---
kind: "section"
citation: "38 U.S.C. § 1524"
title: "38"
title_heading: "Veterans’ Benefits"
number: "1524"
heading: "Vocational training for certain pension recipients"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/38/1524"
units:
  - "Part II — General Benefits"
  - "Chapter 15 — Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death or for Service"
  - "Subchapter II — Veterans’ Pensions"
---

# §1524. Vocational training for certain pension recipients

- (a)
  - (1) In the case of a [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) under age 45 who is awarded a [pension](/usc/38/101.md?p=15) during the program period, the [Secretary](/usc/38/101.md?p=1) shall, based on information on file with the Department of Veterans Affairs, make a preliminary finding whether such [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1), with the assistance of a vocational training program under this section, has a good potential for achieving employment. If such potential is found to exist, the [Secretary](/usc/38/101.md?p=1) shall solicit from the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) an application for vocational training under this section. If the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) thereafter applies for such training, the [Secretary](/usc/38/101.md?p=1) shall provide the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) with an evaluation, which may include a personal interview, to determine whether the achievement of a vocational goal is reasonably feasible.
  - (2) If a [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) who is 45 years of age or older and is awarded [pension](/usc/38/101.md?p=15) during the program period, or a [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) who was awarded [pension](/usc/38/101.md?p=15) before the beginning of the program period, applies for vocational training under this section and the [Secretary](/usc/38/101.md?p=1) makes a preliminary finding on the basis of information in the application that, with the assistance of a vocational training program under [subsection (b)](#b) of this section, the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) has a good potential for achieving employment, the [Secretary](/usc/38/101.md?p=1) shall provide the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) with an evaluation in order to determine whether the achievement of a vocational goal by the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) is reasonably feasible. Any such evaluation shall include a personal interview by a [Department](/usc/38/101.md?p=1) employee trained in vocational counseling.
  - (3) For the purposes of this section, the term “program period” means the period beginning on February 1, 1985, and ending on December 31, 1995.
- (b)
  - (1) If the [Secretary](/usc/38/101.md?p=1), based upon an evaluation under [subsection (a)](#a) of this section, determines that the achievement of a vocational goal by a [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) is reasonably feasible, the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) shall be offered and may elect to pursue a vocational training program under this subsection. If the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) elects to pursue such a program, the program shall be designed in consultation with the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) in order to meet the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1)’s individual needs and shall be set forth in an individualized written plan of vocational rehabilitation of the kind described in [section 3107 of this title](/usc/38/3107.md).
  - (2)
    - (A) Subject to subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, a vocational training program under this subsection shall consist of vocationally oriented services and assistance of the kind provided under [chapter 31](/usc/38/chptIII/ch31.md) of this title and such other services and assistance of the kind provided under that chapter as are necessary to enable the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) to prepare for and participate in vocational training or employment.
    - (B) A vocational training program under this subsection—
      - (i) may not exceed 24 months unless, based on a determination by the [Secretary](/usc/38/101.md?p=1) that an extension is necessary in order for the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) to achieve a vocational goal identified (before the end of the first 24 months of such program) in the written plan formulated for the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1), the [Secretary](/usc/38/101.md?p=1) grants an extension for a period not to exceed 24 months;
      - (ii) may not include the provision of any loan or subsistence allowance or any automobile adaptive equipment of the kind provided under [chapter 39](/usc/38/chptIII/ch39.md) of this title; and
      - (iii) may include a [program of education](/usc/38/3452.md?p=b) at an [institution of higher learning](/usc/38/3452.md?p=f) (as defined in sections [3452(b)](/usc/38/3452.md?p=b) and [3452(f)](/usc/38/3452.md?p=f), respectively, of this title) only in a case in which the [Secretary](/usc/38/101.md?p=1) determines that the program involved is predominantly vocational in content.
  - (3) When a [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) completes a vocational training program under this subsection, the [Secretary](/usc/38/101.md?p=1) may provide the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) with counseling of the kind described in [section 3104(a)(2) of this title](/usc/38/3104.md?p=a-2), placement and postplacement services of the kind described in [section 3104(a)(5) of this title](/usc/38/3104.md?p=a-5), and training of the kind described in [section 3104(a)(6) of this title](/usc/38/3104.md?p=a-6) during a period not to exceed 18 months beginning on the date of such completion.
  - (4) A [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) may not begin pursuit of a vocational training program under this subsection after the later of (A) December 31, 1995, or (B) the end of a reasonable period of time, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/38/101.md?p=1), following either the evaluation of the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) under [subsection (a)](#a) of this section or the award of [pension](/usc/38/101.md?p=15) to the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) as described in [subsection (a)(2)](#a-2) of this section. Any determination by the [Secretary](/usc/38/101.md?p=1) of such a reasonable period of time shall be made pursuant to regulations which the [Secretary](/usc/38/101.md?p=1) shall prescribe.
- (c) In the case of a [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) who has been determined to have a permanent and total [non-service-connected](/usc/38/101.md?p=17) [disability](/usc/38/1701.md?p=1) and who, not later than one year after the date the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1)’s eligibility for counseling under [subsection (b)(3)](#b-3) of this section expires, secures employment within the scope of a vocational goal identified in the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1)’s individualized written plan of vocational rehabilitation (or in a related field which requires reasonably developed skills and the use of some or all of the training or services furnished the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) under such plan), the evaluation of the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) as having a permanent and total [disability](/usc/38/1701.md?p=1) may not be terminated by reason of the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1)’s capacity to engage in such employment until the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) first maintains such employment for a period of not less than 12 consecutive months.
- (d) A [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1) who pursues a vocational training program under [subsection (b)](#b) of this section shall have the benefit of the provisions of subsection (a) of [section 1525 of this title](/usc/38/1525.md) beginning at such time as the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1)’s entitlement to [pension](/usc/38/101.md?p=15) is terminated by reason of income from work or training (as defined in [subsection (b)(1)](/usc/38/1525.md) of that section) without regard to the date on which the [veteran](/usc/38/1101.md?p=1)’s entitlement to [pension](/usc/38/101.md?p=15) is terminated.
- (e) Payments by the [Secretary](/usc/38/101.md?p=1) for education, training, and other services and assistance under [subsection (b)](#b) of this section (other than the services of [Department](/usc/38/101.md?p=1) employees) shall be made from the [Department](/usc/38/101.md?p=1) appropriations account from which payments for [pension](/usc/38/101.md?p=15) are made.

