While in the Navy, I was injured in the summer of 2019. After six months of navigating the military medical system, I was placed on the path to medical retirement and began preparing to transition out of the service. Just as I received the necessary paperwork and contacts to start the process in late February 2020, right after, the COVID-19 lockdowns went into effect and brought everything to a halt.

By January 2021, things began moving again. I went through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program, completed my C&P exams for my VA disability rating, and waited for my medical retirement percentage. Around this time, I was assigned a Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) counselor to help plan my next steps. In March 2022, I received my total ratings and retirement package, and I enrolled in the VA’s VetTech program, applied to a coding school, interviewed, and was accepted. By the end of April, I officially received my DD214 and moved back to Texas with my wife and kids to start a new chapter in our lives. Unfortunately, after COVID, the VA removed the school from its approved list, and I was dropped from the program (just after relocating back to Texas specifically to attend.) I asked my counselor if there were any VA-supported programs related to horticulture, but they were unfamiliar with any options, and I couldn’t find anything online.

Later, I heard a podcast about a veteran who used VA’s Chapter 31 (VR&E) program to return to school. That gave me hope. I gathered the necessary information, reconnected with my counselor, and took the first steps toward earning my bachelor’s degree in a field I’m truly passionate about. While utilizing CH 31, I have received a laptop package the included a Lenovo Thinkbook, printer, bag, mouse, and a 3-year warranty. As well as every semester they pay for all required books and supplies, along with extra $50 for miscellaneous school supplies. I also receive a housing payment the same as the CH 33 (G.I. Bill) based on my hourly status, such as full time, ¾ time, or ½ time.

My wife, Kris, uses the Hazelwood Act (State of Texas education benefits for veterans,) and payments from the CH 35 Dependents Educational Assistance provided by the VA. It has been equal to my use of CH 31 along with BAH payments.

I’ll have links to both CH 31 (VR&E), CH35 (DEA), and Hazelwood Act below and if you have any questions about the benefits above and how we navigated them, please email me and I will help the best of my knowledge!

***I am not a representative for the V.A. or said benefits above and am only able to provide information about how it has been for me***