Economic Opportunity Subcommittee stresses continuing need for improved cooperation between VA and Labor departments 

Citing concerns about the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program and the progress towards closer collaboration between VR&E and the Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS), Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) heard today from representatives of the VA, VETS and veterans’ service organizations. 

During the hearing, officials from VA’s VR&E testified on progress made in the coordination of services with VETS.  The VR&E serves to help service-disabled veterans train for, find and maintain suitable employment, as well as improve their ability to live as independently as possible.  The VETS program run by the Labor Department works directly to link veterans with jobs through grants to the state employment services.   

Responding to a 2003 study ordered by then-VA Secretary Anthony Principi, which made 110 recommendations, VA joined the labor department in a memorandum of understanding in 2005, which established work groups for performance measurement, design of a national training curriculum and improved data collection, analysis and reporting.   

An important result of the MOU would be increased coordination between the two agencies, as part of seamless employment transition, and the elimination of duplication, fragmentation and delay in the delivery of employment services. 

VA has also moved ahead to implement a national “Five-Track” service delivery system whereby a participating veteran may choose to pursue any one of five employment services:

• Re-employment with previous employer.

• Rapid access to employment services.

• Self-employment.

• Long-term vocational rehabilitation services including education.

• Independent living services.  

To be fully effective, the “Five-Track” system will require teamwork between VR&E and VETS to ensure clients receive all services appropriately suited to each disabled veterans,” stated the Disabled American Veterans in testimony.   

Chairman Boozman also expressed his concern that VR&E management of contract counseling services.   

“Contract counseling is vital to a successful voc rehab program and I want to make sure that VA is getting the best possible level of services under their contracts at a fair price,” Boozman said.  

Responding to the need for additional contracting officers skilled in the complexities of acquisition for employment training for the disabled, VA has ordered VR&E offices to designate and send to VA training at least two staff members each as Contracting Officer Technical Representatives. 

Responding to statements from several veterans’ organizations regarding inconsistent levels of cooperation between the two agencies, Chairman Bozeman, while pleased with work undertaken to date, urged the two agencies to continue improving coordination between them.   

“I would like VA and VETS to come back to us with a plan to increase the level of interaction and professional relationships between veterans’ employment specialists and the rehabilitation staff,” Chairman Boozman said. 

Mr. Charles Ciccolella, the Labor Department’s Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, echoed the need for coordination, saying, “It is important to both sides to understand the resources the other side brings to the table.” 

“Vocational rehabilitation and employment counseling services are a critical component of any disabled veterans’ seamless transition from military service to civilian life,” said Rep. Stephanie Herseth.

Testimony provided by: Panel 1

Mr. Brian E. Lawrence, Assistant National Legislative Director for the Disabled American Veterans. 

Panel 2:

Honorable Charles S. Ciccolella, Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, Department of Labor

Ms. Judy Caden, Director of Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program, Veterans Benefits Administration. 

Ms. Caden was accompanied by Mr. Jerry Braun, Deputy Director of Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Veterans Benefits Administration; and Mr. Jan Frye, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition and Materiel Management, Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Submitting for the Record: Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, and The American Legion.