---
kind: "section"
citation: "38 C.F.R. § 21.162"
title: "38"
number: "21.162"
heading: "Participation in a program of independent living services."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/38/21.162"
---

# §21.162. Participation in a program of independent living services.

- (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](/cfr/38/21.90.md) and [21.92](/cfr/38/21.92.md) 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.**
- (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.

## Notes

### Amendments

[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]

### Authority

Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501(a), chs. 18, 31, and as noted in specific sections.

### Source

Source: 49 FR 40814, Oct. 18, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[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]