What this means
m21-5:1.C.1 explains SOAR defintion. 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 decision review operations center (DROC). 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 m21-5:1.C.1 to audit how VA handled SOAR defintion. Start with the decision date, the issue being reviewed, and the evidence VA was allowed to consider, then compare the record with this rule: A Strategic Oversight and Analysis Review (SOAR) is a formal review of an organizational element or an operational function of the decision review operations center (DROC). 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. Cite the exact document and page when raising a factual or procedural error, and use the review rights in the actual notice for any deadline.
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 decision review operations center (DROC).
Important limits
m21-5:1.C.1 explains VA guidance for SOAR defintion; 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 decision review operations center (DROC). 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 Defintion
- m21-5:1.C.1
- Purpose
- purpose SOAR
- primary objectives SOARs.
- 1.C.1.a. SOAR Defintion
- Strategic Oversight Analysis Review
- 1.C.1.b. Purpose SOAR
Original VA guidance
The official VA text of this section
1. Purpose
Introduction
This section contains general principles of SOARpurpose, including
- SOAR defintion
- purpose of a SOAR, and, and
- primary objectives of SOARs.
Change Date
January 12, 2022
1.C.1.a. SOAR Defintion
A Strategic Oversight and Analysis Review (SOAR) is a formal review of an organizational element or an operational function of the decision review operations center (DROC). SOARs are a self-audit technique, used as a positive guide for operational analysis and improvement.
1.C.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.
1.C.1.c. Primary Objectives of a SOAR
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.