--- title: "Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 5, Section B Memorandum Vocational Rehabilitation/Employment (VR&E) Ratings" document: "M-21-1" section: "Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 5, Section B" canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-regulations/m21-1/xiii.i.5.b-memorandum-vocational-rehabilitation-employment-vr-and-e" source: "https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000173834/M21-1-Part-XIII-Subpart-i-Chapter-5-Section-B-Memorandum-Ratings-for-Veteran-Readiness-and-Employment-VRE-Purposes" updated: "2026-09-07T14:38:11.111244Z" --- February 27, 2019 ### XIII.i.5.B.1.a. Requests for Memorandum VR&E Ratings Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Service may request a memorandum rating to determine whether the claimant’s service-connected (SC) disabilities meet the 10-percent or 20-percent eligibility requirements per [M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i, 5.A.2](), in any of the following situations: * [_VA Form 28-1900, Application for Veteran Readiness and Employment Benefits for Claimants With Service-Connected Disabilities (Chapter 31, Title 38, U.S.C.)_](), is filed by a service member awaiting discharge for disability * [ _VA Form 28-1900_]() is filed by a Veteran, but no claim for compensation was ever filed, or * all of the following are true: * [_VA Form 28-1900_]() **_and_** [_VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits_](), were filed and are both currently being processed, _and_ * service department medical records adequate for memorandum VR&E rating purposes were received. **Note:** A proposed rating decision prepared under the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) program may also serve to establish entitlement to VR&E services in lieu of a memorandum VR&E rating. If one has already been completed, provide a copy to the requesting VR&E office. For electronic rating decisions, inform the VR&E contact of its availability via the electronic claims folder (eFolder). **References:** For more information on * VR&E claims from service members awaiting discharge, see [M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 6.D.1](), and * IDES proposed ratings for VR&E purposes, see [VR&E Letter 28-10-09](). ## 2. Requesting Medical Evidence for Memorandum VR&E Ratings ##### Introduction This topic contains information on requesting medical evidence for memorandum VR&E ratings, including * when to request a physical examination for a memorandum VR&E rating * requesting * additional service treatment records (STRs) for a memorandum VR&E rating, and * other records for a memorandum VR&E rating, and * evidence for service members awaiting discharge for disability. June 18, 2019 ### XIII.i.5.B.2.a. When to Request a Physical Examination for a Memorandum VR&E Rating Consider requesting a physical examination or other development (including a hospital report) for the purpose of preparing a memorandum VR&E rating if a minimum 20-percent evaluation cannot be assigned based on the evidence of record. **Note:** Before development, the evidence must demonstrate a reasonable probability of SC disability. ### XIII.i.5.B.2.b. Requesting Additional STRs for a Memorandum VR&E Rating The original VR&E benefit application package should contain all service treatment records (STRs) available at the time of the Veteran’s or service member’s separation. Do **_not_** request additional STRs unless * service connection (SC) at a minimum of 10 percent for any of the disabilities claimed is not supported by available medical records, and * there is a _clear_ indication in the folder that there are, in fact, additional records available. **Notes:** * In Transition Assistance Program/Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP) cases, STRs, a copy of _DD Form 214_ , _Certificate of Uniformed Service_ , and [_VA Form 28-1900_]() are sent directly to a regional office (RO). * If problems are found with record requests from any separation centers, * apply the _Specialized Records Request_ special issue indicator in the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS), and * resolve the issues through the Military Records Specialist or the Military Services Coordinator in the Veterans