<P> In order to receive an evaluation for Chapter 31 vocational rehabilitation and / or independent living services, those qualifying as a "servicemember" must have a memorandum service - connected disability rating of 20% or greater and apply for vocational rehabilitation services . Those qualifying as "veterans" must have received, or eventually receive, an honorable or other - than - dishonorable discharge, have a VA service - connected disability rating of 10% or more, and apply for services . Law provides for a 12 - year basic period of eligibility in which services may be used, which begins on the latter of separation from active military duty or the date the veteran was first notified of a service - connected disability rating . In general, participants have 48 months of program entitlement to complete an individual vocational rehabilitation plan . Participants deemed to have a "serious employment handicap" will generally be granted exemption from the 12 - year eligibility period and may receive additional months of entitlement as necessary to complete approved plans . </P> <P> The Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is available for those who first entered active duty between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985, and elected to make contributions from their military pay to participate in this education benefit program . Participants' contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government . This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship / on - the - job training and correspondence courses . </P> <P> Congress, in the summer of 2008, approved an expansion of benefits beyond the current G.I. Bill program for military veterans serving since September 11, 2001, originally proposed by Democratic Senator Jim Webb . Beginning in August 2009, recipients became eligible for greatly expanded benefits, or the full cost of any public college in their state . The new bill also provides a housing allowance and $1,000 a year stipend for books, among other benefits . </P> <P> The VA announced in September 2008 that it would manage the new benefit itself instead of hiring an outside contractor after protests by veteran's organizations and the American Federation of Government Employees . Veterans Affairs Secretary James B. Peake stated that although it was "unfortunate that we will not have the technical expertise from the private sector," the VA "can and will deliver the benefits program on time ." </P>

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