Claim Raven

M21-4 · Section 5.1

SOAR Definition

M21-4 section 5.1. Official source text with a separately reviewed Claim Raven explanation when available.

Claim Raven wrote the explanation that follows. The original VA text appears below it, unchanged.

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What this means

m21-4:5.1 explains SOAR definition. In plain terms, the official guidance says a Strategic Oversight and Analysis Review (SOAR) is a formal review of an organizational element or an operational function of the Veterans Service Center (VSC), Benefits Eligibility Support Team (BEST), Disability Rating Activity Site (DRAS), Fiduciary Contact Center (FCC), Fiduciary Hub (hub), and Pension Management Center (PMC). It also addresses a researched and well-written SOAR is a valuable management tool for reviewing operations to identify existing or potential problems and propose corrective actions, as well as identify best practices that may be applied to other areas.

How this may help with a claim

Use m21-4:5.1 when organizing evidence or checking VA's handling of SOAR definition. Compare your application, supporting records, and notice with this source-specific point: A Strategic Oversight and Analysis Review (SOAR) is a formal review of an organizational element or an operational function of the Veterans Service Center (VSC), Benefits Eligibility Support Team (BEST), Disability Rating Activity Site (DRAS), Fiduciary Contact Center (FCC), Fiduciary Hub (hub), and Pension Management Center (PMC). A researched and well-written SOAR is a valuable management tool for reviewing operations to identify existing or potential problems and propose corrective actions, as well as identify best practices that may be applied to other areas. Save proof of submission and identify the exact condition, exception, or missing development step before requesting correction or choosing a review option.

What to review in your file

  • Check the file against this official condition: determine effectiveness in achieving program directives and in meeting Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) priorities, targets, and goals
  • Confirm that the record or notice addresses this source point: verify records and reports accurately and properly reflect actual operations and results
  • Document how this stated step or exception applies: A Strategic Oversight and Analysis Review (SOAR) is a formal review of an organizational element or an operational function of the Veterans Service Center (VSC), Benefits Eligibility Support Team (BEST), Disability Rating Activity Site (DRAS), Fiduciary Contact Center (FCC), Fiduciary Hub (hub), and Pension Management Center (PMC).

Important limits

m21-4:5.1 explains VA guidance for SOAR definition; it does not guarantee an award or replace the statutes, regulations, binding decisions, and review instructions that control an individual claim. Conditions and exceptions still matter, including this source point: A Strategic Oversight and Analysis Review (SOAR) is a formal review of an organizational element or an operational function of the Veterans Service Center (VSC), Benefits Eligibility Support Team (BEST), Disability Rating Activity Site (DRAS), Fiduciary Contact Center (FCC), Fiduciary Hub (hub), and Pension Management Center (PMC). monitor progress toward established goals and objectives pertinent to the subject area

Search terms when useful

Phrases that may help when searching your claim file or this library.

  • SOAR Definition
  • m21-4:5.1
  • Purpose
  • purpose SOAR
  • primary objectives SOARS.
  • 5.1.a. SOAR Definition
  • Strategic Oversight Analysis Review
  • 5.1.b. Purpose SOAR

Original VA guidance

The official VA text of this section

1. Purpose

Introduction

This topic contains general principles of SOAR purpose, including

  • SOAR definition
  • purpose of a SOAR, and
  • primary objectives of SOARS.

Change Date

February 18, 2025

5.1.a. SOAR Definition

A Strategic Oversight and Analysis Review (SOAR) is a formal review of an organizational element or an operational function of the Veterans Service Center (VSC), Benefits Eligibility Support Team (BEST), Disability Rating Activity Site (DRAS), Fiduciary Contact Center (FCC), Fiduciary Hub (hub), and Pension Management Center (PMC). SOARs are a self-audit technique to be used as a positive guide for operational analysis and improvement.

5.1.b. Purpose of a SOAR

A researched and well-written SOAR is a valuable management tool for reviewing operations to identify existing or potential problems and propose corrective actions, as well as identify best practices that may be applied to other areas.

5.1.c. Primary Objectives of SOARs

The primary objectives of a SOAR are to:

  • assess the effectiveness and adherence to operational procedures
  • monitor progress toward established goals and objectives pertinent to the subject area
  • identify problems and recommend corrective actions
  • identify operational procedures and oversight that are not currently included as part of the workload management plan (WMP)
  • assess areas of vulnerability in operational procedures and oversight
  • determine effectiveness in achieving program directives and in meeting Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) priorities, targets, and goals
  • verify records and reports accurately and properly reflect actual operations and results
  • evaluate compliance with manuals, regulations, and other directive material
  • refer recommendations for improvement in operations, policy or other directives, or other action by higher authority, and
  • document a history of operational performance and analysis of performance.

Not legal or medical advice: The M21 manuals are VA operational guidance for staff. They do not override laws, regulations, or court decisions. Claim Raven is not an official VA application and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.