Disabled Veterans, The Challenge Of Living Independently
By Randall B. Clark, Col. USAF, Ret.
I have been to Hoston’s DeBakey VA Regional Hospital Campus many times on legal business and have noticed that many of the veterans seeking medical treatment and possibly legal advice, are physically limited in ways that might render them ineligible for employment opportunities, even if there were accommodations provided by the employer under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
– Randall Clark
Most are familiar with the TV ads for non-profit foundations such as Wounded Warriors and Tunnel2Towers and understand the services these noteworthy private charities provide. Likewise, many are also familiar with a VA Home Loan or VA disability pension based on a graded disability percentage. There is however one disability program for Veterans funded by the U.S. Government and administered by the Veterans Administration that many may be unfamiliar with – the Veterans Readiness and Employment Program (previously the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program).
Veterans Readiness and Employment Program
This comprehensive program is built on five separate tracks seeking to provide employment options/assistance to this specific population given each Vet’s specific limitations. Key to the program is determining additional education or training (for example: culinary school or computer technology) which may be available to strengthen their skillset. Under this program, a disabled Vet’s family members may also qualify for certain benefits. If the Veteran is unable to be gainfully employed, a separate track helps them live an independent life to the extent possible, by providing grants for:
- widening doors to accommodate wheelchairs
- adding ramps in the home to aid accessibility
- helping a disabled Veteran start a business to become self-employed
In fact, training is available in small-business operations, marketing, and finances, and guidance is provided in obtaining the right resources to implement that business plan.
Randall Clark’s background as an Air Force Reservist has exposed him to the gamut of needs for this vulnerable population. Multiple tours of duty as an assigned legal representative for airmen and officers facing the prospect of being medically discharged or medically retired required Clark’s representation in formal hearings before the Air Force Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). A part of his counseling involved the challenge of life after the military and specifically dealt with Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment at the VA, a benefit that is one of the least known but, one of the best benefits we can give to those who have served and sacrificed for this country.
If you are interested in learning more, you may contact Randall Clark at McGarvey PLLC at 281.501.3030 or visit the DeBakey VA Regional Medical Center in Houston. To view more detailed information on this program online: Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Home.
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