Most veterans have 2-6 weeks between submitting their VR&E application and their initial evaluation. Here's how to use every day of that waiting period.
Collect all documentation: VA rating letter, medical records, DD-214, resume, transcripts. Create a dedicated folder (physical and digital). If you're missing anything, request it now — VA records requests can take time.
Spend time on O*NET Online (onetonline.org) exploring careers that match your interests AND accommodate your limitations. Look at salary data, growth projections, and education requirements. Print out the pages for your top 2-3 career choices.
Draft your disability-to-employment connection statement. Use the framework above: Condition → Limitation → Barrier → Solution. Write it out, revise it, and practice saying it out loud until it flows naturally.
Identify specific schools, programs, or certification paths for your target career. Compare costs, locations, and outcomes. Practice your presentation: have a friend or family member ask you about your disability, employment barriers, and career goals. Get comfortable articulating the connection.
Review all your documents. Confirm meeting time, location (or virtual link), and VRC name. Pack your folder. Get a good night's sleep. You've prepared — trust the work.