**March 24, 1993 M28-1, Part II**

**Change 7**

**CONTENTS**

**CHAPTER 8. PROGRAM OF INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES**

**PARAGRAPH PAGE**

8.01 Introduction 8-1

8.02 Program Description 8-1

8.03 Eligibility for Participation 8-2

8.04 Scope of Services 8-3

8.05 Duration and Limitation of Services 8-3

8.06 Monetary Assistance 8-4

8.07 Travel 8-5

8.08 Procurement of Services 8-6

8.09 VHA****VR&C Linkage 8-8

8.10 Role of the Counseling Psychologist 8-9

8.11 Role of Vocational Rehabilitation Panel 8-10

8.12 Individualized Independent Living Program 8-11

8.13 Assignment of Case Status for Program Participants 8-12

8.14 Evaluations for Persons With TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) 8-12

**Rescinded by M28.IV.iii, June 8, 2006**

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**CHAPTER 8. PROGRAM OF INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES**

**8.01 INTRODUCTION**

**a. General**. A veteran may have disabilities BO severe that
achievement of a vocational goal is not currently reasonably feasible.
VA may provide this veteran with IL (independent living) services. These
services will help the veteran either to reach the point where a
vocational goal is reasonably feasible, to reach the point where it may
be reasonably feasible for the veteran to participate in an extended
evaluation, or to become more independent in daily living within his or
her family and community.

**b. Authority**. A program of IL Services and assistance is authorized
under 38 CFR 21.162.

**8.02. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION**

**a. The Achievement of a Vocational Goal Is Not Currently Reasonably
Feasible**. To establish that it is not currently reasonably feasible
for a veteran to achieve a vocational goal, a CP (counseling
psychologist) must find that the veteran's disabilities currently affect
his or her employability to either of the following extents:

**(1)** The veteran cannot participate in a program of vocationally
oriented training and services; or

**(2)** The veteran is able to successfully pursue vocational training,
but it would be highly improbable for the veteran to obtain and retain
employment consistent with his or her abilities, aptitudes, and
interests.

**b. Reasons for Authorizing a Program of IL Services**. The VR&C
(Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling) Division may authorize a
program of IL services for eligible veterans for whom achievement of a
vocational goal is not currently reasonably feasible. This program of
rehabilitation services may be furnished to help the veteran to

**(1)** Function more independently in his or her family and community
without the assistance of others or with a reduced level of assistance
from others;

**(2)** Become reasonably feasible for an extended evaluation; or

**(3)** Become reasonably feasible for a vocational rehabilitation
program.

**c. Independent Living and Independence in Daily Living**. Independence
in daily living means the ability of a veteran, either without the
services of others or with a reduced level of those services, to live
and function within the veteran's family and community. Operationally,
independent living is synonymous with independence in daily living.

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**M28-1, Part II July 22, 1992**

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**d. Program of IL Services and Assistance**. A program of IL services
and assistance may include the following benefits:

**(1)** The services provided in 38 CFR 21.35(d), including the
counseling, diagnostic, medical, social, psychological, and educational
services which the CP determines the veteran needs to achieve maximum
independence in daily living;

**(2)** The subsistence allowance and other monetary assistance
authorized by 38 CFR 21.260, 21.262, 21.266, and 21.270; and

**(3)** The special rehabilitation services under 38 CFR 21.150, 21.152,
21.154, 21.155, and 21.156.

**e. Barriers to Independent Living**. The goal of an IL program is to
increase the veteran's options, resulting in an improved quality of
life. options may be limited by skill deficits or by physical,
environmental, or psychological factors. For example, some veterans may
be able to overcome certain cognitive limitations through training
intended to improve problem-solving. Some independent living program
participants may need to learn how to manage personal care attendants,
use adaptive equipment, and shop for necessities. For others,
technological devices such as motorized wheelchairs or vehicle
modifications may facilitate independent living. Supportive services,
e.g., attendant care and health maintenance programs, may ameliorate the
physical factors which increase the veteran's dependence on others.
Architectural modifications and advocacy to promote disabled persons,
rights to barrier-free access may reduce environmental problems. Peer
and professional counseling may decrease psychological hindrances to
independence. A disabled veteran's anxiety about discharge from an
institution may diminish through interaction with other disabled persons
who are successfully adjusting to community living.

