(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]