that's right, STAND YOUR GROUND, Congrats. Be sure to get ALL you need for your plan (equipment, supplies, ergonomic chair, software etc). There is a video coming out next month about bennies they hide from us once accepted, check it out.
I said it once and got accepted right away lol. But I still had to fight for them to extend my 1 year left of benefits but I got that too after asking to speak with a supervisor
Literally just got off the phone with my first initial meeting with VR&E counselor...#entitled!😅 By studying your videos I've learned so much. Now I can go to school & get that career goal I've been day dreaming about for so many years. Thank you...
@@Ronnieprice1979 It went well got signed up for gunsmithing school, but quickly found out that it wasn't for me and switched to an Executive Protection Specialist course and I'm loving it!
I'm so glad I found you today! perfect timing because I just apply last night for these benefits, Now I'm waiting for them to contact me back, in the meantime I while binge watch your videos to be ready! You're awesome! I bet you were a great leader in the military :)
I found your videos after viewing the VR&E Orientation video, and it was extremely helpful. My first VR&E appointment was an hour after viewing about 5 of them and I was accepted. Luckily, my counselor was a sweetheart and I didn't really encounter any pushback. Thank you for what you do, because it is a very stressful appointment. I just calmly answered honestly and threw in "suitable employment" as my spicy word of the day and it was all gravy.
Just got entitled today! Thank you, wish I could express more how grateful I am for you uploading these videos. The conversation was super convenient from the beginning once I started using the lingo involved.
Thank you! Just got done with my meeting and I am suitable and entitled!!!!! I said I’ve been unemployed and homeless for 8 months, I don’t have a degree and she approved me quick!
Being homeless put you to the head of the line and put you in the category of a serious employment handicap. Plus, you didn’t have a degree or work so that was a slam dunk. I’m so glad they approved it without a bunch of rigmarole. I hope you get everything you need from the program and congratulations, 🎉🎊🥳
I had my briefing today and kept my mouth shut while the counselor talked. I also used suitable employment and M28R every time I did open my mouth! Your videos helped me to obtain the next step. I appreciate you. I won my battle! Thank you
Thank you! You are an amazing human being. This is some of the most helpful and high quality content I have ever seen about a very important VA benefit!
I wish I knew about your channel prior to me going through hell with my counselor. I have my BA now. I thank you on behalf of EVERY Veteran that has viewed your vids. Blessings to you.
@@charleskennebrew8703 sorry I missed this, this video really tells you how to counter the comments, but you can also look at video # 15 and # 36. People that have been denied multiple times usually have extenuating circumstances so if you want to reach out to me via FB pm or mail me your details I can help you get better prepared. There's also a "previously denied" letter in video #39 that's iron clad.
Wow, just discovered your channel and I'm gonna watch all your videos, I bet you were an awesome leader when you were in you have a very clear and concise way of explaining this program.
PLEASE print an EH/SEH justification before you go to your meeting so you’re comfortable defending your entitlement in case they try to say you're not entitled at www.vocrehabbootcamp.com/scripts.html PLEASE watch video #16 (and possibly #8) to know if you’re entitled for SURE (and #3 and #7) If you have a degree, watch #15 Get the VRC’s business card as soon as you walk in and try to get the VREOs email adrs/name if you can. Don’t let them tell you that you have to use up your GI bill first - that’s a lie (see video #18) If you’re in a 1 party consent state, consider taping the meeting in case you may need it later. Let me know how it goes I’m sure you’re not in love with me, it’s just the good free info I share that gets everyone all excited 😀
@@iamnicthevet Thanks much for the reply, I wish I had watch #15 before the meeting. The meeting went bad; it was bad from the beginning. Because I have a degree, the counselor argued that my interests to pursue a different degree are irrelevant and that I can get a job with my degree. I'm not done yet. I wish there was a way to email you privately for advice. BTW, I'm sure that I'm in love... 😂
@@RubenOrtiz-fg1ys Sorry to hear that. If you have a degree, video #15 is a MUST. I'm happy to answer questions about vr&e but my first question will be 'how do you know you're entitled' so please look at #16 before you email me @ iamnicthevet@gmail.com
I don't know who your "guy" is but if you are active duty, about to be medically separated, make sure you ask to meet with VR&E. As long as you get the 1st voc rehab meeting with a VRC before you ETS, you will be automatically approved. If you wait till after you ETS, then you'll need to apply like the rest of us and use my channel to educate yourself on how to get approved.