**f. Independent Living Services and the Rehabilitation Process**. The
goal of the IL program is not necessarily that the disabled veteran be
able to live alone **in** the community with no supportive services.
Rather, the goal is for that individual to have the skills necessary to
choose an acceptable life-style and then be able to manage it with as
little reliance on others as possible. in some instances, however, the
veteran may require continuing services beyond completion of the IL
program to maintain the level of independence achieved during the
program. (See par. 8.05b below for limitations on these long-term
services.)

**8.03. ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION**

To be eligible for a program of IL services, VA must determine that

**a.** The veteran meets the basic eligibility and entitlement criteria
for participation in a rehabilitation program;

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**July 22, 1992 M28-1, Part II**

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**b.** Achievement of a vocational goal is not currently reasonably
feasible;

**c.** The veteran has IL needs; and

**d.** The achievement of an IL goal is currently feasible; that is,
VR&C staff members expect the IL services proposed will enable the
veteran to live independently in his or her family and community or with
reduced dependence upon the services of others.

**8.04 SCOPE OF SERVICES**

VA may provide a discrete service or a comprehensive program of services
necessary to achieve maximum independence in daily living. As part of an
IL program, the only vocational courses which VA may provide are those
incidental to achieving intermediate IL objectives. Some of the IL
services which VA may authorize are listed below:

**a.** Training in activities of daily living;

**b.** Training in IL skills;

**c.** Attendant care during a period of transition (see par. 8.05b
below);

**d.** Transportation when special arrangements are required due to the
disabling condition;

**e.** Peer counseling;

**f.** Evaluation or training in an IL program;

**g.** Housing (group, transitional, or housing specifically designed to
meet the needs of disabled persons);

**h.** Advocacy; and

**i.** other services which 38 CFR 21.160 authorizes.

**8.05 DURATION AND LIMITATION OF SERVICES**

A program of IL services will not exceed the period necessary to restore
independence in daily living. The duration of a program will not exceed
24 calendar months except as indicated in subparagraphs a and b below.

**a. Extension for 6 Months**. The CP may approve an extension of a
program of IL services for up to 6 months if the additional period is
necessary and should result in an increase in independence. The CP must
carefully document in the veteran's CER
(Counseling/Evaluation/Rehabilitation) folder specifically how the
additional services should lead to the desired results. No program may
exceed 30 months.

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**M28-1, Part II July 22, 1992**

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**b. Limitation of Selected Services**. Some IL needs identified during
the initial phase of program planning for a veteran may require services
following completion of the program and, in some cases, for the rest of
the veteran's life. For example, the veteran might have a life-long need
for a personal care attendant and for transportation assistance. Since
the time a veteran can participate in the program is limited, program
planning must focus on ways to meet these continuous needs following IL
program participation. Vocational rehabilitation program funding for
long-term needs is limited to the IL program period. During IL program
participation the case manager will attempt to secure sources which will
continue the assistance beyond the completion of the program. In no
instance, however, may the VR&C Division provide these services beyond
the maximum 30 months for an IL program.

**c. Reentrance Following Rehabilitation and Discontinuance**

**(1) Reentrance Following a Determination of Rehabilitation**. Under
the conditions specified in 38 CFR 21.284(b), the CP may set aside a
previous finding of rehabilitation following a program of independent
living services and provide an additional period of independent living
services.

**(2) Reentrance Following Discontinuance**. Under 38 CFR 21.76, a
veteran discontinued from a program of independent living services may
reapply (38 CFR 21.198(c)) and VA may authorize an additional period of
up to 24 months of independent living services.