Service Center. ### XIII.i.5.B.2.c. Requesting Other Records for a Memorandum VR&E Rating If the claims folder indicates the existence of additional records in the Veteran’s custody that would be pertinent to the pending decision, request those records prior to preparing a memorandum VR&E rating. ### XIII.i.5.B.2.d. Evidence for Service Members Awaiting Discharge for Disability Any [_VA Form 28-1900_]() filed by a service member who is awaiting discharge for disability is generally accompanied by all readily available service department medical records and, if available, a current hospital report. If additional specific records are required, they should be requested from the applicable service department. After a memorandum VR&E rating (or proposed IDES rating) is completed, make copies of all original records that must be returned. **Reference:** For more information on VR&E claims involving pre-discharge cases, see [M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 6.D.1](). ## 3. Rating VR&E Claims This topic contains information on rating claims for VR&E benefits, including * preparing a memorandum rating decision for VR&E purposes * memorandum VR&E rating _Codesheet_ * no current examination used in the memorandum VR&E rating decision * notifying the VR&E activity of the memorandum VR&E rating decision * reevaluation * on the basis of medical infeasibility, and * when rehabilitation becomes medically feasible, and * notifying the VR&E activity of changes to the Veteran’s disability evaluation. January 8, 2025 ### XIII.i.5.B.3.a. Preparing a Memorandum Rating Decision for VR&E Purposes Prepare a memorandum VR&E rating decision if the * VR&E activity requests one for a claim filed for vocational rehabilitation under [38 U.S.C. Chapter 31](), or * RO receives a [_VA Form 28-1900_]() __ from a * Veteran who has no current SC disability rating, or * service member who * is in active service awaiting discharge or retirement for disability, or * claims to have a qualifying disability for DTAP. **Exception:** A memorandum VR&E rating is **_not_** required when there is a proposed rating decision prepared under the IDES program. **Reference:** For more information on IDES ratings for VR&E purposes, see [VR&E Letter 28-10-09](). ### XIII.i.5.B.3.b. Memorandum VR&E Rating Codesheet On the memorandum VR&E rating _Codesheet_ , use a single diagnostic code representing the primary or most significant disability. List any other disabilities in the DIAGNOSIS field. Use the table below to verify the proper language is used in the rating decision. | **If deciding that ...**| **Then ensure that the _Compensation/Vocational Rehability Purposes_ section of the _Codesheet_ reflects ...** eligibility for VR&E services exists because of a 20-percent or greater evaluation| _Voc Rehab Purposes, SC 20 Percent or More_. SC for a Veteran is warranted at a rate of 0 or 10 percent| whichever of the following is appropriate: * _Voc Rehab Purposes, SC 10 Percent_ , or * _Voc Rehab Purposes, SC Not Compensable_. SC for a service member is warranted at a rate less than 20 percent| _Voc Rehab Purposes, Active Duty – Less than 20 Percent_. eligibility for VR&E services does not exist because no disabilities are subject to SC| _Voc Rehab Purposes, NSC_. ### XIII.i.5.B.3.c. No Current Examination Used in the Memorandum VR&E Rating Decision When preparing a memorandum VR&E rating decision, if entitlement is established without a current examination, note that fact for the benefit of the VR&E counselor or counseling psychologist. ### XIII.i.5.B.3.d. Notifying the VR&E Activity of the Memorandum VR&E Rating Decision Notify the VR&E activity of the memorandum VR&E rating decision by completing the following: * upload the decision and [_VA Form 28-1900_]() into the eFolder (if not previously uploaded) * send an encrypted e-mail to the VR&E office of jurisdiction (using the appropriate e-mail address from among those listed in the table below) that includes the * Veteran’s name and claim number, and * date of the corresponding rating decision, and * upload a copy of the e-mail to the eFolder. | **RO Name**| **VR &E E-Mail