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 98–543, title III, § 301(a)(1), Oct. 24, 1984, 98 Stat. 2744, § 524; amended Pub. L. 99–576, title VII, § 703(b)(1), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3303; Pub. L. 100–227, title II, § 202, Dec. 31, 1987, 101 Stat. 1555; Pub. L. 100–687, div. B, title XIII, § 1303(a), (b), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4128; Pub. L. 101–237, title I, § 114, Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2065; renumbered § 1524 and amended Pub. L. 102–83, §§ 4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), 5(a), (c)(1), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404–406; Pub. L. 102–291, § 2(b), May 20, 1992, 106 Stat. 178; Pub. L. 102–568, title IV, § 402(a)–(c)(2)(A), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4337; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, § 1201(g)(2), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4687.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

1994—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–446 substituted “If” for “Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, if”.

1992—Pub. L. 102–568, § 402(c)(2)(A), substituted “Vocational training for certain pension recipients” for “Temporary program of vocational training for certain new pension recipients” as section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–568, § 402(a), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: “Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, in the case of a veteran under the age of 45 who is awarded pension during the program period, the Secretary shall determine whether the achievement of a vocational goal by the veteran is reasonably feasible. Any such determination shall be made only after evaluation of the veteran’s potential for rehabilitation, and any such evaluation shall include a personal interview of the veteran by a Department employee who is trained in vocational counseling. If the veteran fails, for reasons other than those beyond the veteran’s control, to participate in the evaluation in the manner required by the Secretary in order to make such determination, the Secretary shall suspend the veteran’s pension for the duration of such failure.”

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 102–568, § 402(b), redesignated par. (4) as (3), substituted “December 31, 1995” for “December 31, 1992”, and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: “Not more than 3,500 veterans may be given evaluations under this subsection during any 12-month period beginning on February 1 of a year.”

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 102–568, § 402(b)(2), redesignated par. (4) as (3).

Pub. L. 102–291 substituted “December 31, 1992” for “January 31, 1992”.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 102–568, § 402(c)(1), substituted “December 31, 1995” for “January 31, 1992”.

1991—Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(a), renumbered section 524 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” wherever appearing in pars. (1) and (2).

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in pars. (1) and (2).

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(1), substituted “3107” for “1507”.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.

Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(1), substituted “3452(b) and 3452(f)” for “1652(b) and 1652(f)”.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(1), substituted “3104(a)(2)” for “1504(a)(2)”, “3104(a)(5)” for “1504(a)(5)”, and “3104(a)(6)” for “1504(a)(6)”.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” wherever appearing.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(1), substituted “1525” for “525”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in two places.

1989—Subsec. (a)(1), (2). Pub. L. 101–237, § 114(a), substituted “45” for “50”.

Subsecs. (c) to (e). Pub. L. 101–237, § 114(b), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsecs. (c) and (d) as (d) and (e), respectively.

1988—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 100–687, § 1303(a), substituted “is awarded pension during the program period, or a veteran who was awarded pension before the beginning of the program period,” for “who is awarded pension during the program period”.

Subsecs. (a)(4), (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 100–687, § 1303(b), substituted “1992” for “1989”.

1987—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 100–227 substituted “3,500” for “2,500”.

1986—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 99–576, § 703(b)(1)(A), substituted “subsection (b) of this section” for “subsection (d) of this section”.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 99–576, § 703(b)(1)(B), substituted “subsection (a) of this section” for “subsection (a)(1) of this section”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–576, § 703(b)(1)(C), substituted “A veteran” for “Notwithstanding subsection (c) of section 525 of this title, a veteran” and “defined in subsection (b)(1) of that section” for “defined in subsection (b) of that section”, and inserted “without regard to the date on which the veteran’s entitlement to pension is terminated.”

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–291 effective Jan. 31, 1992, see section 2(d) of Pub. L. 102–291, set out as a note under section 1163 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–576 effective as if included in Pub. L. 98–543, see section 703(c) of Pub. L. 99–576, set out as a note under section 1313 of this title.

### Ratification of Actions of Secretary of Veterans Affairs During Lapsed Period

Provision of a vocational training program to a veteran under this section and the making of related determinations under this section ratified with respect to period beginning Feb. 1, 1992, and ending May 20, 1992, see section 2(e) of Pub. L. 102–291, set out as a note under section 1163 of this title.

### Report to Congressional Committees; New Pension Recipients; Health-Care Eligibility

Section 301(b) of Pub. L. 98–543 directed Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs to submit to Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of Senate and House of Representatives not later than Apr. 15, 1988, a report on results of implementation of this section and section 525 [now 1525] of this title during period beginning on Feb. 1, 1985, and ending on Jan. 31, 1988.