---
kind: "section"
citation: "38 C.F.R. § 21.340"
title: "38"
number: "21.340"
heading: "Introduction."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/38/21.340"
---

# §21.340. Introduction.

- (a) **General.** VA may approve leaves of absence under certain conditions. During approved leaves of absence, a veteran in receipt of subsistence allowance shall be considered to be pursuing a rehabilitation program. Leave may be authorized for a veteran during a period of:
  - (1) Rehabilitation to the point of employability;
  - (2) Extended evaluation; or
  - (3) **Independent living services.**
- (b) **Election of subsistence allowance.** If a veteran elects to receive subsistence allowance and payment of rehabilitation services by VA, he or she may be authorized leave of absence under [§§ 21.342 through 21.350](/cfr/38/21.342..21.350.md).
- (c) **Election of benefits at the chapter 30 rate.** If a veteran elects to receive a subsistence allowance paid at the chapter 30 rate, the effect of absences is determined under §§ [21.7139](/cfr/38/21.7139.md) and [21.7154](/cfr/38/21.7154.md).

## Notes

### Amendments

[49 FR 40814, Oct. 18, 1984, as amended at 54 FR 4285, Jan. 30, 1989; 57 FR 57109, Dec. 3, 1992]

### 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 54 FR 4285, Jan. 30, 1989; 57 FR 57109, Dec. 3, 1992]