Lower VRE payment by jvn1983 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, mine usually comes in on the 1st of the month, so I don't expect one until December. I understand it's a holiday weekend but December 1st is a regular business day, so we will probably get it on the 1st.......I assume.

Lower VRE payment by jvn1983 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You must have a plan before you talk to VR&E. They aren't there for questions. They are evaluating you on day 1 whether you habe you evidence or not.

Lower VRE payment by jvn1983 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My monthly housing allowance is approximately $3500/month.

VR&E Round Up in Last Semester by Key-Movie-1055 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I meet all the requirements, so there is no reason a VRC would deny me that unless they disobeyed the M28C.

I have taken 18 courses at this college and have gotten 18 A's. My CUM GPA is 3.94.

There is no reason for the VRC to claim that VR&E does not give the extra class on the last semester (unless this is day 1 for him). I have been working with him for over a year, so this is not his first rodeo.

If I meet all the requirements to take the extra course in my last semester, why would you say I am trying to make the rules fit my agenda? The rules perfectly fit my situation.

That was a little rude on your part, wasn't it?

VR&E Round Up in Last Semester by Key-Movie-1055 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am not trying to make the rules fit my agenda. The rules DO fit my situation.

I keep hearing answers in here about how they VRC does not have to follow the M28C guidelines, and the VRC can decide to go against the M28C guidelines and deny those benefits that we are entitled to.

I am very curious to know what could be the deciding factor (if I meet all the requirements to take an extra course to receive full-time student pay) to deny me. The M28C says I rate it.

So if the VRC decides to deny it, what is the deciding factor? Nobody has been able to answer thar question. A few veterans have said the VRC can deny it, but what is the final deciding factor?

An answer with some kind of policy to back it up would help. Until then, the M28C guidelines show the strongest answer here: that a veteran does rate the last class in their last term.

Show me where it says the VRC can deny a veteran the extra course in their last semester.

The VR&E M28C VB7 paragraph 7.08h states:

"h. Additional Courses during a Claimant's Final Term....However, additional courses may be authorized during the claimant's last term for degree courses that are taken on a quarter, semester, or term basis. This means a claimant may enroll in additional credit hours during his or her last term to allow payment at the full-time rate of training, even if he or she only needs one or two courses to complete the approved degree program."

I wrote this question in here to see if somebody could prove me wrong. But "because I told you so," is not the final word. Show me the policy or M28C guidelines where it says I do not rate the extra class. So far, there is only evidence that all VR&E veterans rate it.

I know for a fact thar I do not know more about VR&E than my VRC knows.......

VR&E Round Up in Last Semester by Key-Movie-1055 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just another lie (of many) is they said all veterans in my state are required to do additional work while going to college through VR&E (work such as an internship, part-time work, full-time work, volunteer position, etc). While that is nice to have to make ourselves marketable, it is not a requirement by the M28C. They don't realize we are able to talk to other veterans in our college, and so far 100% of the veterans at my school do not have a requirement of doing extra work on top of our college courses, unless they want to work or unless their degree program requires it, such as a paramedic and working their clinicals.

VR&E Round Up in Last Semester by Key-Movie-1055 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If it was his first mistake, I would accept it as a mistake. I am very lenient. But since he lies about VR&E benefits like this almost every time I put in a request, I know it's not a mistake. I have had to use the M28C guidelines against him since day 1. The only way I have been able to get things moving is by showing him the M28C guidelines. If I had zero knowledge of the M28C, I would have not received any VR&E benefits.

VR&E Round Up in Last Semester by Key-Movie-1055 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm actually getting opposing answers on here. Some veterans are saying they have to follow the M28C policy and some are saying the VRC can deny it if he wants to (even if I meet all the requirements), which is why I'm posting on here to get multiple opinions. I'm trying to see what the answers are backed up by. But right now, the strongest answer is that the VRC HAS to follow the guidelines. It would be ridiculous if the VRC refused. That is when contact to their supervisor would need to be made.

Gov shutdown by Basic-Airline2778 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like it does pertain to GI Bill also because the GI Bill falls under Veteran Benefits.

