Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E), also called Chapter 31, can authorize equipment such as laptops, software, and other supplies when they are necessary to complete an approved rehabilitation or education plan under 38 CFR Part 21. This equipment is generally considered VA property while you are in the program, and VR&E counselors have discretion over whether to replace an item that is lost, stolen, or damaged, and under what circumstances.
There is no single nationwide rule guaranteeing a second laptop or immediate replacement. Outcomes vary by regional office, by counselor, and by the specific facts involved, such as whether the damage was accidental, whether you have renter’s or homeowner’s insurance that might cover it, and whether the item is still needed to complete your current coursework. Some counselors will authorize a replacement fairly quickly if it is needed to keep you on track with your program of study; others may ask you to file a police report (in cases of theft), submit a written explanation, or explore alternatives like a school computer lab in the interim so you do not fall behind.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
Does your rating decision hold up under a real audit?
Upload your decision letter and C&P exams — VetAid's analyzer reads the full file, checks every examiner statement word-for-word against your records, and shows which arguments for a higher rating actually hold. Free, and we never take a cut of your back pay.
Analyze my claim free →Because this is a discretionary, case-by-case determination rather than a guaranteed entitlement, the most important step is documenting the situation in writing to your VR&E counselor as soon as possible: what happened, the date, and how it affects your ability to attend class or complete assignments. If your counselor is unavailable, most VA facilities have a general VR&E intake line or a supervisor you can reach for urgent equipment issues, since falling behind in coursework can also affect your subsistence allowance and enrollment status. Keep copies of any emails or messages you send, and follow up by phone if you do not hear back within a business day or two, since email alone can be slow to get a response over a weekend.
If your counselor denies a replacement or delays without explanation, you can ask to speak with their supervisor or the VR&E officer at your regional office, and you can also ask whether interim options exist, such as short-term loaner equipment or extended deadlines for assignments while the request is processed.
The concrete next step is to follow up by phone with the VR&E office (not just email) as soon as it opens, clearly explain the impact on your coursework, and ask what documentation they need to process an equipment replacement request.
Need a deeper analysis?
Our AI checks your situation against outcome data from 1,600,000+ Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) decisions (2000–2025).
Analyze Your Claim Free