VR&E Mental health and Physical

Your providers should use the specific forms mandated by the VA for a Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) evaluation, as their own clinical notes alone are typically insufficient. The required documentation is the **VA Form 28-1902k, "Vocational Assessment"**, which your VR&E counselor must provide directly to your examiners; this form structures the evaluation to assess how your service-connected disabilities create employment handicaps and what accommodations are needed. For mental health, the provider should reference the criteria in **38 CFR 4.130** (using Diagnostic Codes 9201-9440) to describe occupational impairment, while physical assessments should align with the relevant musculoskeletal or system-specific criteria in **38 CFR 4.71a** or **4.97-4.150**. While your providers' treatment records are valuable supporting evidence, the formal assessment must address the specific vocational questions on the 1902k. Your actionable next steps are to: 1) Confirm with your VR&E counselor that they have sent the official 1902k form to your providers, 2) Facilitate direct communication between your counselor and your providers to clarify the form's requirements, and 3) Ensure your providers complete and return the form directly to the VR&E counselor, as established in *DeLuca v. Brown*, which emphasizes the VA's duty to assist in obtaining necessary evidence. *Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes regarding VA processes and is not intended as legal or medical advice; for personal guidance, consult with an accredited VA attorney or claims agent.*