate degree while preserving 36 months of GI Bill benefits for a future career change. Total benefits exceeded $100,000.
• Veteran 2: Used the GI Bill first and ran out of funding during their senior year. VR&E covered the final year but the veteran lost access to GI Bill flexibility, reducing their long-term options.
• Veteran 3: Leveraged VR&E for a technical program, gaining tools, certifications, and equipment, then used the GI Bill for a bachelor’s degree later. This strategy added tens of thousands of dollars to their benefits.

Smart veterans know how to play the game—use VR&E first to maximize benefits and flexibility.

Debunking Common Myths About VR&E

Misconceptions about VR&E prevent many veterans from applying. Let’s clear up the confusion:

• Myth 1: VR&E is only for veterans who can’t work. Wrong! It supports career advancement, graduate school, and professional development.
• Myth 2: VR&E doesn’t fund high-level degrees like doctorates or MBAs. Wrong! Many veterans have used VR&E to access elite programs, including law and medical schools.
• Myth 3: GI Bill time counts against VR&E time. Incorrect! VR&E uses a separate clock and can extend training based on disabilities.
• Myth 4: Employed veterans don’t qualify. False! If disabilities impact your employment, you may still be eligible.

Don’t let myths stop you from pursuing the benefits you’ve earned.

How to Protect Your Benefits

Ready to take action? Follow this strategy:

• Step 1: Apply for VR&E before starting or continuing your education. If you’re already using the GI Bill, act fast to see if you can recover benefits.
• Step 2: Build a winning VR&E packet, including your vocational goal, job market research, disability impact statement, school acceptance, and training plan. Resources and templates are available on this blog.
• Step 3: Fight back if your VR&E claim is denied. Many denials occur due to errors in vocational assessments. Don’t give up—appeals are often successful.

Your VR&E counselor has a duty to assist you in developing evidence to support your claim. If you face challenges, get help from professionals like those at our separate veteran rights law firm, which offers nationwide support for VR&E denials and appeals.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Your Benefits Go to Waste

Your education benefits can change your life and the lives of your loved ones forever.

Don’t let misinformation or missed opportunities cost you what you’ve earned. Apply for VR&E first, build a solid packet, and fight back if you encounter obstacles.

Explore free resources, guides, and templates at disabledveterans.org and join the Facebook group, Disabled Veterans-Chapter 31 Voc Rehab. And if your claim is denied, reach out to Krause Law for a free, no obligation case evaluation. Take action today to secure your future!