Migration From BIG-IP V15.1.10.2 TO BIG IP-17.1.1.3.0.76.5 on VE

Based on the following, you can upgrade your VM from 15.1 to 17.1 without any issues.

https://my.f5.com/manage/s/article/K13845

Any particular reason you aren't upgrading the VM and instead creating a new VM? Keep in mind that if you go this route you will not be able to use the same license from the 15.1 VM on the 17.1 VM without getting a hold of F5 and having them temporarily release the license and then register it on the new VM. You should just run through the code upgrade on the existing v15.1 VM. Just make sure to update the service check date before performing the upgrade.

https://my.f5.com/manage/s/article/K7727