In 2004, the Vet. Affairs' Vocational Rehab. and Employment (VR&E) program was reviewed by a Task Force. It recommended numerous changes, in particular focusing on employment through a new Five-Track service delivery model and increasing program capacity. Since then, VR&E has worked to implement these recommendations. This report determines: (1) how the implementation of the Five-Track Employment Process has affected VR&E's focus on employment; (2) the extent to which VR&E has taken steps to improve its capacity; and (3) how program outcomes are reported. The author interviewed officials from VR&E, the 2004 Task Force, and vet. org.; visited 4 VR&E offices; and surveyed all VR&E officers. Includes recommend.

The Independent Living (IL) “track†-- one of five tracks within the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program -- provides a range of benefits to help veterans with service-connected disabilities live independently when employment is not considered feasible at the time they enter the VR&E program. These benefits can include counseling, assistive devices, and other services or equipment. This report examines (1) the characteristics of veterans in the IL track, and the types and costs of benefits they were provided; (2) the extent to which their IL plans were completed, and the time it took to complete them; and (3) the extent to which the IL track has been administered appropriately and consistently across regional offices. Tables and figures. This is a print on demand report.