 Greetings Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program participant, We have exciting news! To improve our service to you, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Service is now using an electronic Virtual Assistant (e-VA). e-VA is an artificial intelligence platform providing modern, streamlined and responsive customer service, as well as automating routine administrative activities with your VR&E Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) and staff. What does this mean for me? With e-VA, you will be able to: - Communicate with more flexibility and convenience
- Obtain more timely responses to basic questions
- Schedule and reschedule appointments virtually
- Receive automated alerts, follow-up messages, and appointment reminders
- Submit documents, such as grades, schedules and other important documents online
- Connect with your counselor via text and/or email
If you decide to communicate through e-VA, be assured that all your communications will be private and secure from your smartphone, tablet or computer. Additionally, all your correspondence within e-VA will be captured and saved in your record within VR&E's case management system. How do I get started with e-VA? Veterans who are enrolled in the VR&E program will have the option to opt-in to this new application. You will receive a text message from the short code number 59733, and/or an email introducing e-VA as VR&E's new electronic Virtual Assistant in the next few weeks. Using e-VA is optional, and no action is necessary if you opt not to use e-VA. Upon opt-in acceptance, the benefits of e-VA will immediately be made available to you. What if I don't get the text or email? If you do not receive either a text message or email introducing you to e-VA, you may also send a text directly to the short code number 65368 or send an email to eva@va.gov. You may also contact your counselor for assistance and confirm that they have your correct contact information. While e-VA is available via text messaging and/or email, your VR&E counselor is still available to assist you by phone and/or via Tele-counseling and will resume in-person visits after the national emergency has been lifted. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please contact your VR&E counselor at your local VA Regional Office (RO). You can find your closest VA RO here: https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/offices.asp, or call 1-800-827-1000. A grateful Nation thanks you for your service! Respectfully, VR&E Service | 