**8.06 MONETARY ASSISTANCE**

VA will pay subsistence allowance to a veteran in the IL program under
38 CFR 21.260.

**a. Basis for Subsistence**. Measure participation on a clock-hour
basis. Pay subsistence allowance based on the number of clock hours
spent in training directly related to the acquisition of IL
skills---such as money management, personal care attendant management,
and household maintenance. To measure the rate of pursuit, follow the
instructions in 38 CFR 21.310(d).

**(1) Reduced Work Tolerance**. In view of the severity of the
conditions of IL program participants, the CP must determine whether the
veteran is entitled under reduced work tolerance (38 CFR 21.312) to a
higher rate of subsistence allowance than VA would otherwise pay for a
given level of participation.

**(2) Limitations on Traditional Medical Therapies**. Participation in
traditional medical therapies (e.g., occupational therapy,
psychotherapy, and physical therapy) will not typically be counted as
training time although the case manager will document participation on
the veteran's VA Form 28-8872, Rehabilitation Plan.

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**July 22, 1992 M28-1, Part II**

**Change 5**

**b. Inpatient Status**. VA may pay a subsistence allowance to veterans
who are inpatients in a VA medical center or hospital at VA expense
under 38 CFR 21.266 (a). The determination of rate of pursuit is the
same as for veterans not hospitalized at a VA medical center.

**c. Specialized Rehabilitation Facility**. If the veteran is living in
a specialized rehabilitation facility, VA can pay room and board
expenses in lieu of basic subsistence allowance (38 CFR 21.266(b)). Even
though VA pays the cost of room and board, the veteran will be paid the
portion of subsistence allowance otherwise payable for dependents. For
example, a veteran is entitled to subsistence allowance of \$486,
including \$153 for dependents, but a decision has been make to have VA
pay for room and board. The case manager would adjust the veteran's
award to withhold \$333 and pay the remaining \$153.

**d. Bars to Payment of Subsistence Allowance**. VA will not pay a
subsistence allowance when a veteran participates at less than quarter
time. When a veteran's IILP (individualized independent living plan)
provides for a period during which the veteran is receiving only
supportive services and medical therapies, but no training, VA will not
pay subsistence allowance under the IL program. This restriction
includes periods during which the veteran is receiving only personal
attendant care or a special transportation allowance.

**e. Entitlement Usage and Program Length**. VA will calculate charges
against entitlement as for other chapter 31 programs measured in clock
hours. In contrast, the VR&C Division will determine program duration
(see par. 8.05 above) as the actual number of **calendar** months
elapsed since the date the veteran first received services authorized on
the IILP. This means, for example, that for a veteran who began
receiving IL services at a half-time rate on January 3, 1987, and to
whom the VA granted a 6-month extension, the IL program could not extend
beyond July 2, 1989.

**8.07 TRAVEL**

**a. Suitable Facility Not Locally Available**. A suitable facility for
the provision of IL services may not be available within the
jurisdiction of the local regional office. In this case, VR&C staff
members may apply the travel policies in 38 CFR 21.372 and the
interregional transfer policies in part I, paragraph 13.02 if a suitable
facility can be found outside the office's jurisdiction and the veteran
agrees to travel to that facility. When the nature of a veteran's
disability requires special travel accommodations, the VR&C Division
should arrange for the payment of actual necessary travel expenses to
the facility (see MP-1, pt. II, chs. 2 and 3).

**b. Special Transportation Allowance**. Under 38 CFR 21.154, VA may pay
a special transportation allowance under a contractual agreement to a
training facility or directly to a program participant if the
participant has expenses commuting to the facility which a person
without a disability would not need or incur. The CP will determine the
need for a special transportation allowance. VA may pay for mileage,
driver, parking fees, transportation

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**M28-1, Part II July 22, 1992**

**Change 5**

furnished by the facility for its clients, and other valid expenses. The
veteran must maintain a record of these costs. If VA will pay the
transportation allowance directly to the veteran, the veteran will
maintain a record of his or her transportation costs on Standard Form
1164, Claim for Reimbursement for Expenditures or Official Business. The
case manager will certify the correctness of the claimed expenses and
submit the form to the Finance Division for payment. VA will pay the
lesser of the amounts under subparagraphs (1) and (2) below unless the
veteran qualifies for the exception in subparagraph (3).

