VA Form 10-1313-1: Merit Review Application Guide – VA Form 10-1313-1 is the Merit Review Application used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Research and Development (ORD). It serves as the cover or face page for research proposals submitted under the Merit Review Award Program, primarily for Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development (BLR&D) and Clinical Science Research and Development (CSR&D) Services.
What Is VA Form 10-1313-1 Used For?
This form captures essential administrative and summary information for investigator-initiated research projects aimed at improving Veterans’ health. It includes fields for:
- Principal Investigator details (name, degree, contact)
- Project title, budget requests, and duration
- VA employment status and salary sources
- Research program area, human/animal subjects, and other compliance indicators
- Signatures from the PI and Associate Chief of Staff for Research and Development (ACOS/R&D)
It is part of a larger application package submitted through systems like Grants.gov and eRA Commons, supporting rigorous peer-reviewed funding for VA-based research.
Who Should Use the VA Merit Review Application?
Eligible VA investigators (typically those with M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degrees holding at least a 5/8 VA appointment) at VA medical centers or approved sites use this form. The Merit Review program funds basic, preclinical, behavioral, and clinical studies relevant to Veterans’ health issues.
It is not for general Veterans benefits claims but for research funding proposals.
Step-by-Step Process for Submitting a Merit Review Application
- Confirm Eligibility — Work with your local VA Research and Development (R&D) Office. Some mechanisms require a Letter of Intent (LOI) first.
- Prepare the Full Application — Includes Specific Aims, Research Plan (up to 24 pages), budget justification, biosketches, and more. Follow current ORD guidelines and program announcements.
- Complete VA Form 10-1313-1 — As the cover component.
- Local Review and Submission — Local R&D Committee and signing officials handle submission.
- Peer Review — Scientific Review Groups (SRGs) evaluate scientific merit, relevance to Veterans, and other criteria.
- Funding Decisions — Based on scores, priorities, and available funds. Cycles are typically spring and fall.
Success rates vary but are competitive (often around 20-25% in recent cycles).
Key Sections and Requirements on the Form
- Investigator and Facility Information: Accurate VA facility and personal details.
- Budget and Support: Requested funding per year and prior support summary.
- Compliance: Human subjects, animals, biohazards, etc. — requires separate attachments.
- Signatures: Mandatory approvals.
Always use the latest fillable PDF and adhere to formatting (e.g., fonts, margins, page limits).
Download VA Form 10-1313-1
Official Fillable PDF:
Download VA Form 10-1313-1 Merit Review Application Here
Important: Check the VA Research website for the most current version, instructions, and deadlines, as forms and policies are updated periodically.
Tips for a Strong Merit Review Application
- Align your research closely with Veterans’ health needs.
- Provide strong preliminary data and clear impact.
- Follow all page limits, formatting, and attachment rules strictly.
- Collaborate with your local R&D office early.
- Review Program Guide 1202.01 and service-specific resources for detailed instructions.
Related Resources
- VA Office of Research and Development: research.va.gov
- BLRD/CSR&D Merit Review Resources: Official program pages on va.gov
- Local VA R&D Contacts: Reach out to your facility’s ACOS for Research
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not official VA guidance. Always consult official VA sources, your local R&D office, or current program announcements for the latest requirements and submission details. Policies can change.
Last updated information based on publicly available VA resources as of 2026.