VR&E Regulations: Title-38/Section-21.430

(AND) General. VA will maintain policies and procedures to ensure accountability in the authorization and payment of program costs for training and rehabilitation services. The procedures established in this section apply to all program costs except per diem (or optional allowances at the rates set out in Chapter 34). The policies and procedures governing the payment of per diem allowances are governed by §§ 21.260 to 21.276 and §§ 21.320 to 21.334.

(B) Determining the necessary costs of training and rehabilitation services. Program cost estimates for a calendar year or shorter period are based on the services necessary to carry out the veteran’s rehabilitation plan during that period (§§ 21.80 through 21.96). Estimates will be prepared by the VBA case manager. If additional consent is required, the VBA case manager will provide such additional consent before authorizing services.

(C) Review of program costs by a Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) specialist. The VR&E Specialist shall review program costs for the services described in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this section if the case manager’s estimate of program costs for a calendar year exceeds $25,000. The VR&E Specialist cannot delegate this responsibility. The case manager will not sign the rehabilitation plan or approve expenses until the VR&E specialist has approved the program costs. The services subject to this assessment are:

(1) Providing materials to help you start a small business;

(2) Extended Assessment Period; Or

(3) Independent Living Services Program.

(Authority: 38 USC 3115(b)(4))

Cross references:

See § 21.156. Other occasional goods and services. § 21.258. Special assistance for veterans in self-employment.

(49 FR 40814, October 18, 1984, amended by 51 FR 45767, December 22, 1986; 55 FR 25975, June 26, 1990; 62 FR 17710, April 11, 1997; 84 FR 194, January 18, 2019; 87 FR 8743 February 16 2022)