**(1) Facility Provides Transportation**. If the facility provides
transportation which the veteran could reasonably use, but the veteran
elects to travel by alternative means, VA will not pay more for
transportation than the amount the facility charges other disabled
persons for its transportation service.

**(2) Maximum Payment Tied to Subsistence Allowance Rate**. The maximum
amount VA may pay for transportation expenses during any 1 month may not
exceed one-half of the subsistence allowance for a single veteran at the
full-time institutional rate or the actual cost, whichever is less.

**(3) Exception**. As an exception, VA may pay the full cost of
extraordinary expenses---such as transportation by ambulance---which are
essential to enable a veteran to pursue the program.

**8.08. PROCUREMENT OF SERVICES**

**a. Authorization of Services and Supplies**. The case manager will
authorize the services, incidental goods, and supplies necessary for the
veteran to accomplish the goals of an IL program. For these
authorizations, the case manager will follow the policies and procedures
in part III, chapters 2 and 6. If the case manager anticipates that
program charges will require the approval of the Director, Vocational
Rehabilitation Service, the regional office should follow the procedures
in part II, chapter 3 to make a specific request to obtain approval of
costs.

**b. Approved Service Providers**. Normally VR&C Divisions will use VA
facilities to provide IL services to veterans participating in the
program. If the VR&C Division cannot make timely, effective, and
cost-efficient arrangements for VA facilities to provide these services,
then the VR&C Division may follow the procedures described below and use
other public, private nonprofit, and for-profit facilities.

**(1) Use of VA Facilities**. VA medical facilities are likely to be the
best resources for VR&C Divisions to obtain authorized services as
either part or all of an IILP. If these services are not available
through VA medical facilities or the VR&C Division cannot make
appropriate arrangements to timely use these facilities, the CP will
document this in the veteran's record:

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**July 22, 1992 M28-1, Part II**

**Change 5**

**(a)** The record must summarize consultation with VHA (Veterans Health
Administration) medical staff members concerning the need for medical,
dental, and prosthetic services, including prosthetic aids, assistive
devices, or medically related equipment. This requirement will be
minimally met if a completed VA Form 28-8861, Request for Medical
Services---Chapter 31, is in the veteran's record. In item 11 of this
form, the CP will identify the services requested and the questions to
be answered by VHA staff members. The documentation must include the VHA
response.

**(b)** The record must explain why a VA medical facility cannot provide
or approve on a fee basis any needed nonmedical service. To document
these reasons, the CP will use VA Form 28-1902b, Counseling Record
Narrative Report, and, if needed, VA Form 28-1902n, Counseling Record
Narrative Report (Supplemental Sheet). The VRS (vocational
rehabilitation specialist) case manager will use VA Form 28-1905d,
Special Report of Training.

**(2) Use of For-profit and Nonprofit Facilities**. VR&C Divisions may
contract with other government, public, and private nonprofit and
for-profit facilities or organizations to provide a program of IL
services. VR&C Divisions may contract with for-profit agencies only if
one of the following conditions is met:

**(a)** The VR&C Division cannot obtain comparable services through VA
or other public and private nonprofit agencies; or

**(b)** The VR&C Division cannot obtain comparable services
cost-effectively through VHA or other public or private nonprofit
agencies.

**c. Use of Consultants**. VR&C staff members may use outside
consultants to evaluate either a proposed program of services or an
ongoing program to determine if the services proposed or being delivered
will allow the veteran to reach the intended IL program goals.

