DTAP Program for Transitioning Disabled Vets

by Ed Mattson

For military personnel demobilizing or leaving the service, we have been discussing programs that will make the transition much easier. Unlike those who have returned from other wars or those who were conscripted in past decades and then released to once again join civilian life without much in the way of support, today’s warriors are able to get the assistance they need.

There are mandatory counseling programs and voluntary program available through the Veterans Administration, as well as a number of programs provided by volunteer civilian and veterans groups. The TAP (Total Assistance Program) is the four point program we began discussing a few days ago.

The fourth element of TAP is for those returning disabled. It is called the Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP) where attendance is voluntary for both active duty service members and veterans. The program is designed for those who suspect they have a service-connected disability or an injury or illness that was brought on by military service.

The DTAP program known as the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) – VetSuccess  is authorized by Congress under Title 38, Code of Federal Regulation, Chapter 31, which addresses the road to employment: re-employment, rapid access to employment, employment through long term services, independent living services, and self employment. DTAP also addresses other services such as medical, dental, optical, mental health treatment, special adapted housing, vet centers, vocational/educational counseling and special hiring authorities for Federal employment.

For those interested in becoming counselors with DTAP, please go to DVA

To participate in the Chapter 31 program and obtain career training, candidates must first submit an application for benefits and undergo an evaluation that will determine their eligibility. The time frame window to act is within 12 years from date of discharge.

Applications can be submitted by both active-duty service members and veterans with an honorable discharge (for active duty personnel, those expecting to receive an honorable discharge).

The program will determine personal interest and aptitudes, and how your disability may or may not affect or limit your ability to perform specific tasks that will be needed for a particular vocational pursuit. Once parameters have been established you will be eligible for career training.

Resources

According to John Vogel, Senior Recruiting Manger at HireVeterans.com, a major job board for Veterans, many major universities, such as Villanova University, offer advanced training leading to master degrees under Chapter 31 guidelines. You can read about one such program at Villanova University Vocational Rehab and Chapter 31 Training.

The transitioning vet should not overlook the many options for federal employment such as Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA), appointment of 30% or more disabled veterans, Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP), SBA, and the National Veterans Business Development Corporation Programs for those who want to start their own business or franchise.

There’s also many specialize programs like the Potomac Workforce Education and Recruitment (PoWER) Center  and the newest pilot program from the State of Georgia titled Warrior 2 Citizen Project , which a collaborative program of the Department of Defense, VA, USO, State of Georgia, National Guard, veterans groups, and concerned citizens across the country.

Ed Mattson

Following his service in the Marine Corps Ed Mattson built a diverse career in business in both sales/marketing and management. He is a medical research specialist and published author. His latest book is Down on Main Street: Searching for American Exceptionalism

Ed is currently Development Director of the National Guard Bureau of International Affairs-State Partnership Program, Fundraising Coordinator for the Warrior2Citizen Project, and Managing Partner of Center-Point Consultants in North Carolina.

Mr. Mattson is a noted speaker and has addressed more than 3000 audiences in 42 states and 5 foreign countries. He has been awarded the Order of the Sword by American Cancer Society, is a Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow and appeared on more than 15 radio and television talk-shows.