VA Form 28-0588: Apply Early for VR&E Benefits

VA Form 28-0588: Apply Early for VR&E Benefits – For service members and veterans with service-connected disabilities, the transition to civilian life often includes important decisions about career, training, and employment. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program—also known as Chapter 31—provides personalized support to help you prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment or achieve greater independence.

If you have not yet received a final VA disability rating, VA Form 28-0588 (“VA Vocational Rehabilitation—Getting Ahead After You Get Out”) is the resource the VA highlights to help you begin the process early.

What Is VA Form 28-0588?

VA Form 28-0588 is an official VA publication (revision date December 2000) that serves as both an informational guide and a tool for service members awaiting discharge who may have a service-connected disability. It explains the VR&E program, eligibility basics, available services, and how to get started.

The form includes a detachable or signable “Notice to VA Veterans Service Center” section. This notice allows you to formally request that VA prepare a memorandum rating to help determine your eligibility for VR&E benefits more quickly while your full disability claim is processed.

Although the form is older, the VA continues to promote it on official pages for transitioning service members who do not yet have a finalized rating.

Who Should Use VA Form 28-0588?

This form is especially useful if you are:

  • A service member still on active duty or in the process of separating
  • Going through the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB)
  • Enrolled in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)
  • Expecting an other-than-dishonorable discharge and likely to receive a VA disability rating of 20% or higher (or 10% with a serious employment handicap)

It allows you to start the VR&E conversation without waiting for your final disability rating.

Note: If you already have a VA disability rating, you should use VA Form 28-1900 (Application for Veteran Readiness and Employment) or apply online instead.

Why Apply Early with VA Form 28-0588?

Starting the VR&E process before or immediately after separation offers several advantages:

  • You can meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) sooner
  • A memorandum rating can expedite your eligibility determination
  • You may begin developing a rehabilitation plan while still on active duty (in some cases)
  • Early planning gives you more time to explore training, education, or self-employment options

Severely injured service members may qualify for automatic VR&E services under specific provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act.

How to Download VA Form 28-0588?

You can download the official form directly from VA sources:

Download VA Form 28-0588 (PDF):
https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-28-0588-ARE.pdf

Official VA Form Page:
https://www.va.gov/forms/28-0588/

How to Complete and Submit VA Form 28-0588?

  1. Read the form thoroughly — It contains important information about VR&E benefits, services, and your rights.
  2. Complete VA Form 28-1900 (the main application) if required for your situation.
  3. Sign and date the “Notice to VA Veterans Service Center” section on the back of Form 28-0588.
  4. Submit both forms together to request a memorandum rating and begin your VR&E process.
  5. Submit to the nearest VA regional office, a VA staff member at a military discharge center, or follow current instructions on the VA website.

Many service members now start the process online or with help from a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative.

Current official guidance: Visit the VA’s how-to-apply page for the latest instructions.

How to Apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment

VR&E (Chapter 31) Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for VR&E benefits, you generally need:

  • A service-connected disability
  • An other-than-dishonorable discharge (or still on active duty in qualifying circumstances)
  • An employment handicap (your disability makes it difficult to prepare for, obtain, or maintain suitable employment)

Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor after an evaluation.

What Happens After You Apply?

After you submit your materials, VA will schedule you for an appointment with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). During this meeting, the counselor will:

  • Review your situation and service-connected disabilities
  • Determine whether you have an employment handicap
  • Discuss your goals, interests, and aptitudes
  • Help develop an individualized rehabilitation plan if you are entitled

If approved, your plan may include training, education, job placement assistance, self-employment support, or independent living services. You may also receive a subsistence allowance during training.

If you disagree with a decision, you have options to request a review.

Services and Benefits Available Through VR&E

VR&E offers a wide range of support, including:

  • Vocational counseling and evaluation
  • Job training and education (college, trade school, on-the-job training, apprenticeships)
  • Job placement and follow-up support
  • Self-employment assistance (including business planning help)
  • Independent living services
  • Tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment
  • Monthly subsistence allowance (in addition to VA compensation)
  • Medical, dental, or prosthetic services related to your rehabilitation

Tips for a Successful VR&E Application

  • Be prepared to discuss how your service-connected condition affects your ability to work
  • Gather relevant medical records and documentation
  • Be honest and specific about your career goals and challenges
  • Work collaboratively with your VRC — the process is designed to be supportive
  • Consider all tracks, including self-employment if you have a viable business idea
  • Stay in communication and respond promptly to VA requests

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a finalized VA disability rating to use VA Form 28-0588?
No. This form is specifically intended for service members who have not yet received a rating but may qualify for VR&E.

Can I apply while still on active duty?
Yes. Many service members in IDES or the PEB process use this form to start early.

Is VA Form 28-0588 still current?
Although the revision date is December 2000, the VA continues to reference and link to it on official pages for transitioning service members without ratings.

What if I’m denied VR&E benefits?
You can request a decision review. Your VRC can also connect you with other VA resources and programs.

How long does the process take?
Timelines vary. Starting early with VA Form 28-0588 can help reduce delays.

Get Started Today

VA Form 28-0588 gives transitioning service members a practical way to begin exploring VR&E benefits without waiting for a final disability rating. Whether your goal is new job training, returning to the workforce, starting a business, or achieving greater independence, the VR&E program is designed to help you succeed.

Download the form now and take the first step toward getting ahead after you get out.

For personalized assistance, contact your nearest VA regional office, work with an accredited Veterans Service Organization representative, or visit the official VA VR&E pages linked above.