Welcome to LSU Health Sciences New Orleans and thank you for your service! We are
happy to support you throughout the duration of your education career here while using
your Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) education benefits. This message
provides important information about your eligibility, how your benefits work, and
what the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) expects from you as a student.
✅ What Qualifies You for Chapter 31 Benefits
You may be eligible for VR&E if you have:
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You have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from VA, and
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You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge
Log into the VA’s website here to begin your application. Work with your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)
to determine your eligibility for VR&E and other benefits that may be available to
you. We must receive your Veteran Readiness and Employment Authorization from your counselor to learn that you are eligible and to process your benefits.
🦾 How Your Benefits Work
Under Chapter 31, you may receive:
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Tuition and Fees paid directly to the university
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A Monthly Stipend (if eligible and enrolled more than half-time)
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A Book Stipend.
Please note:
- Payments are issued by the VA, not the university
- Processing times may vary, especially at the start of each term
📋 What the VA Expects From You
To continue receiving your benefits, the Department of Veterans Affairs requires that
you:
1. Submit Required Documentation
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Provide your Veteran Readiness and Employment Authorization to us before you enroll
2. Enroll in Approved Courses
- Only take courses that apply toward your declared degree program
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Complete the LSU Health Sciences New Orleans VA Certification Request Form after you enroll each semester
3. Report Enrollment Changes Promptly
You must notify our office immediately if you:
- Add, drop, or withdraw from a course
- Change your major or program
- Stop attending classes
These changes may affect your benefits and could result in a debt to the VA.
⚠️ Important Reminders
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Certification is not automatic — you must request it each semester
- The VA may take several weeks to process payments
- You are responsible for any tuition/fees not covered by your benefits
- Overpayments may result in VA debt
🤝 We’re Here to Help
Our School Certifying Officials (SCO) are here to assist you with your benefits:
Matt Beard and Ivy Strong
Use only this email for all of your VA correspondences with us. Please don’t hesitate
to reach out with any questions. We’re committed to helping you succeed.
Again, welcome to LSU Health Sciences - New Orleans. We look forward to supporting
you throughout your academic journey!