Address** Albuquerque| [VRC.VBAALB@va.gov]() Anchorage| [VRE.VBAANC@va.gov]() Atlanta| [VRC.VBAATG@va.gov]() Baltimore| [VRE.VBABAL@va.gov]() Boise| [VRE.VBABOI@va.gov]() Boston| [VRC.VBABOS@va.gov]() Buffalo| [VRC.VBABUF@va.gov]() Chicago| [VAVBACHI.VRE@va.gov]() Cleveland| [VRE.VBACLE@va.gov]() Columbia| [VRC.VBACMS@va.gov]() Denver| [VRE.VBADEN@va.gov]() Des Moines| [VRE.VBADES@va.gov]() Detroit| [VRE.VBADET@va.gov]() Fargo| [VRC.VBAFAR@va.gov]() Ft. Harrison| [VRC.VBAFHM@va.gov]() Hartford| [VRE.VBAHAR@va.gov]() Honolulu| [VRC.VBAHON@va.gov]() Houston| [VRE.VBAHOU@va.gov]() Huntington| [VRE.VBAHUN@va.gov]() Indianapolis| [VRE.VBAIND@va.gov]() Jackson| [VRE.VBAJAC@va.gov]() Lincoln| [VRE.VBALIN@va.gov]() Little Rock| [VRE.VBALIT@va.gov]() Los Angeles| [ROVRC.VBALAN@va.gov]() Louisville| [VRE.VBALOU@va.gov]() Manchester| [VRE.VBAMAN@va.gov]() Manila| [VRE.VBAMPI@va.gov]() Milwaukee| [VRC.VBAMIW@va.gov]() Montgomery| [VRE.VBAMGY@va.gov]() Muskogee| [VRE.VBAMUS@va.gov]() Nashville| [VRE.VBANAS@va.gov]() New Orleans| [VRC.VBANOL@va.gov]() New York| [DIR.VBANYN@va.gov]() Newark| [VRE.VBANEW@va.gov]() Oakland| [VRC.VBAOAK@va.gov]() Philadelphia| [VRC.VBAPHI@va.gov]() Phoenix| [VRE.VBAPHO@va.gov]() Pittsburgh| [VRE.VBAPIT@va.gov]() Portland| [VRE.VBAPOR@va.gov]() Providence| [VRE.VBAPRO@va.gov]() Reno| [VRE.VBAREN@va.gov]() Roanoke| [VRE.VBAROA@va.gov]() Salt Lake| [VRE.VBASLC@va.gov]() San Diego| [VRE.VBASDC@va.gov]() San Juan| [MBVRE.VBASAJ@va.gov]() Seattle| [VRE.VBASEA@va.gov]() Sioux Falls| [VRC.VBAFAR@va.gov]() St. Louis| [VRC.VBASTL@va.gov]() St. Paul| [VRC.VBASPL@va.gov]() St. Petersburg| [VRC.VBASPT@va.gov]() Togus| [VRE.VBATOG@va.gov]() Waco| [VRC.VBAWAC@va.gov]() Washington| [VRE.VBAWAS@va.gov]() White River| [DIR.VBABOS@va.gov]() Wichita| [VRE.VBAWIC@va.gov]() Wilmington| [VRC.VBAPHI@va.gov]() Winston Salem| [VRC.VBAWIN@va.gov]() ### XIII.i.5.B.3.e. Reevaluation on the Basis of Medical Infeasibility If the VR&E panel determines temporary or permanent medical infeasibility for rehabilitation of a Veteran rated less than 100-percent disabled, it will refer the case with a statement of the facts to the rating activity for reevaluation.**Note:** The determination of infeasibility constitutes an adequate basis for rating activity consideration of the case. ### XIII.i.5.B.3.f. Reevaluation When Rehabilitation Becomes Medically Feasible If the decision of medical infeasibility was temporary and resulted in an increased rating, the VR&E activity will refer the case for reevaluation to the rating activity if the Veteran becomes medically feasible for rehabilitation. **Reference:** For more information on medical feasibility, see [M28C, Part IV, B.1.06](). ### XIII.i.5.B.3.g. Notifying the VR&E Activity of Changes to the Veteran’s Disability Evaluation Notify the VR&E activity of a rating decision that effectuates any of the following outcomes for a Veteran currently participating in a VR&E evaluation or program: * implements a final determination of SC when only a memorandum rating decision for VR&E purposes is otherwise of record * awards entitlement to individual unemployability benefits, or * reduces the evaluation of or severs entitlement to an SC disability. The table below describes the process for preventing improper payments and ensuring timely notification to the VR&E activity. | **Stage**| **Who Is Responsible**| **Description** 1| rating activity| Searches the corporate record to determine if the Veteran has an active Chapter 31 flash. 2| rating activity| Upon discovery of such a flash, alerts authorization activity of the existence of an active Chapter 31 flash according to locally defined procedures (such as a special notation on the rating or an e-mail). 3| authorization activity| Sends an encrypted e-mail to the VR&E office of jurisdiction to inform the office of the new rating decision in the eFolder. _**Note**_ : The e-mail must include the * name and claim number of the Veteran or service member, and * date of the new rating decision. **Reference:** For more information on e-mail addresses for individual VR&E offices, see the table in M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i, 5.B.3.d. 4| authorization activity| Enters a note in VBMS, documenting the action and the date it was taken. _**Note**_ : The VR&E activity will establish internal procedures to route the notifications to the appropriate VR&E case worker.