Sample AI Prompt: Summarize Publicly-available Information
Disclaimer: The House of Representatives’ Chief Administrative Officer announced an official Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy in September of 2024. The policy can be accessed by Congressional staff behind the institution’s firewall on HouseNet. The below resource has not been updated in response to the policy.
Scenario
Every now and then a constituent may reference a program, law, or bill with a colloquial title, making it difficult for you to track down exactly what they are talking about. Try taking their general description of the problem and asking ChatGPT what they may be referring to. Remember, these AI models may only have access up to a certain point of time, so it’s crucial you check to make sure to triple-check this information is up to date.
Task
Write a general summary of the VA’s VocRehab program for a new caseworker or casework manual.
Tool
ChatGPT4Plus (approved for use in the House and Senate)
Tips
Be cautious and verify information you get from an LLM before taking action or sending to constituents.
Prompt
Please search the web to write a short overview of the VA's Voc Rehab program. This summary will be used to help educate new Congressional caseworkers on the general structure of the program, including eligibility, application, and avenues for appeal.
AI-Generated Response
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program, commonly referred to as Voc Rehab [Editor’s Note: This is a good example of GenAI producing slightly outdated information: this program was renamed the Veteran Readiness and Employment program], is designed to help eligible veterans and service members with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment. Here's a concise overview:
1. **Eligibility**: To qualify for Voc Rehab, individuals must meet the following criteria:
Have a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 10% or a memorandum rating of 20% or more from the Department of Defense (DoD).
Need vocational rehabilitation services to overcome an employment handicap.
2. **Application Process**:
Veterans can apply for Voc Rehab benefits through their local VA office [Editor’s Note: This could use clarification to note that veterans can apply online].
They'll need to submit VA Form 28-1900, which is the "Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation." [Editor’s Note: This form number is correct, but the title is actually “Application for Veteran Readiness and Employment For Claimants with Service-Connected Disabilities”]
After applying, veterans will undergo an evaluation process to determine their eligibility and the specific services they require.
3. **Services Offered**:
Voc Rehab offers a range of services tailored to each individual's needs, including:
Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning.
Education and training programs, such as college or vocational courses.
Job placement assistance and support.
On-the-job training (OJT), apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities.
Assistive technology and accommodations to support employment.
Independent living services for those unable to work due to their disabilities.
4. **Appeals Process**:
If a veteran disagrees with a decision made regarding their Voc Rehab benefits, they have the right to appeal.
The appeals process typically involves submitting a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) within one year of the decision.
Following the NOD, veterans can request a Decision Review Officer (DRO) review or opt for a formal appeal through the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) process.
5. **Other Considerations**:
Veterans participating in the Voc Rehab program may also be eligible for other VA benefits, such as disability compensation, health care, and housing assistance.
Voc Rehab counselors work closely with veterans to develop personalized rehabilitation plans and provide ongoing support throughout the process.
The goal of the program is to empower veterans with disabilities to achieve their employment and career goals, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and economic independence.
Overall, the VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program plays a vital role in assisting veterans with service-connected disabilities in achieving meaningful employment and reintegrating into civilian life.
[Editor’s Note: This is a simplified summary that misses a lot of complexity to the VR&E program. But it is nonetheless a helpful starting point that a good caseworker could flesh out into a manual.]