Hey fellow vets,

I just had my first VR&E meeting, and I'm looking for insight from those who've been through this process, especially if you've dealt with Individual Unemployability (IU) status.

My situation:

• 80% service-connected disability with IU status

• Haven't worked since 2019 due to mental health issues

• Have a bachelor's degree and want to become a licensed mental health counselor

The meeting raised some concerns and questions:

1. The counselor seemed unsure how to handle a case with IU status in VR&E. Has anyone here gone through VR&E while on IU?

2. There's uncertainty about how pursuing VR&E might affect my IU status. Does anyone have experience with this?

3. The counselor mentioned I might need evidence from my doctor that I'm able to return to work. How do doctors or therapists typically assess work readiness for veterans with mental health conditions? What kind of evaluation or documentation is usually required?

4. I asked if IU could be considered a "serious employment handicap" for VR&E purposes, but didn't get a clear answer. Any insights on this?

5. Has anyone successfully used VR&E to become a licensed mental health counselor? What was your experience?

6. For those who've gone through VR&E, what questions should I be asking in my follow-up call?

I have a follow-up call on August 19th to discuss my entitlement decision. Any advice on how to proceed or what to prepare would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help or insights you can provide!