Chapter 31 - VA Vocational Rehabilitation
See Voc-Rehab Frequently Asked Questions

Using your Chapter 31 Benefits  (VA Vocational Rehabilitation) at APSU - Main Campus

OVA and DVA Working Together to Serve You

Welcome to the Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) at Austin Peay State University's Main Campus!  OVA is glad that you have chosen to use your benefits here.  Although the OVA does not work for the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), it is our job to work closely with DVA and your VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors to ensure that your needs as a student are met.

The first semester of enrollment can be a challenging time for non-traditional students like you, especially during registration.  OVA would like to help make your transition to college and/or VA Voc-Rehab a pleasant one.  You may be relieved to know that every semester, OVA serves nearly 300 students just like you, non-traditional students starting or returning to school under the Chapter. 31 program.  Our overall veteran enrollment exceeds 900 students per term.

OVA strives to meet the DVA goal of "Putting Veterans First."   Should you have any questions or concerns feel free to call or stop by.  OVA is here to serve you!

If you have applied and/or are receiving Financial Aid, your Chapter 31 benefits will affect student loans and may affect State and Campus-based grants.

Sincerely,
The OVA Staff

VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

Voc-Rehab FAQ's

What does Voc-Rehab pay for?
DVA will pay or reimburse you for textbooks, required supplies, and other necessary school expenses such as professional exams, uniform fees, tutoring, parking decals, and graduation fees.  If it is an item that is not considered a routine chare, you must receive authorization from your VA Voc Rehab Counselor prior to the purchase.  If you do not receive approval, you may be billed for the purchase.  DVA will not pay the APSU application fee or late registration fees.  The VA Voc Rehab Counselor must authorize and initiate payment or reimbursal for APSU fees covered by VA Voc Rehab.   Applications for tutorial assistance are available in the OVA.  Inquiries about payable and non-payable fees should be referred to your VA Voc Rehab Counselor. 

What if I don't receive my stipend check?
Contact your Voc Rehab counselor.   Payments are initiated by the Voc Rehab counselor.  The OVA does not have access to records regarding your payment status.

What does my VOC Rehab counselor do?
The VA Voc Rehab Counselors for the APSU Main Campus, are available to advise you on the proper use of your CH. 31 benefits.  All authorizations and reimbursals are initiated by the VA Voc Rehab Counselor.  The VA Voc Rehab Counselor notifies the OVA of your new or continuing eligibility for CH. 31.  Following notification from the OVA, your VA Voc Rehab Counselor makes any necessary adjustments to your monthly benefit payments.  You should meet with your VA Voc Rehab Counselor at least twice a semester to discuss your academic progress.

What does the OVA do?
Upon receipt of an authorization (1905) from DVA and a CRF from the student, the OVA notifies Accounts Receivable and the  Bookstore of your eligibility for VA Voc Rehab.  This allows you to validate fee payment  and shop for books and supplies.  Changes in your training time and enrollment are reported to your VA Voc Rehab Counselor by the OVA.

How often should I meet with my VOC Rehab counselor?
You should meet with your VA Voc Rehab Counselor at least twice a semester.  Any changes in career pursuit, major, and/or minor must be approved by your VA Voc Rehab Counselor.  Changes in training time must be reported to the OVA within five working days of the adjustment.  This allows the OVA to notify your VA Voc Rehab Counselor of any necessary changes in Chapter 31 payment.

How do I make an appointment to meet with my VOC Rehab counselor?

How it's done . . .

1. The student completes the Ch. 31 approval process, and is assigned a VA Voc Rehab Counselor

2. The OVA receives a 1905 from the VA Regional Office in Nashville.  The 1905 specifies the student's major.

3. The OVA sends memos to Accounts Receivable and the Bookstore, verifying the student's eligibility for VA Voc Rehab.  This allows the student to validate fee payment and shop for books and supplies

4. The student has his/her initial meeting with their VA Voc Rehab Counselor.

5. Once registered, the student submits a signed Certification Request Form (CRF) to the OVA.  Failure to submit the CRF will result in delay or termination of the monthly stipend.

6. After reviewing the CRF, the OVA counselor forwards the 1905 to your VA Voc Rehab Counselor.  This generates or continues the student's monthly stipend.

7. Upon completion of registration, the student validates.

   • Pre-registered students may validate by AP Web or in person at the Business Office

   • During regular and late registration, students must validate in person at Accounts Receivable.  Failure to validate results in the loss of registered courses!  A late fee may be charged for re-registration.

VOC-Rehab Vocabulary

1905 (Authorization) - the document sent from DVA to the University's OVA, authorizing the school to bill DVA for your required courses and supplies.

Certification Request Form (CRF) - the form required by the OVA to verify your enrollment status.

Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) - the government agency responsible for your program approval and payment.  OVA employees are not DVA employees.

Change in Status (CIS) Form - the form required by the OVA within five (5) days of any change in enrollment, even if that change does not affect training time or pay status. 

Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) - the University's office that certifies and updates your enrollment status to DVA to ensure timely processing and payment.

Prior Credit Evaluation (PC) - the check sheet completed by a VA Academic Advisor, indicating how many hours from previous training apply to the current degree/program of study.  (Refer to  the Prior Credit brochure).

Transient Enrollment Form (TEF) - form required by the OVA any time you register for approved courses at APSU@ Ft. Campbell Center and are approved by the VA Voc Rehab Counselor.

VA Academic Advisor - the designated academic advisor in each department responsible for completing prior credit evaluations.

VA Counselor - the OVA employee is responsible for returning 1905's to DVA and reporting changes in student enrollment to the VA Voc Rehab Counselor

VA Voc-Rehab Counselor (VA VRC) - the DVA employee responsible for initiating your payments, and tracking your academic progress at APSU.

Confirm (Validate) - the process of verifying fee payment to prevent the cancellation of registered courses.  You may validate by AP Web or validate in person at Accounting Services.