Mitigating circumstances are
documented, unanticipated and unavoidable events that interfere with the
pursuit of a course and result in your receipt of a non-punitive grade.
Mitigating circumstances may be claimed by submitting documented
evidence when you withdraw or otherwise incur an overpayment. Claims may
be submitted on a VA Form 21-4138
with an explanation of the circumstances. The VA decides whether to
accept mitigating circumstance. The following are some general
categories of mitigating circumstances:
- Serious illness of the veteran or dependent
- Serious illness or death in the eligible veteran's or dependent's immediate family
- Immediate family or financial obligations that require a change in
terms, hours or place of employment that precludes pursuit of course
- Discontinuance of a course by the college
- Unanticipated active duty military service, including active duty for training
- Unanticipated difficulties with child-care arrangements
Examples of unacceptable mitigating circumstances include - but are
not limited to - withdrawal to avoid a failing grade, disliking an
instructor, too many courses attempted or a call to active duty that was
anticipated before the term began.