The Department of Veterans Affairs is rolling out a virtual assistant for veterans enrolled in the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, (formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Assistance).
The virtual assistant, known as e-VA, gives veterans the ability to ask questions, talk with their counselor, receive automated alerts and appointment reminders, schedule and change appointments and submit documents to the VA, officials said in a release.
Most services are available any time, day or night. The virtual assistant can be used on almost any electronic device, including smartphones and computers.
Records of all contacts with the VA through the virtual assistant will be included in the permanent electronic file.
The VA says that all veterans receiving VR&E services will receive a text message or an email explaining and introducing the e-VA program. The email will have instructions on how to access and use the virtual assistant. If you haven't received communication from the VA regarding the program, you should contact your counselor for more information.
“For our veterans, e-VA means communicating with more flexibility and convenience and the ability to connect with our counselors and staff via text and email,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “For VA, e-VA connects with our veterans, efficiently handles administrative functions, works with our case management system and also provides management with additional reporting tools.”
The VR&E program offers counseling, training, education and job placement assistance to veterans with a VA disability rating and an employment handicap.
Related: Understanding the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program
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