What this means
m21-4:6.7 explains purpose of iprs. In plain terms, the official guidance says an IPR is a targeted review designed to correct deficiencies identified during the claims process and to identify training opportunities. IPRs focus on specific error trends in an effort to improve quality. It also addresses the QRS should not be completing a full “end to end” review of the entire claim. Instead the QRS should limit the review to the basic information needed to determine whether the targeted action completed by the employee under review was complete and correct under the applicable IPR checklist.
How this may help with a claim
Use m21-4:6.7 as an internal VA audit trail for purpose of iprs, not as a promise of a particular result. Compare the actions recorded in your claim file or decision notice with this source-specific detail: An IPR is a targeted review designed to correct deficiencies identified during the claims process and to identify training opportunities. The QRS should not be completing a full “end to end” review of the entire claim. Instead the QRS should limit the review to the basic information needed to determine whether the targeted action completed by the employee under review was complete and correct under the applicable IPR checklist. If the record does not show the expected action, identify the missing step precisely when asking VA or an accredited representative to review the file.
What to review in your file
- Check the file against this official condition: All IPRs are nonpunitive and are not included in any employee’s quality totals under the appliable performance standard. PA&I identifies transactions for both IPRs and IQRs.
- Confirm that the record or notice addresses this source point: The QRS should not be completing a full “end to end” review of the entire claim. Instead the QRS should limit the review to the basic information needed to determine whether the targeted action completed by the employee under review was complete and correct under the applicable IPR checklist.
- Document how this stated step or exception applies: Errors not within the scope of the specific IPR checklist noted during the review should be identified and corrected per local quality error correction procedures.
Important limits
m21-4:6.7 is primarily internal workflow guidance about purpose of iprs. It can help identify what VA was expected to document, but it does not by itself create a claimant deadline, a freestanding entitlement, or a guaranteed remedy. The source also states: An IPR is a targeted review designed to correct deficiencies identified during the claims process and to identify training opportunities. In limited circumstances, Compensation Service or OFO may elect to have reconsiderations for an IPR completed off station.
Search terms when useful
Phrases that may help when searching your claim file or this library.
- Purpose of IPRs
- m21-4:6.7
- Purpose IPRs
- Process Reviews IPRs
- review criteria IPRs
- standard review IPRs
- recording method IPRs
- corrective action time limits
Original VA guidance
The official VA text of this section
7. In Process Reviews (IPRs)
Introduction
This topic contains information about IPRs, including
- purpose of IPRs
- review criteria for IPRs
- standard of review for IPRs
- recording method for IPRs
- corrective action time limits for IPRs,
- reconsideration process for disagreements on IPRs, and
- locally determined IPRs.
Change Date
July 1, 2025
6.7.a. Purpose of IPRs
An IPR is a targeted review designed to correct deficiencies identified during the claims process and to identify training opportunities. IPRs focus on specific error trends in an effort to improve quality.
Immediate feedback will be provided to employees so that prompt corrective action can be taken to resolve deficiencies.
All IPRs are nonpunitive and are not included in any employee’s quality totals under the appliable performance standard. PA&I identifies transactions for both IPRs and IQRs. If the same transaction is selected for both IQR and IPR, both reviews should be completed and neither review deselected.
6.7.b. Review Criteria for IPRs
IPRs developed by Compensation Service or OFO target discrepancies noted on quality review metrics. New IPR checklists are released on an as-needed basis.
Compensation Service of OFO will create and manage IPR case selection based upon national error trend analysis or other selected criteria. QMS will automatically route and assign cases.
ROs do not have a monthly requirement of IPRs to complete. The monthly goal is national in scope and is assigned in QMS for completion.
6.7.c. Standard of Review for IPRs
The QRS should not be completing a full “end to end” review of the entire claim. Instead the QRS should limit the review to the basic information needed to determine whether the targeted action completed by the employee under review was complete and correct under the applicable IPR checklist.
Errors not within the scope of the specific IPR checklist noted during the review should be identified and corrected per local quality error correction procedures.
6.7.d. Recording Method for IPRs
The results of the IPRs will be documented in QMS and notification of any error will follow the standard QMS notification procedures.
6.7.e. Corrective Action Time Limits for IPRs
The timelines and policies outlined at M21-4, 6.5.h are applicable to corrective actions for IPRs.
6.7.f. Reconsideration Process for Disagreements on IPRs
Reconsiderations for IPRs completed in QMS are to be submitted through QMS and proper routing procedures will be applied.
M21-4, Chapter 6.5.k. contains additional information on how to enter and decide a reconsideration. Unlike IQRs, reconsiderations on IPRs that were reviewed by QRS will route to the local station queue and management is responsible for assigning the reconsideration to a QRS for a decision.
In limited circumstances, Compensation Service or OFO may elect to have reconsiderations for an IPR completed off station. If elected, the reconsiderations ready for decision will automatically assign to QRS through the use of the “Request a New Review” button.
As with IQRs, errors should only be overturned on reconsideration because the QRS’s error citation was incorrect, which means there was no CUE or clear violation of VBA policies and procedures.
Guidance contained at M21-4, 6.5.j and 6.5.l regarding overturning or mitigating IQR errors is also the applicable standards for reconsiderations on IPRs.
6.7.g. Locally Determined IPRs
The preceding blocks in this section are specific to Compensation Service or OFO determined IPRs that are loaded and distributed through QMS.
However, the basic premise of being a targeted review and not inclusive of an ‘end to end’ review applies to locally conducted IPRs as well.
Locally, stations may conduct non-punitive reviews to ensure compliance with claims processing requirements based on local needs. Selection and tracking of these reviews are completed outside of QMS based on local Regional Office (RO) procedures.
ROs should regularly review the accuracy results of any IPRs that have been conducted and review local error trends to determine if the IPRs are improving employee and station quality.