Initial Documents and Instructions to request a Reasonable Accommodation
The following is for informational purposes only.
Attached are the forms you will need to complete to begin the process. VA0857a is optional but highly recommended because it helps with processing the request. It is important to note that while any request is able to be made through RA, it does not guarantee that the specific request will be the final approved accommodation. The interactive process and discussions through this process helps assist us to find an effective reasonable accommodation that will allow an employee to perform his or her essential functions of the job duties (solely why the job exists) despite the limitations caused by the disability and/or underlying health condition(s).
The form VA0857e- Request for Medical Documentation, needs to be completed by your medial provider. The provider will need to be very specific about your limitations as it relates to your job duties. A blanket or vague statement will not help us in determining what accommodation will meet your medical needs. We will need specific limitations as it relates to your job duties you are not able to perform.
In your medical documentation, your provider must state the functional limitations of your job that you are not able to perform. The documentation must answer the following questions:
o (a) the nature- diagnosis, severity, and duration of the impairment;
o (b) one or more of the activities the impairment limits (walking, reaching, breathing, etc.);
o (c) the extent or degree to which the impairment limits an activity;
o (d) the reason the individual requires an accommodation or the particular accommodation requested, and/or
o (e) how the accommodation will assist the individual in performing the essential functions of the job.
Once the documents are completed and returned back to the RA group email, the RAC assigned to your facility can begin with your Reasonable Accommodation request. Please do not include anyone in your supervisory chain on any emails that include your medical documentation. Medical documentation (Form E) will only come back to this V15ReasonAccom@va.gov email group directly.
The process of determination is different for each request and we as the RAC’s will strive to make sure your Supervisor approves or denies your request as soon as possible, normally within 20 business days once sufficient medical is received.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. The best way to reach us is via email: V15ReasonAccom@va.gov.
LaWanda J. Newton (she/her)
VISN 15 Reasonable Accommodation Supervisor
Please contact me via MS Teams or by Email (Mon-Fri)
Cellphone: (913) 704-9455 Right Fax: (913) 758-6876
Email: LaWanda.Newton@va.gov