Duration of educational assistance

§ 1711. Duration of educational assistance (a) Each eligible person shall be entitled to educational assistance under this chapter for a period not in excess of thirty-six months (or to the equivalent thereof in part-time training). (b) The period of entitlement of an eligible person under this chapter shall be reduced by a period equivalent to any period of education or training received by him under chapter 31 or 33 of this title. (c) If an eligible person is entitled to educational assistance under this chapter and also to vocational rehabilitation under chapter 31 of this title, he must elect whether he will receive educational assistance or vocational rehabilitation. If an eligible person is entitled to educational assistance under this chapter and is not entitled to such vocational rehabilitation, but after beginning his program of education or special restorative training becomes entitled (as determined by the Administrator) to such vocational rehabilitation, he must elect whether to continue to receive educational assistance or whether to receive such vocational rehabilitation. If he elects to receive vocational rehabilitation, the program of education or special restorative training pursued under this chapter shall be utilized to the fullest extent practicable in determining the character and duration of vocational rehabilitation to be furnished him.