VeTALKX: Back to School – Q&A with VA and Community Partners. What are your questions?

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On August 31st, 1-2PM EST, VA and community experts will be here to answer your questions on Back-to-School resources, GI Bill, learning options, and virtual tools. Type your questions in now!

* There is no audio or video component to this Q&A. Please type your question below and VA and community experts will respond in writing.

You can ask questions to the following people:
» Nicole Hubbard - Outreach Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, VA
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» Sgt Ed McEvoy - National Outreach Specialist, VA
» Jahmila Boswell - Management Analyst for Outreach & Engagement, VA, VR&E
» SrA Dariell Cooper - Management and Program Analyst, VA
» PO3 Tammy Barlet - Vice President of Government Affairs, SVA
» CPO Missina Schallus - Communications Manager, Center for Women Veterans, VA
» SSgt Louiseza Sanderson - Management and Program Analyst, VBA, VA
» CMSgt Terry Warren - Chief Stakeholder Engagement, Education Service, VA
» Sgt Jay Dalrymple - Director National Cemetery Scheduling Office, VA
» SSgt Lourdes Tiglao - Executive Director, Center for Women Veterans, VA
» Jennifer Gillan - Management and Program Analyst, VA
» Sgt Christopher Vidaurre - Senior Program Manager, George W. Bush Institute

Posted in these groups: 210d76c2

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Responses: 45

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SR Michael Soaries

Edited >1 y ago

Posted >1 y ago

Hi. I recently was classified %100 disability and was in volved in a flurry of activity - counseling, medication, medical in general etc. I am also in school, seminary, to get my MDiv. I heard about student loan forgiveness and in the flurry jumped inand filled out the form. after receiving a response that i was eligibile it occurred to me that I was still in school! If I went through with loan forgiveness how would I get through the rest of school? I realized I was operating without proper guidance and did not continue the process until I could get some. Can you advise? Should I apply now or wait until I complete school? I worry it would look like I am trying to scam the system but I already started the school process long before I realized i could apply for VA disability. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks

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Nicole Hubbard

>1 y

You will need to contact Federal Student Aid for assistance.
https://studentaid.gov/help-center/contact

Federal Student Aid

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SR Michael Soaries

>1 y

Thanks - also would it be advantageous to set up a meeting with a voc rehab in terms of how continuing with school might be of benefit regardless of my designation?

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Cpl Roger DeVall

Posted >1 y ago

After serving from 91-95, I left active service and continued on with the federal government in a LEO capacity. I never realized that I was able to utilize my Mont GI Bill to help pay for my time at the federal LEO academy (about 4--5 months 96-97). Have I lost any chance of using any of my Mont GI benefits due to the passage of time? (Unfortunately back in the day they didn't exactly tell us about all the benefits we had (or access to...at the time). Is there any way to get them back, or to at least transfer to one of my sons.

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Jennifer Gillan

>1 y

Due to the gap in time, trying to go back and pay for your LEO academy is not an option. As to your second question, transferring benefits is determined by Department of Defense (DoD), as part of their retention program. VA does not have the authority to transfer GI Bill benefits from Service member/Veteran to dependents. If DoD did not authorize a transfer, your sons would not be eligible.

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PV2 Michael Crump

Posted >1 y ago

Good evening I have been classified as unemployable 100persent can I go to school under the GI Bill for substance abuse counseling or do the VA pay for truck driving school.

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Jennifer Gillan

>1 y

The GI Bill determines eligibility based on service, not on your disability rating. Both programs you mentioned are popular and commonly covered. I encourage you to apply and our application can guide you to the benefit you are most likely eligible to receive. https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/

How to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits | Veterans Affairs

Find out how to apply for the GI Bill and other VA education benefits as a Veteran, service member, or qualified family member.

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SPC Cathy Crenshaw Hinkle

Posted >1 y ago

Hello, will the military pay for me to go to a Real Estate School via the VR&E Program. Not College, but a 10 week real Estate School to get my Real Estate License?

