Voc Rehab Boot Camp: Key Definitions

Introduction

• Speaker: Nick the Vet
• Purpose: Explain important VA definitions before meeting with a counselor.
  • Clarify the difference between Webster's definitions and VA definitions.

Key Definitions

1. Employment Handicap (EH)

• What it means: Your service-connected disabilities hinder your ability to:
  • Perform a job successfully
  • Maintain a job
  • Obtain a job
• Importance: Understanding EH is crucial for entitlement.

2. Serious Employment Handicap (SEH)

• Criteria:
  • Composed of nine different points you must meet.
  • Not the same as severely or seriously handicapped.
  • Indicates a hindrance to employability.
  • Applicable if you are past the 12-year mark for receiving your SCD rating.

3. Suitable Employment

• VA Definition: Employment that:
  • Aligns with your interests, aptitudes, and abilities.
  • Does not worsen your service-connected disabilities.
  • Is stable, ongoing, and requires developed skills.
• Key Points:
  • If current employment is unsuitable, it supports the need for voc rehab services.

4. Overcome

• Definition:
  • Overcoming the impairment means securing employment in a field consistent with your abilities and interests.
  • Having a degree but unable to maintain a job due to factors beyond control means you have not overcome the vocational impairment.

5. Vocational Impairment

• What it is: Restrictions on employability due to service-connected disabilities.
• Recognition: Usually acknowledged by counselors but getting EH recognition is necessary for benefits.

Conclusion

• Key Points:
  • Know and understand these definitions to advocate for yourself.
  • Being aware helps in countering any counselor claims effectively.
• Objective: Ensure you can communicate and defend your entitlements clearly.