# 38 CFR § 21.162: Participation in a program of independent living services

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.162

## Section

- **Citation:** 38 CFR § 21.162
- **Heading:** Participation in a program of independent living services
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 38—Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief > CHAPTER I—DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS > PART 21—VETERAN READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION > Subpart A—Veteran Readiness and Employment > Independent Living Services

## Text

(a) Approval of a program of independent living services. A program of independent living services and assistance is approved when:
(1) The VA determines that achievement of a vocational goal is not currently reasonably feasible;
(2) The VA determines that the veteran's independence in daily living can be improved, and the gains made can reasonably be expected to continue following completion of the program;
(3) All steps required by §§ 21.90 and 21.92 of this part for the development and preparation of an Individualized Independent Living Plan (IILP) have been completed; and
(4) The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Officer concurs in the IILP.
(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3104(a)(15), 3109, 3120)
(b) Considerations for the VR&E Officer. The VR&E Officer will consider the following factors in administering programs providing independent living services:
(1) If VA resources available limit the number of veterans who may be provided a program of independent living services and assistance, the first priority shall be given to veterans for whom the reasonable feasibility of achieving a vocational goal is precluded solely as a result of service-connected disability; and
(2) To the maximum extent feasible, a substantial portion of veterans provided with programs of independent living services and assistance shall be receiving long-term care in VA medical centers and nursing homes.
(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3120(c))
[49 FR 40814, Oct. 18, 1984, as amended at 53 FR 50957, Dec. 19, 1988; 55 FR 48842, Nov. 23, 1990; 62 FR 17708, Apr. 11, 1997; 87 FR 8743, Feb. 16, 2022]

## Nearby sections

- [38 CFR § 21.1 § 21.1 Training and rehabilitation for veterans with service-connected disabilities.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.1.md)
- [38 CFR § 21.21 § 21.21 Election of benefits under education programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.21.md)
- [38 CFR § 21.22 § 21.22 Nonduplication—Federal programs.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.22.md)
- [38 CFR § 21.30 § 21.30 Claims.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.30.md)
- [38 CFR § 21.31 § 21.31 Informal claim.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.31.md)
- [38 CFR § 21.32 § 21.32 Notification by VA of necessary information or evidence when a claim is filed; time for claimant response and VA action.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.32.md)
- [38 CFR § 21.33 § 21.33 VA has a duty to assist claimants in obtaining evidence.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.33.md)
- [38 CFR § 21.35 § 21.35 Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.35.md)
- [38 CFR § 21.40 § 21.40 Basic entitlement to vocational rehabilitation benefits and services.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.40.md)
- [38 CFR § 21.41 § 21.41 Basic period of eligibility.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.41.md)
- [38 CFR § 21.42 § 21.42 Deferral or extension of the basic period of eligibility.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.42.md)
- [38 CFR § 21.44 § 21.44 Extension of the basic period of eligibility for a veteran with a serious employment handicap.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.44.md)
- [38 CFR § 21.45 § 21.45 Extending the period of eligibility for a program of independent living beyond basic period of eligibility.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.45.md)
- [38 CFR § 21.46 § 21.46 Veteran ordered to active duty; extension of basic period of eligibility.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.46.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-38-21.162. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.