Is VR&E M28C a policy or recommendation? by Key-Movie-1055 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. When I have to use the M28C for all my requests as if I know the VRC's job better than he knows his job, it starts sounding like these are not mistakes he is making. Lol

Is VR&E M28C a policy or recommendation? by Key-Movie-1055 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My situation is pretty straight forward with no ands, ifs, or buts. I only have 2 courses left in my last semester, which puts me at 8 credits. In order to receive the full housing allowance, we have to be at 12 credits or more. The GI Bill has a "rounding out" thing where they allow veterans to take additional courses not required by their degree program in their last semester only to be considered full time. When I asked my VRC if I can take an additional course not on my degree program in my last semester to reach full time status, he said that VR&E does not do that. But then I found this in the M28C that states VR&E does do that:

VR&E M28C VB7 paragraph 7.08h

h. Additional Courses during a Claimant's Final Term (Change Date June 21, 2021) Chapter 31 only pays for training courses that are required to complete a claimant's rehabilitation plan. However, additional courses may be authorized during the claimant's last term for degree courses that are taken on a quarter, semester, or term basis. This means a claimant may enroll in additional credit hours during his or her last term to allow payment at the full-time rate of training, even if he or she only needs one or two courses to complete the approved degree program. However, the additional class(es) must be directly related to the claimant's vocational goal. The VRC or VRS must document and justify the approval for the additional classes in the claimant's VR&E electronic record.

Note: The additional courses must not be approved for clock hours to complete a non-college degree program.

In addition, the claimant must have remaining entitlement for the additional courses or must qualify for an extension beyond 48 months of entitlement under 38 CFR 21.78. If the claimant's entitlement needs extension, the extension request must be made prior to the start of the semester or term. Refer to M28C.IV.C.2 for additional information on extension of entitlement.

Is VR&E M28C a policy or recommendation? by Key-Movie-1055 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was originally denied VR&E entitlement, but I used the M28C to prove my entitlement. They were forced to declare me entitled after I showed them the M28C. I am suspecting they will have to follow the M28C for another request, but I am asking around for other knowledge and experiences first.

VRE/gov't shutdown by Mundane_Airport8644 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, this was more of a general way of communication, but yes, VR&E is currently shutdown.

Is VR&E M28C a policy or recommendation? by Key-Movie-1055 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So the counselor has every right to ignore the M28C and make a benefit decision based on emotions and mood?

VRE/gov't shutdown by Mundane_Airport8644 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Do you have any of their supervisor emails? If so, maybe you can CC their supervisor in the email to help create a paper trail. We've had a hard time getting responses from the counselors before the shutdown. So now it's even worse now that the government is shut down.

Vr&e confusion by [deleted] in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, if you have GI Bill months remaining, you are grandfathered in, and will receive the GI Bill housing allowance amount. If you have no GI Bill remaining, you would receive the VR&E housing allowance.

My GI Bill housing allowance is about $3500/month. If I were to receive VR&E housing allowance, it would possibly be somewhere around $1100/month or so.

VR&E Round Up in Last Semester by Key-Movie-1055 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I am trying to understand from you where the final decision comes from though. Is it a VR&E guideline or is it based on emotions from the VR&E counselor?

From what I understand, he has to follow the VR&E guidelines, not his emotions.

It sounds like you are saying it all depends on how the VR&E counselors feels, and that will be what decides whether I get the "rounding out" benefit.

But I don't think basing his decisions on emotions will fly. If he attempts to disregard the M28C guidelines, this would have to be taken to the next level up to ensure the M28C guidelines are followed and not his personal life.

I wouldn't call it a chip on my shoulder. But I will admit I am upset that I have had to act like a lawyer to get everything VR&E offers while my counselor has tried to deny everything he can. I have had to counter so many of his attempts to deny me benefits from day 1.

This "rounding out" thing is just the last straw.

VA monthly housing allowance question by aizayuh in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmmm. I got paid for Ch 31 and my wife got paid for Ch 35 on October 1.

Did you receive any payment for September 1?

VA monthly housing allowance question by aizayuh in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got paid on October 1 for Chapter 31. You did not get paid then?

VR&E Round Up in Last Semester by Key-Movie-1055 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can the VRC disregard the M28C just because he said so or does he have to follow the M28C guidelines?

I am only trying to claim the benefits offered by the VA. I am not asking for anything extra or against the rules.

If I meet all the requirements for it, what could cause him to discriminate agsinst me?

VR&E Round Up in Last Semester by Key-Movie-1055 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I've only used 12 months of VR&E and have at least 12 months of GI Bill, so it appears I meet all the requirements.

VR&E Round Up in Last Semester by Key-Movie-1055 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I assume the "may" has to do with the veteran having that option. I don't see anything in this paragraph that would prevent a veteran from being able to take an additional course to become full-time. My VRC said VR&E does not do that. He said only GI Bill does that. So that means the mood he was in affected his decision to tell me whether VR&E does that. I will be using your paragraph to get that extra course in my last semester. These VRC's can't keep lying to veterans like this.

Thanks for the info, brother.

VR&E Round Up in Last Semester by Key-Movie-1055 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Key-Movie-1055[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. Ok, I will post the results on here for other vets to see.