VA Form 10-0491L: VIOMPSP Scholarship Agreement Guide – The VA Form 10-0491L serves as the official agreement for the Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professionals Scholarship Program (VIOMPSP). This program helps students pursue careers in blind rehabilitation while committing to serve Veterans at VA facilities.
If you’re considering a career as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS), Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT), or Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT), understanding this form and the VIOMPSP is essential.
What Is VA Form 10-0491L?
VA Form 10-0491L is the VA Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professionals Scholarship Program (VIOMPSP) Agreement. Revised in May 2026, it outlines the legal obligations between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and scholarship recipients.
The form details:
- VA’s responsibilities in providing financial support
- Recipient obligations, including service commitment
- Consequences of breach
- Provisions for cancellation, suspension, or waiver
Download the latest VA Form 10-0491L here: Download VA Form 10-0491L (PDF).pdf) Download VA Form 10-0491L (PDF)
Overview of the VIOMPSP Scholarship Program
The VIOMPSP, authorized under 38 U.S.C. §§7501-7505, provides financial assistance to students in visual impairment and orientation and mobility fields. It addresses the VA’s need for qualified blind rehabilitation specialists.
Key benefits include:
- Tuition and required fees (up to $15,000 per academic year, prorated for part-time; total cap $45,000)
- Payments are exempt from federal taxation
- Support for full-time or part-time study leading to relevant degrees or certificates
The program prioritizes U.S. citizens, with Veterans receiving preference among equally qualified candidates.
Eligibility and Application Process for VIOMPSP
To qualify for VIOMPSP:
- Be a U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization)
- Enroll in an accredited program leading to a degree/certificate in visual impairment, orientation and mobility, or related blind rehabilitation fields
- Meet academic and background check requirements
- Commit to a service obligation
Applications are typically submitted through USAJOBS or the VA scholarship portal. Selected recipients must sign the VA Form 10-0491L agreement along with a mobility agreement.
What Does Signing VA Form 10-0491L Mean?
Signing the form creates a binding contract. It formalizes your acceptance of the scholarship and your obligations to the VA.
VA’s Obligations (Under Secretary for Health)
- Provide scholarship funding for tuition and fees
- Appoint the recipient to a full-time direct patient care position in a VA facility within 90 days of completing the program (extensions possible)
- Ensure the position matches the supported field of study
Recipient’s Obligations
Recipients must:
- Maintain full-time (or approved part-time) enrollment and acceptable academic standing
- Provide transcripts and progress documentation
- Complete the program within the approved timeframe
- Sign a mobility agreement (relocate at own expense if needed)
- Serve a minimum 3-year full-time service obligation in a VA blind rehabilitation role after graduation and certification/licensure
- Begin service within 90 days of meeting qualifications
The service obligation must be completed no later than 6 years after finishing the program.
Breach of Agreement and Financial Consequences
Failing to meet the terms of VA Form 10-0491L constitutes a breach. Common triggers include:
- Dropping below required academic standing
- Withdrawing from the program
- Failing to obtain required certifications within timelines
- Not completing the service obligation
Consequences typically include repayment of all scholarship funds received plus $1,500 in liquidated damages, and potential recovery of the unearned portion using the formula outlined in the form.
Cancellation, Suspension, or Waiver of Obligations
The agreement provides flexibility in certain cases:
- Automatic cancellation upon the participant’s death
- Possible waiver or suspension by the Under Secretary for Health for circumstances beyond the recipient’s control or when in VA’s best interest
- Requests for waivers must generally be submitted within one year of breach determination
How to Get Help with VIOMPSP and Form 10-0491L?
For questions about the scholarship or the agreement form:
- Visit the official VA scholarship information pages
- Contact the VA Scholarships and Clinical Education Program Office
- Review related forms such as 10-0491G (application) and others in the series
Official Resources:
- VA Form 10-0491L Download.pdf) Download Here
- VA Careers Scholarship Information
Why Pursue a Career in Visual Impairment and Orientation & Mobility Through VIOMPSP?
This program offers a unique opportunity to gain specialized training while serving Veterans with vision loss. Graduates fill critical roles helping Veterans regain independence through rehabilitation services. The combination of financial support, structured training, and guaranteed VA employment makes it an attractive path for dedicated professionals.
Always consult the most current official VA documentation and consider speaking with a VA scholarship advisor before applying, as program details and availability can change.
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available VA sources as of 2026. Verify all details directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs.