VA Form 10-1313-10: Research Advisory Group Summary Statement

VA Form 10-1313-10: Research Advisory Group Summary Statement – VA Form 10-1313-10, officially titled Research Advisory Group Summary Statement, is a key document in the Veterans Affairs (VA) research funding and review process. It captures the local Research Advisory Group’s (RAG) evaluation of research proposals at VA medical facilities.

This form remains part of the VA Form 10-1313 package and supports the structured review of investigator-initiated projects before they advance to centralized Merit Review boards.

What Is VA Form 10-1313-10?

VA Form 10-1313-10 is a standardized summary statement used by local Research Advisory Groups (RAGs) at VA health care facilities. It documents the group’s assessment of a research proposal’s scientific merit, feasibility, alignment with VA priorities, and other key factors.

Key sections typically include:

  • Review date and group details
  • Principal Investigator information (name, SSN, VA employment status, academic rank)
  • Program title, funding requested, and duration
  • Priority score and recommendations on funding (recurring/non-recurring)
  • Approvals for human subjects, animal subjects, investigational drugs/devices, radioisotopes, and biohazards
  • Signatures from the Principal Investigator and Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) for Research and Development

The form dates to June 1990 and is referenced as Page 10 of the VA Form 10-1313 package.

Download the official form here: VA Form 10-1313-10 (PDF) Download PDF

Purpose of the Research Advisory Group (RAG) in VA Research

Local RAGs at VA facilities provide an initial layer of scientific and administrative review for research proposals. They help ensure projects are feasible at the local level, align with facility resources, and meet ethical and regulatory standards before advancing to national Merit Review processes managed by VA Office of Research and Development (ORD) services like BLR&D or CSR&D.

This local review supports the overall VA research enterprise, which funds high-priority studies benefiting Veterans’ health through intramural mechanisms like Merit Review Awards.

How VA Form 10-1313-10 Fits Into the VA Research Funding Process?

  1. Local Submission and RAG Review — Investigators submit proposals to their local VA facility’s RAG. The group completes Form 10-1313-10 with scores, recommendations, and comments.
  2. Merit Review Preparation — Strong local endorsements, including summary statements, help proposals advance to centralized Scientific Review Groups (SRGs) for Merit Review (similar to NIH study sections).
  3. Funding Decisions — VA ORD services make final funding decisions based on peer review, portfolio priorities, and available resources. Successful projects receive support for 2–4 years, typically with budget caps (e.g., around $150,000 recurring annually for many Merit awards).

The form also tracks elements like expected Merit Review dates, prior RAG reviews (for resubmissions), and funding source details.

Who Needs VA Form 10-1313-10?

  • VA-employed researchers and Principal Investigators at VAMCs
  • Research administrators and ACOS for R&D
  • Members of local Research Advisory Groups
  • Anyone involved in preparing or reviewing intramural VA research proposals

It is particularly relevant for projects seeking VA intramural funding through Merit Review or related mechanisms.

Tips for Completing and Using VA Form 10-1313-10

  • Accuracy is critical — Ensure all fields (e.g., budget requests, subject protections, priority scores) are complete and consistent with the full proposal.
  • Coordinate with local R&D office — Work closely with your facility’s Research and Development office for guidance on submission timelines and requirements.
  • Address ethical considerations — Clearly indicate approvals or plans for human/animal subjects, biohazards, etc.
  • Prepare for resubmissions — Note the date of the last RAG review and respond to prior feedback.
  • Keep current — While the form itself is longstanding, always check the official VA Research website for the latest processes, as ORD continues to evolve review and funding structures.

For the most up-to-date instructions, visit the VA Research website or contact your local R&D office.

Note: This article provides general information based on publicly available VA resources. Policies and procedures can change; always verify details with official VA channels or your local research office for your specific situation.

Last updated for accuracy as of 2026. Target audience: VA researchers and administrators in the United States.