**(1) Use of Independent Contractors to Assess Services and Service
Providers**. If a VR&C Division contracts with an individual or
facility, nonprofit or for-profit, to assess a veteran's feasibility or
needs for IL services, then the VR&C Division may not contract with that
individual or facility to provide the recommended services. Similarly,
an individual or facility under contract may assess the ability of IL
service providers to cost-effectively provide a program of IL services
for a particular veteran. The VR&C Division may not then award this
individual or facility a contract to provide IL services to the veteran.
These restrictions are designed to ensure an objective analysis of
service needs and service providers.

**(2) No Restriction on Services to Other Veterans**. Even if an
individual or facility assesses a veteran's IL needs or the ability of
service providers to support a veteran's IL program, the VR&C Division
may still contract with the assessor to provide IL services to chapter
31 participants **other than** the veteran for whom the assessment was
made.

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**M28-1, Part II July 22, 1992**

**Change 5**

**(3) Sole Source Providers**. Veterans may live in an area which
contains only one IL service provider. In these cases, either the VR&C
Division, another VA or governmental agency, or a contractor from
outside the area must perform the assessment of the veteran's needs and
the ability of the sole local service provider to deliver the needed
services. Non-VR&C assessors must clearly establish that they have the
expertise and experience in IL and the disabilities which cause the need
for IL services. For veterans in these sole source situations, the needs
assessment must also contain an analysis of the veteran's ability to
transfer to another area to receive IL services.

**d. Contracting for IL Services**. To contract for services provided by
institutions as part of or the whole of an IL plan, VR&C staff members
will follow the procedures described in part III, paragraph 2.02.

**e. Use of Individual Instructors**. Approved institutional service
providers discussed in subparagraph d above, and not individual
instructors, will usually provide the services detailed on the IILP. VA
may use qualified individual instructors, however, when necessary in
either of the following instances:

**(1)** To provide services incidental to the total IL program if the
instructors are under contract to an approved service provider, or

**(2)** To provide a discrete service or services which VR&C staff
members personally supervise. The service or services must be incidental
to a total IL program. To approve this individual instruction, VR&C
staff members must follow the procedures provided in Part III, paragraph
2.02.

**8.09 VHAVR&C LINKAGE**

**a. Referrals From VHA**. if VHA staff members identify a veteran for
possible participation in the IL program, they will refer the case to
the VR&C Officer in the regional office of jurisdiction. VHA staff
members should obtain a completed VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans
Application for Vocational Rehabilitation, and supporting medical
evidence. This documentation should accompany the referral.

**b. Coordination With VHA**. If a veteran is receiving care in a VHA
facility or it is anticipated that he or she will need VHA services, the
CP must consult with appropriate VHA staff members during the
development of the IILP to assure that VA formulates a single,
coordinated plan for the veteran. The CP will forward a copy of the
completed plan and all subsequent redevelopments of the plan to these
VHA staff members.

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July 22, 1992 M28-1, Part II

Change 5

**8.10 ROLE OF THE COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST**

**a. Identification of Veterans**. The CP must review each case in which
a vocational goal is not currently reasonably feasible to determine if a
program of IL services may be furnished for one of the reasons in
subparagraph 8.02b above. if an IL program is feasible, the CP and the
veteran must then develop a program of IL services that addresses the
veteran's needs. If a VRS will act as case manager, the VRS will also
take part in the plan development (see subpar. 8.12b(1) for detailed
instructions on who will act as case manager for IL programs).

**b. Provision of IL Services When a Vocational Goal Is Feasible**. When
establishing a veteran's entitlement to services under chapter 31, the
CP must document in the CER folder why the achievement of a vocational
goal is not currently reasonably feasible. If vocational rehabilitation
is currently reasonably feasible, but the veteran is prevented from
participating in a traditional vocational rehabilitation program due to
deficient IL skills, the CP should integrate the needed IL services into
an IWRP (individualized written rehabilitation plan). The case manager
will arrange for these services as a preliminary part of the plan or
concurrently with educational or vocational services.

