Yes, you can use VR&E (38 CFR Part 21) even with a bachelor's degree, as your inability to secure work in your field of study and your physical disqualification from prior skilled work directly demonstrate an "employment handicap" as defined under 38 CFR 21.1. The key is that VR&E is not an education benefit but an employment service; you must establish that your service-connected disabilities prevent you from preparing for, obtaining, or maintaining suitable employment consistent with your abilities and interests (38 CFR 21.1, 21.50). Critically, under updated rules effective April 2021, pursuing a second degree via VR&E does not automatically count against your GI Bill entitlement, removing a prior barrier. Your case hinges on a vocational assessment proving your current degree is not viable due to your disabilities, potentially aligning with the "Employment Through Long-Term Services" track, which could authorize retraining, including a new bachelor's or an advanced degree, if the VR&E counselor determines it is necessary for suitable employment (38 CFR 21.1, 21.80). Actionable next steps: 1) Immediately apply for VR&E (VA Form 28-1900) to trigger an evaluation; 2) Gather and present documentation of your job applications and interview rejections to substantiate your employment barrier; 3) During your counseling meeting, clearly articulate how your disabilities prevent work in both your prior mechanic role and your degree field, citing functional limitations; 4) Be prepared to discuss vocational goals that accommodate your disabilities. Case law like *DeLuca v. Brown* supports the requirement for VA to consider the combined effects of disabilities on employability. **Disclaimer: This is educational information for claims strategy, not legal, medical, or official VA advice.**
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