- 3 -
participation in that program, petitioner undertook compensated
work therapy. As part of that therapy, he was assigned to the
Veterans Construction Team. As a team member, he worked in the
facilities department of Middlesex Community College, in Lowell,
Massachusetts. His work included sweeping floors and moving
offices. During 2000, petitioner received from the VA $16,393
for services he provided as a part of his compensated work
therapy.
The Compensated Work Therapy Program
The VA administers therapeutic and rehabilitative activities
under its Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program (sometimes just
the program). Many aspects of the program are described in a
staff manual, the CWT Veterans Employment Resources Staff Program
Manual (the manual), prepared by staff at Edith Nourse Rogers
Memorial Veterans Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts. The
following description of the program is drawn from the manual.
The program provides assistance to veterans unable to work
and support themselves. Many of the veterans in the program have
histories of one or more conditions such as psychiatric illness,
substance abuse, and homelessness. Under the program, the VA
provides a range of vocational rehabilitation services, with the
degree of structure and level of support provided to the
participating veteran geared to his or her needs. The goal of
the program is to assist participants in attaining independence
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Next
Last modified: November 10, 2007