Hi Nic. I love your videos. I just had my initial appt. with my VR counselor, and im not really sure how it went. I wasnt "Denied" but I was only given entitlement to the employment services that work on my resume and what not, and my counselor was not very clear as to what that meant. I ended up pulling the "Request for Reconsideration" card, but she never denied me. I am still awaiting her email which she agreed to send me, but I have 70% with 30 form PTSD, I have a Bachelors in Economics and trying to get my masters, and I fall under the 12 year rule for EH. I thought I had it in the bag, but she was telling me that my lack of experience is the reason I cannot find suitable employment, and so she said that I am entitled to the services relating to job searching, resume building, and job logging and what not. I understand this may not be all the information you need, I just got out of the stressful hour and a half meeting with her, but I kept my cool. I emailed her requesting the entitlement decision, as well as the letter she said I needed if I wanted to request reconsideration, but again she didnt deny me she just said education is a no-go.
Apologies for all my self replies, but I just got a letter from my counselor that states the following, and I honestly am not sure where to go from here. " Dear Mr. Antonio Planzo: Congratulations, I am writing to inform you of the following decision that grants your Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. What decision did I make and what authority did I use? When making a decision on your VA benefits that are provided by the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, I must base my decision on specific laws and regulations. These laws are found in title 38 of the United States Code (U.S.C.); and the regulations are found in title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Based on a review of these laws and regulations, I have decided that you are entitled to VR&E benefits and services. I based this decision on 38 U.S.C. ETC ETC..." What does this mean? Am I in the clear? Thank you again, and sorry for blowing up this thread Lol
it means you were found entitled. Your previous message suggested that she approved you for rapid employment as opposed to employment thru long-term services. Do you know which one she approved? email your response iamnicthevet@gmail.com
I'm 100% disabled and I have a job and just one month left on my GI Bill (I transferred all but 1 month of my GI Bill to my kids). I am collecting retirement as well and taking classes at the university and paying out of pocket (one class at a time and making installment plan payments). What chances do I have with getting this benefit, and should I even apply if I already have a job? I'm on my last class for my bachelor, can't afford to go further out of my own pocket. It's been mentioned to me by a VA rep, not even sure if it's worth my time as I'm the sole breadwinner for a family of 4 and can't become a full time student (not possible in the MD/VA/DC area).
Hi iamnicthevet need your help...Firstoff, I don't understand why the VRE program is being offered to SC disabled veterans and then tries to deny you when you have served your country and risked your life for it. Every SC disabled veteran should be entitled to this benefit no matter what situation in life they're in. WE HAVE EARNED IT and to have to be denied because you don't satisfy their requirements is completely absurd....Anyhow I have my initial appt with my counselor on Tuesday Nov.23 and will be watching your videos this weekend. I have a degree and previous jobs but because of my disability I found it not suitable any longer. I want to get retrained to a different field which is Nursing. I have 3 months left on my post 9-11 GI Bill and a year and a half left in school to get my Diploma in Nursing (not an Associates or BSN). How do i convince my counselor into getting entitled?
Can I send you a pm with my resume because once my counselor sees it, she might think that Im still employable because of my work history. I really wanted to finish nursing school and use this important benefit. Thank you!
@@li-an7700 I'm sorry but I don't review resumes. Besides, if you go in there thinking the issue is whether or not your résumé supports your inability to find work, you're going to be denied. It's not about a résumé it's about whether or not you meet the entitlement criteria (per videos #16 and #8). If you meet it then you could have the best résumé on the planet and you could still be found entitled. You have to justify it and understand how to respond to each attempt at a denial. My suggestion is additionally, to look at the EH/SEH justification letter on my website
@@iamnicthevet Thank you so much! Youre God's gift to us veterans! I bet the VOCs came up with the new version to counter your videos....btw Where can I find the new M28C manual? Did they update the rules and guidelines stated in the M28R such as the definitions of Overcome, suitable employment EH and SEH?
I'm requesting a supervisor review for my case. I was found eligible for the program (In Alabama) however, because I am at a overseas location (Colombia) the Alabama RO attempted to transfer my case to Houston (South America Jurisdiction). Currently Houston RO is not accepting my case and Alabama will not either. I've read through the chapter that governs foreign cases and I pointed out a few factors that I believe authorizes Houston to accept my case however, neither Alabama or Houston is interested in helping. I'm still amazed how they go above and beyond to disqualify you from benefits. It's shameful. I keep pushing until i get a fair review.
