Posted on Oct 17, 2019
Charmain Bogue, Executive Director of VA Education Service, was live October 23 answering Forever GI Bill questions.
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Welcome to the Live Q&A event! I’m Charmain Bogue, the Executive Director of VA Education Service.
I was appointed to my current position in May, but I began my VA career many years ago as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. I joined VA from the non-profit sector, looking for ways to give back to those who served our country like my mother, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law and husband. I am committed to going above and beyond to provide extraordinary services to those who have dedicated their lives to protect this nation, and I’m excited to spend this time answering your questions.
As a brief background, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, also known as the “Forever GI Bill,” provides sweeping changes to VA education benefits, many of which expand and enhance your benefits.
During this discussion, I welcome questions on changes that may impact your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), The Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship and Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC).
I’ll be available to answer questions during the hour-long session, and my team in VA Education Service will be monitoring the Q&A throughout the week to respond to your questions.
This is your opportunity to get answers. Please, ask away.
I was appointed to my current position in May, but I began my VA career many years ago as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. I joined VA from the non-profit sector, looking for ways to give back to those who served our country like my mother, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law and husband. I am committed to going above and beyond to provide extraordinary services to those who have dedicated their lives to protect this nation, and I’m excited to spend this time answering your questions.
As a brief background, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, also known as the “Forever GI Bill,” provides sweeping changes to VA education benefits, many of which expand and enhance your benefits.
During this discussion, I welcome questions on changes that may impact your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), The Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship and Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC).
I’ll be available to answer questions during the hour-long session, and my team in VA Education Service will be monitoring the Q&A throughout the week to respond to your questions.
This is your opportunity to get answers. Please, ask away.
Posted in these groups: 
GI Bill
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Education
Benefits
Military Education
GI Bill Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Benefits Military Education
Edited 5 y ago
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 101
I will not be able to attend, but I have a question. I was employed and I decided to go to school while I get medically retired from my current job. I am not sure why people who already had the Post 9/11 granted aren't able to be under the forever GI Bill. I attempted to go through voc rehab but was declined because of the confusion of me still employed but not working, while my retirement goes through the process. I just want to be able to go back to school so I can get into a career after I am medically retired from my job now. What options do I have since I have exhausted the time of the Post 9/11 GI Bill?
Charmain Bogue
As it requires additional research regarding your service, we are unable to respond to this question in detail at this time. You may reach out to the GI Bill hotline at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 ( [login to see] ) (inside the U.S) 00 [login to see] (outside the U.S.).
LCpl Ben Heald
Charmain Bogue - I have reached out to the GI Bill hotline but they just explain that I don't qualify because I used my post 9/11, but the question I have is why does the forever post 9/11 qualify for people discharged in 2012, but doesn't qualify for members who were honored the Post 9/11 but not the forever. When I got out of the marine corps, in order for me to transition into the civilian life, I had to get a job right away in order to pay my bills. When the forever post 9/11 GI Bill was sent out, it was disappointing to me that those who already qualify aren't eligible for the Forever GI Bill. I am getting medically retired from my current job, and started going back to school. Now I can't because the Voc Rehap nor members who answer question from the GI Bill hotline are able to help, since I am not working and I am on payroll with the company but not getting paid, therefore I am still "employed" and so I don't qualify for Voc Rehab. I just want to go back to school and help me get into a career.
I cant attend but I have a question. There is a 15 year limit on the post 9/11 GI bill and mine expires this december which is 6 months before I finish school. The only reason I waited so long was because I didnt know that I was eligible for this or any other GI bill until 2015. So what options do I have when it runs out due to the time limit?
Charmain Bogue
CPL Kenneth Flick Thank you for joining and your question. Unless you had a medical issue that prevented you from pursuing your educational goals, we are unable to extend your delimiting date. However, if you did have a medical issue, you may contact the GI Bill hotline at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 ( [login to see] ) (inside the U.S) 00 [login to see] (outside the U.S.).
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