Ch. 31 Veterans Readiness & Employment

Complete the KU New Request webform your first semester.

Complete the KU Continued Request webform every semester after that.

All majors, minors and certificates must be approved by your VR&E counselor and included on your official VR&E plan before we can certify your classes. Visit with your counselor before making any changes to your program.

Tips for working with your counselor to change programs:

• Prepare a written statement explaining how the new major/minor aligns with your approved vocational goal. 
• Include evidence that shows the change supports the job you’re training for.
• If the change delays graduation, explain why the additional coursework is essential for meeting employer expectations or for preparing you for suitable employment.
• If the new major/minor is a better fit with your disability (physically, cognitively, or emotionally), make that clear. VR&E must consider whether the program is compatible with your limitations.
• Bring a few job postings or industry examples showing that the new major/minor is preferred or strengthens your qualifications.

If a counselor denies the change, you can appeal:

• Request a meeting with their supervisor to review the decision.
• Higher‑Level Review (HLR) – A more senior VR&E decision-maker reevaluates the case.
• Board Appeal – The case goes to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals for a formal review.

Follow these KU bookstore instructions – Do not charge books to your Enroll & Pay account.

Your counselor may allow you to purchase a computer with VR&E funds. See the "other items VR&E may cover" section below.

Non-KU bookstore books or supplies must be purchased by you and receipts submitted to your VR&E counselor for reimbursement. Discuss with your counselor before making purchases.

Discuss with your VR&E counselor and get their approval before purchasing:

• Supplies required for certain classes, such as a graphing calculator
• KU parking permit
  • Visit the accessible parking page if you have an accessible permit. 
  • Check out the medical permit page if you have a temporary/short term need.
• Laptop packages. KU Tech Shop has a special package for VR&E students. Share this link with your counselor. The Tech Shop also has computers by major.

Academic summary in Enroll & Pay – see steps for generating your academic summary.

VR&E counselors send a “28-1905” purchase order to the school each year that approves KU to bill the VA. When you complete your KU VA benefits request form each semester, we'll email your counselor if a new 28-1905 is needed.

If you need to enroll less than full time for a short period, ask your VR&E counselor about Reduced Work Tolerance (RWT). You may still qualify for the full-time payment rate.

Reduced Work Tolerance may be approved based on the effects of disabilities, family responsibilities, or employment or economic circumstances.

Visit the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.

e-VA is the best way to reach your counselor and send documents.

• If you'd like a reply, ask a question/request an answer or request a meeting to prompt a response. If you haven't heard back in about a week, send a follow up email through e-VA. 

After every call or appointment with your counselor, send a short summary email through e-VA within 24 hours that includes:

• What was discussed
• What you requested

• What the counselor said would happen next

   

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% or active duty with a pre-discharge disability rating of at least 20%. 

Discharge must not be dishonorable.

Basic period of eligibility: 12 years from active duty separation date or date first notified of service-connected disability rating

See the full eligibility criteria on the VA’s website.

It can take up to six months to be approved for VR&E.

Contact us for the steps or visit the VR&E website.

Degree plans: View degree plans for each program in KU’s course catalog

School costs: Review general estimates of KU’s costs

KU’s Net Price Calculator:  Get tailored cost estimates

Contact us to have purchase order information or vendor ID sent to your counselor

Complete the KU New VA Benefits Request webform.

Read the information above for current Ch. 31 users.

You may be able to appeal the VA's decision. Read the VA denial letter carefully, as VA should tell you why you are denied. 

Visit the VA's website for decision review options.