Boozman Introduces Veterans Employment Bill

Press Release

Boozman Introduces Veterans Employment Bill
Focus on Rehabilitation and Employment of Injured Troops

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today introduced critical legislation which focuses on the early start of vocational rehabilitation and employment of injured troops returning home.

The "Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Act of 2007" will expand eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits for severely injured service members undergoing long-term care and recovery. The Boozman bill will make it easier for injured veterans with service-connected disabilities by allowing the Veterans' Administration's vocational rehabilitation and employment (VR&E) benefits to be received before discharge.

"As a general rule, the VA doesn't begin to provide services until after an injured serviceperson is discharged from the Armed Forces," Boozman, ranking member of the Veterans' subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, said. "Our goal is to make it easier for veterans, whom we know are likely to be discharged due to their injuries, to begin receiving the important vocational rehabilitation which will better prepare them for the workforce, instead of waiting for the training until after the end of their military service.

Under current law, the VA is not permitted to provide VR&E benefits until after a service member is discharged from Armed Forces. Rep. Boozman's legislation would allow the benefits to begin for any member of the Armed Forces who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical care, services or treatment, as long as he or she is determined to have service-connected disabilities that are likely to lead to their discharge or release from the Armed Forces.

VR&E benefits focus on veterans with service-connected disabilities, and are designed to enable injured soldiers, sailors, airmen, and other veterans to experience a seamless transition from military service to rehabilitation and suitable employment opportunities. For the most severely disabled veterans, the primary focus is to enable them to live as independently as possible.

"The commitment to our troops includes making sure they have every opportunity to succeed once their military service to our country has ended," Boozman said. "My goal is to ensure that every veteran can find a job. This bill will move us a step closer to reaching that goal."

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