VR&E Can I switch grad schools?

Yes, you can request to switch graduate programs, but you must obtain approval from your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) as the change must align with your approved employment and rehabilitation plan per 38 CFR 21.78 and 21.80. Your VRC has already initiated the plan with Northwestern by preparing the purchase order (PO) and forms 28-0957 (Authorization and Certification of Entrance or Reentrance into Rehabilitation and Certification of Status) and 28-10214 (Individualized Extended Evaluation Plan, IIEP, or Individualized Written Rehabilitation Plan, IWRP). To change to Columbia, you must formally request an amendment to your IWRP, demonstrating that Columbia’s program is equally or more suitable for your employment goals, as supported by the requirement for a feasible plan in 38 CFR 21.50. There is no specific diagnostic code for education, but your overall entitlement is governed by the 48-month rule and the program’s five tracks (38 CFR 21.1). Case law like *DeLuca v. Brown* emphasizes the VA’s duty to assist, so your VRC should work with you to evaluate this change. Actionable next steps: 1) Immediately contact your VRC in writing to request a meeting to amend your IWRP; 2) Prepare a justification comparing both programs, focusing on how Columbia’s curriculum better supports your specific vocational objective; 3) Be prepared to provide Columbia’s acceptance letter and detailed program information; 4) Understand that if the PO has been issued, a formal amendment is required before funds can be obligated to a new school. *This information is for educational purposes regarding VA procedures and is not legal or medical advice.*