When VR&E (Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) closes a case, it must be based on a finding that the veteran has obtained "suitable employment," defined in 38 CFR 21.35 as work consistent with the veteran's abilities, aptitudes, and interests identified during the initial vocational evaluation, and which provides a reasonable expectation of stability and self-support. If the job you actually hold does not match the job description used to justify closure, or if it is well below the skill level and earning capacity your rehabilitation plan targeted, that is a legitimate basis to dispute the closure rather than something you must simply accept.
The closure decision is an appealable VA decision. You have the right to request that VR&E reconsider before finalizing, and if it does close, you can pursue a formal appeal just as you would with a compensation decision. Practical avenues include: requesting the case file and the specific job description/duties documentation the counselor relied on (you can dispute inaccurate job duties in writing, ideally with a signed statement from your actual supervisor describing your real responsibilities); asking to speak with the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor's supervisor or the VR&E Officer at the regional office, since counselors have discretion but supervisors can review contested closures; and filing a Decision Review Request — Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new evidence (your supervisor's letter, pay stubs showing wage level, comparison to your training goals), a Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996), or a Notice of Disagreement/Board Appeal (VA Form 10182) within the one-year appeal window if you want to formally contest the finding.
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 →Document everything: emails where the counselor confirmed taking a stopgap job wouldn't jeopardize your case, the discrepancy between your real duties and what was reported, and any evidence that the job's pay and duties fall short of suitable employment under 21.35. A Veterans Service Organization (DAV, VFW, American Legion) or a VA-accredited representative can help build and file this challenge, and can also raise the underemployment argument directly with VR&E leadership.
The concrete next step is to submit a written statement disputing the closure along with supporting documentation (supervisor letter on actual duties, pay records) to your VR&E office immediately, and simultaneously file VA Form 20-0995 or 20-0996 to preserve your appeal rights while the internal dispute is pending.
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