FOR RELEASE: May 4, 2001

Evans Announces New Developments in
His Efforts to Modernize
Education Benefits for Veterans 

Leading Democrat says Veterans will be
Reimbursed for Testing Fees 

Washington, DC – Congressman Lane Evans of Illinois, Democratic Leader of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, today hailed the progress VA has made with implementing important education legislation the Committee passed last year.  Evans was particularly pleased that veterans eligible for VA education benefits would now be reimbursed for examination costs when pursuing certification or licensure in an occupational specialty. 

With the help of Evans’ leadership last year, Congress passed the Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000.  President Clinton signed the legislation, now Public Law 106-419, on November 1, 2000.  The new law made substantial improvements to the education benefits available to veterans and their families.  “One of the most important improvements of the new law empowers veterans by allowing the use of basic education assistance for payment of vocational or professional licensing or certification tests,” Evans recalled.  “While this important change took effect March 1, 2001, any actual payments under the change were prohibited until VA was able to determine that the testing met basic approval requirements.  I am very excited that veterans will now begin receiving payments under the new law,” Evans said. 

Payments cover actual examination costs, up to $2,000 per test, and are sent directly from VA to the individual veteran.  Veterans and servicemembers are strongly encouraged to learn more about VA education benefits and how to apply for test reimbursements online at www.gibill.va.gov, or by calling the VA education service at 888-442-4551.  Organizations offering tests for occupational licenses and certifications are encouraged to learn how to gain VA approval by calling 888-442-4551.

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