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Jahmila Boswell

>1 y

Good afternoon. As long as the occupation is suitable with your disabilities, you can find an approved school and you have enough education time left Real Estate classes is a possibility with VR&E. You will want to apply for the program and see if you are found entitled. Once entitled you will have a meeting with a counselor and you can let them know your wishes.

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Jahmila Boswell

>1 y

https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/

Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) | Veterans Affairs

If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) can help. This program—also known as Chapter 31 or VR&E—helps you explore employment options and address education or training needs. In some cases, your family members may also qualify for certain benefits.

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SPC Cathy Crenshaw Hinkle

>1 y

Thank you!

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SPC Cathy Crenshaw Hinkle

>1 y

Yes, I am a Disabled a Vet!

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PO3 Timothy Hill

Posted >1 y ago

Is there a way to extend unused, expired education benefits?

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Jennifer Gillan

>1 y

VA recognizes that there are times, due to medical treatment, that Veterans may not be able to use their education benefits. You can request for an extension. I recommend reviewing the link to be sure you have all of the required documentation prior to your request: https://www.va.gov/resources/getting-a-gi-bill-extension/

Getting a GI Bill extension | Veterans Affairs

If you were discharged before January 1, 2013, your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits expire 15 years after you separated from the military. Montgomery GI Bill benefits expire 10 years after you separate from the military. But you may qualify for an extension of these benefits. Keep reading on this page to learn about eligibility for a GI Bill extension and how to request it.

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SPC (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

I'm planning on using my 1606 GI Bill for 12 months, and switching over to my post 9/11 and use that for 36 months. I've heard this was a possibility but have not seen anything about what the process to do this is like. I've already been approved for my 1606 GI Bill. How straight forward is it too switch and how easy is it to go over the 12 months?

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Jennifer Gillan

>1 y

Having the ability to switch benefits is unique to each person. Public Law does not allow the same period of service to be used for more than one GI Bill education benefit. I would advise you speak to the VA Education Call Center [login to see] and let their experts analyze your service and help you make the best decision.

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Cpl James Gouttierre

Posted >1 y ago

I'm a 75 yr old veteran who is interested in college courses but not necessarily for a specific degree. I tried college 50 yrs. ago and never finished, I may have 12 credit hrs.. Can I get college courses online, paid for through the GI bill?

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CPO Missina Schallus

>1 y

Thank you for your question, to speak with a subject matter expert call 888-GIBILL- [login to see] ). Call between 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday-Friday. Thank you for your service.

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SGT Heather Derby

Posted >1 y ago

I just received a letter from the VA that my GI Bill expired in 2020. Are there other educational benefits that I am eligible for?

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Jennifer Gillan

>1 y

If your GI Bill benefits have expired, you can see if you qualify for Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/ or you can also speak to your regional office staff that may be able to guide you to local/state benefit options.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) | Veterans Affairs

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A1C Celestea Deanes

Posted >1 y ago

Are the benefit available during Obama administration somehow useable now as far as benefits are concerned?

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CPO Missina Schallus

>1 y

Thank you for your question, can you be more specific as to what "benefits" you are talking about?

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SrA Will Coppage

Posted >1 y ago

I used my GI Bill for my undergraduate degree. I have two masters degrees as well. Are there additional veteran funding opportunities for me to continue my academic pursuits in music/art therapy or counseling? Thank you.

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Jennifer Gillan

>1 y

Hello Will, if you have exhausted your GI Bill benefits, you can see if Chapter 31 is an option for you: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/eligibility/

Eligibility for Veteran Readiness and Employment | Veterans Affairs

Learn about eligibility requirements for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)—formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment. If you’re a service member or Veteran and have a disability that was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service and that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, you may be able to get employment support or services to help you live as independently as possible.

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CMSgt Terry Warren

>1 y

Hi Will. Would recommend you check with your state's respective Veterans Office to see if they have additional education benefits like Texas' Hazelwood Act. Please use the following link to find your state - https://department.va.gov/about/state-departments-of-veterans-affairs-office-locations/

State Departments of Veterans Affairs Office Locations - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

For more information onState Departments of Veterans Affairs, visit the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) website. The

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VeTALKX: Back to School – Q&A with VA and Community Partners. What are your questions?

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