No, you cannot get your expended Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits back, as they are a one-time, use-it-or-lose-it entitlement with no statutory provision for restoration after exhaustion. However, your 90% disability rating makes you a strong candidate for the primary alternative: **Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)**. This program is distinct from educational benefits and is designed for veterans with service-connected disabilities who face an employment handicap. Under 38 CFR 3.340, an employment handicap exists if your service-connected disability impairs your ability to prepare for, obtain, or maintain suitable employment. VR&E can provide training, education, and subsistence allowance to achieve a suitable career path, which in your case is a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice for probation work. The program operates under 38 CFR Part 21 and, per case law like *Bozeman v. Principi*, must provide the full scope of services necessary for rehabilitation. Your actionable next step is to immediately submit VA Form 28-1900 (Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation) to initiate a comprehensive evaluation. A VR&E counselor will determine if you have an employment handicap and develop a plan, which can include covering the full cost of a bachelor’s degree even after GI Bill exhaustion. You should also formally apply for an increase in your disability rating if your conditions have worsened, as a 100% scheduler rating or Individual Unemployability (IU) award under 38 CFR 4.16 could provide additional benefits.
*Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes regarding VA benefits and procedures and is not intended as legal, medical, or official advice.*
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 |
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