VA Form 22-10216: 35% Exemption Request (Fillable PDF)

VA Form 22-10216: 35% Exemption Request (Fillable PDF) – School administrators and veterans education officials across the United States rely on clear guidance for managing GI Bill® compliance. VA Form 22-10216, officially titled the 35% Exemption Request from 85/15 Reporting Requirement, provides a streamlined way for eligible educational institutions to reduce administrative burdens under VA education rules.

This fillable form helps qualifying schools request relief from routine 85/15 enrollment ratio reporting while ensuring continued support for student veterans.

What Is the VA 85/15 Rule?

The 85/15 rule (found in Title 38 U.S.C. § 3680A and 38 CFR 21.4201) protects the quality and integrity of VA-approved education programs. It generally prohibits VA from paying benefits to new students enrolling in a program if more than 85% of enrolled students in that program are “supported” (i.e., have any portion of tuition, fees, or charges paid by VA or the institution itself). At least 15% must be self-supported (non-VA paying) students.

This rule applies on a program-by-program basis and helps ensure programs have broad appeal beyond just VA beneficiaries.

Understanding the 35% Exemption

The 35% exemption offers significant relief. If the total number of VA beneficiaries (students receiving benefits under relevant Title 38 and Title 10 chapters) at an institution is 35% or less of the overall student enrollment, the school may qualify for exemption from routine 85/15 reporting.

Key differences in calculations:

  • 35% Exemption: Based on headcount (each student counts as 1, no full-time equivalency/FTE). Calculated across all GI Bill-approved programs at the main campus or separately approved branch campuses.
  • 85/15 Rule: Based on FTE supported vs. non-supported students per program.

Accredited schools with this exemption often receive broader relief from the 85/15 rule itself for enrollment periods on or after August 26, 2022 (per the Ensuring the Best Schools for Veterans Act of 2022, Public Law 117-174). Non-accredited schools may still need to submit additional documentation.

Who Should Use VA Form 22-10216?

  • Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs)
  • Non-College Degree (NCD) schools
  • Vocational flight schools and training centers
  • Schools where VA beneficiaries make up ≤35% of total enrollment

Separate requests are typically required for the main campus and any branch campuses with separate administrative capability.

How to Complete and Submit VA Form 22-10216?

The form is fillable and straightforward. Here’s a quick overview based on official instructions:

  1. Block 1: Full institution name as listed in WEAMS (Web Enabled Approval Management System).
  2. Block 2: VA facility code (no spaces or hyphens).
  3. Block 3: Term start date.
  4. Block 4: Provide the 35% calculation:
    • Total VA beneficiary students
    • Total students enrolled
    • Percentage (must be ≤35%)
    • Date of calculation (within 30 days after term start)

Example calculation:

  • Total students: 1,000
  • VA beneficiaries: 250
  • Percentage: 25% (eligible for exemption)

Submission:

  • Upload via the VA Education File Upload Portal.
  • Accredited schools: Usually just VA Form 22-10216.
  • Non-accredited schools: Submit with VA Form 22-10215 (Statement of Assurance of Compliance with 85 Percent Enrollment Ratios) and any required attachments.

Download the official fillable form here:
VA Form 22-10216 (PDF) – 35% Exemption Request

Benefits of the 35% Exemption

  • Reduced routine reporting obligations (significant time savings for School Certifying Officials).
  • Continued ability to enroll and support student veterans.
  • Schools must still monitor compliance and provide data if requested by VA or State Approving Agencies.
  • Exemptions are reviewed and can be validated or revoked based on ongoing eligibility.

Additional Resources

Note: Always verify the latest requirements directly on VA.gov, as rules can be updated. The form’s current revision (January 2025) expires January 31, 2028.