Yes, Merchant Mariners can be eligible for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31) benefits, but **only if they have been deemed a "veteran" by the VA under specific statutes**, which is not automatic. Your 100% P&T status is the key; it indicates the VA has already recognized you as a veteran for compensation purposes, which is a prerequisite. For VR&E, eligibility requires a service-connected disability rating of at least 20% with an employment handicap, or 10% with a serious employment handicap, which your 100% rating satisfies (38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 3.307). The foundational legal principle is that eligibility for one VA benefit (like disability compensation) can establish status for others, but you must specifically apply and be found to have an employment handicap by a VR&E counselor (38 CFR 21.50). Your actionable next steps are: 1) Ensure your VR&E application (VA Form 28-1900) is formally submitted, 2) Prepare for your initial evaluation by documenting how your service-connected disabilities create a barrier to employment (citing diagnostic codes, e.g., for depression under 38 CFR 4.130, DC 9440), and 3) Clearly articulate your vocational obstacles and goals during the counseling session, as the counselor must determine you have an "employment handicap" per 38 CFR 21.53. Given your feelings of purposelessness and depression, explicitly connecting these to your service-connected conditions will be crucial for establishing the required employment handicap. Note that your basic period of eligibility is generally 12 years from discharge, but this may be extended due to the severity of your disability.
*This information is for educational purposes regarding VA claims processes and is not legal, medical, or official VA advice. For definitive guidance, consult a VA-accredited attorney or agent or contact the VA directly.*
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