Initial Survey Invitation Letter

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Veterans Benefits Administration Washington, D.C. 20420

ID#: XX-XXX

Dear [Veteran],

I am writing to ask you for your assistance in a study that will allow us to assess and continually improve the services provided by the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess Program. Per Public Law 110-389 Sec. 334, Congress has asked VR&E to complete a twenty-year Longitudinal Study, and submit a report to them every year, which shows the progress of Veterans who have participated in the VR&E, Chapter 31 program. The purpose of the study is to monitor the effectiveness of this program so that we can find ways to improve it and increase the support we provide to Veterans on a daily basis. The results of this study may benefit other Veterans who participate in the Chapter 31 program in the future.

Participation in this study is voluntary and your responses will be kept private to the extent of the law. You can choose to stop participation at any time. The information that you supply is protected by law (the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 522a and section 5701 of Title 38 of the United States Code) and any data collected will not impact any current or future benefits you may apply for.

The survey takes between 15 and 20 minutes to complete and asks about your participation in the VR&E program, recent employment or educational experiences, and any recent visits to medical facilities. Once we receive your completed survey, we will send you a check in the amount of $20.00 for your participation.

The current year’s survey is attached. Surveys in future years will be very similar. If you agree to participate, please visit [insert url for website]. The ID# at the top of this letter is your identification number that you will need to complete the survey.

If you have any questions about this survey or any questions about your rights as a study participant, please contact us at [insert contact info].

I hope you will agree to participate in this very important survey. Your participation will assist current and future Veterans utilizing VR&E Services to receive the highest quality and most comprehensive services possible.

Sincerely,

R.A. Fanning

Director

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment

Attachments:

Survey

Copy of Public Law