They are playing games. Forget the supervisor, If it were me I would email the Houston VREO and the Montgomery VREO and explain your situation and ask them which one of them is going to accept your case. One of them has to do it. I would put both of their names in the :to field and address them both. Id include the M28C guides on your sitch and try to get it resolved. Email me if you need their email addresses.If they ignore you, escalate to Asst VBA directors respectively.
@@iamnicthevet Thank you. That's a much better idea. I contact them both via email today. I provided the references to my consulor but he seems clueless. I will email you information. Thanks allot. 🙏🏽🥰
@imnicthevet I just had my initial meeting. Your videos were a huge help in preparing. But the VRC said it'll take up to 5 days for her to make a decision on entitlement. She said she likes to go back and review all the information before making a decision. Is this normal? I assumed the decision was done right away. She said that's how some VRCs do but not her.
I just got off a video call and my counselor tried hard to convince me to continue on with my gi bill. He also said I have to wait a week for the results. He did not say I was approved or denied but he was going hard to tell me to withdrawal and finish my gi then re apply.
@@iamnicthevet wow now I'm worried..my counselor made me think I was ok. She even suggested that maybe I can work at the V.A hospital and also receive the help with housing cost. Now I'm concerned because I was kinda counting on the help.
In listening to the video regarding receipt of denials, if the envelope is date stamped might it be helpful to also make sure to not only keep the letter but also the envelope to show when it was mailed?
Unfortunately, the 30 days starts the day you're denied, not the day you receive the denial letter so copying it won't do much good. The sad part is, they won't tell you that but now you know so ...tell a friend :-)
How can I contact you? I had my meeting, she didn't say I was approved, she just tries to make it difficult for me she asked me to Submit a minimum of 5 job announcements for my chosen occupation that requires a master's degree. Also, jobs (must be full-time, permanent, and from five different employers in one commuting area)
Had my voc rehabilitation meeting today I mentioned Gainful and suitable Employment like 100 Times she said your counselor will contact you in a couple weeks does that mean I'm Accepted?
You can email the VR office & ask. If you don't know that email address, email me and I can let you know. I will need to know what VBA you're assigned to, if you don't know which one you're assigned to, look at video #41 & let me know via email.
If you click on the videos tab, you’ll see a list of all my videos and they’ll probably answer any question you could possibly email to me. Once you watch # 16 your two questions will be answered.
Cant they see your VA records and see that you are already rated at 10%, or 40% etc? Why do we need to provide them with evidence? I read all the requirements from the email they sent me and have my appointment next week so I’ll be ready to have all documents and forms filled out. Is it possible to transfer my and request Post 911 BAH to Voc Rehab before I get approved for Voc Rehab? I have until the end of June 2021 before my Post 911 benefits expire.
No, you transfer it after you’re approved for voc rehab. Yes they can see your records and how you’re rated. I didn’t provide any evidence of my SCD when they asked, because I knew that they could see it. You have to play it by ear and respond accordingly. Video # 37 goes over all of that.
Hi Nic, I was found entitled however, I would like to pursue a Masters and the VA is telling me that I can find jobs with a bachelors degree. They want me start looking for bachelor level jobs that do not aggravate my disabilities. Do I have have to go for the bachelors level job or can I go back to my counselor and them I'd prefer Master level jobs?
You don’t have to do anything but if you already have a bachelors and they want you to just find work at that level, then video # 37 is what you need to utilize in order to Invalidate the bachelors and justify the masters. If you don’t already have a bachelors and you’re trying to get approved for a masters immediately after you complete your bachelors, you need to get the bachelor’s first and then utilize video # 37 to justify why you need the masters. Unless you can justify that the bachelors/masters you seek to obtain is the only only ONLY feasible path for you to find suitable employment
Well, whether or not a veteran independently experiences racism, sexism, or any other violation of EEO law, (like in any other organization in the federal government), it depends on which federal employee with whom they interact. However, VR&E services is designed to be fair across the board so the rules and guidelines of the program are independent of race. Consequently, your approach should be based (and argued) strictly on your qualifications. Which is why I made this channel …so you are aware of those parameters and you can present the most succinct case in order to obtain your desired end irrespective of any non-VR&E related variables that a VRC may consider.
