Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, 38 U.S.C. Chapter 31) counselors are responsible for processing supply, equipment, and tuition-related requests in a timely manner, but caseloads and system transitions can cause delays. If a counselor stops responding, there is a clear escalation path you can follow rather than waiting indefinitely.
First, put your request in writing if you haven't already, referencing the specific form involved — commonly VA Form 28-1905 (Authorization and Certification of Entrance or Reentrance into Rehabilitation and Certification of Status) or VA Form 28-1905m for supplies and direct reimbursement. Keep copies of all correspondence, including the instructor or school memo listing required materials, since this documentation supports your case if you need to escalate.
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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Analyze my claim free →If you don't get a response within a reasonable time, contact the VR&E office's supervisor directly rather than only the individual counselor; every VA regional office has a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor supervisor or Case Manager you can ask to speak with. You can also use the VA's general inquiry system at ask.va.gov, call the VA benefits hotline (1-800-827-1000), or contact the eBenefits/VA.gov VR&E case line if available in your region.
Filing a congressional inquiry, as you did, is a legitimate and often effective escalation tool — congressional liaisons within the VA are required to respond and often prompt faster internal action. If a congressional inquiry and hotline complaint don't produce results within a couple of weeks, you can also file a formal complaint through the VA's Office of the Inspector General or ask your regional VR&E office for a change of counselor, which is allowed if communication has broken down.
Finally, keep your school's certifying official in the loop; they can sometimes verify enrollment and required materials directly with the VA, which occasionally speeds up processing since the school confirms the need independently of the counselor relationship.
Outcomes and processing times vary significantly by region and by how backlogged a given VR&E office is, so persistence and documentation are key. If your equipment or uniform requirements are needed before classes start, contact the VR&E case manager or supervisor immediately and explain the timeline, since school start dates are considered by the VA when prioritizing pending requests. The concrete next step is to request, in writing, a supervisor review or counselor reassignment while keeping your congressional and hotline case numbers on hand as leverage.
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