**c. Determination of Feasibility for Program of IL Services**. In
evaluating clients for inclusion in the program of IL services, the CP
must determine that it is reasonable to expect an increase in the
veteran's level of independent functioning if the veteran receives these
services.

**(1)** Documentation of the IL feasibility determination must be
clearly evident in the record of each veteran for whom an IL program is
provided.

**(2)** Outside consultants and the VRP (Vocational Rehabilitation
Panel) are recommended for use as the providers of data to support the
IL feasibility determination (see subpar. 8.08c above for details
concerning the use of an outside consultant, and par. 8.11 below for use
of VRP).

**(3)** When using an outside consultant or the VRP, the CP must assure
that either resource has the expertise to address the needs of the
veteran under consideration.

**d. Denial of IL Services**. If the CP determines that the achievement
of a vocational goal is not currently reasonably feasible and the CP
does not approve a program of IL services, the CP must obtain the VR&C
Officer's concurrence in the decision (21 CFR 21.53(f)). If the VR&C
Officer does not concur, the CP must work with the VRS case manager and
the veteran to develop a plan of IL services.

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M28-1, Part II July 22, 1992

Change 5

**8.11 ROLE OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PANEL**

**a. Use of the VRP**. The CP may refer IL cases to the VRP on a
voluntary basis for technical and consultation services (see 38 CFR
21.62). The VRP may be of particular assistance in helping the CP
determine whether the veteran meets the following program participation
criteria:

**(1)** The achievement of a vocational goal currently is not reasonably

feasible;

**(2)** The veteran exhibits the potential for IL services to cause a
favorable change in critical functions---for example, mobility,
self-care, and communication---which will most likely result in a
positive change in eliminating or reducing the veteran's dependence on
others;

**(3)** The veteran possesses the physical, emotional, and intellectual
capacity or potential to carry out the demands of an IL program;

**(4)** Any deterioration of the veteran's disability is not
significantly more rapid than the rehabilitation process; and

**(5)** The veteran is motivated to achieve IL goals.

**b. Referral to VRP**. For each veteran referred to the VRP for program
consideration, the CP will prepare a memorandum through the VR&C Officer
to the chairperson of the VRP. This memorandum will contain the
following information:

**(1)** A summary of pertinent medical history, including a clear
description of the veteran's present functional limitations and
strengths;

**(2)** A statement describing the bases for previous CP determinations
that a vocational goal was not currently reasonably feasible;

**(3)** A statement of the veteran's present IL needs;

**(4)** The specific IL objectives to be achieved while the veteran is a
program participant as well as the potential service resources to reach
those objectives; and

**(5)** other facts, observations, or opinions which may assist the VRP.

**c. Vocational Rehabilitation Panel's Recommendations**. The CP will
consider the VRP's recommendations as expert technical assistance to
facilitate effective decisionmaking and rehabilitation planning.
Recommendations and suggestions by the VRP are not binding, but the CP
may not disregard them without thorough consideration and documentation.

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**March 24, 1993 M28-1, Part II**

**Change 7**

**(1) Recommendation for Program of IL Services**. After evaluating the
referral, if the VRP finds that an IL goal is currently reasonably
feasible for the veteran, the VRP will recommend the veteran's inclusion
in the program. The VRP may also recommend specific IL objectives and
services for the CP to include in the IILP.

**(2) Negative Recommendation**. If the VRP finds that an IL goal is not
currently reasonably feasible, the VRP will recommend that the VR&C
Division not place the veteran in the program. Whenever possible
following a negative recommendation, the VRP will suggest an integrated
set of activities and services to improve the veteran's condition so
that later entry into the IL program may become feasible.

**(3) Additional Information Needed**. If the VRP needs additional
information to make a recommendation regarding the feasibility of a
program of IL services, the VRP may return the case to the CP and
request development.

**8.12 INDIVIDUALIZED INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM**

**a. Development of IILP**. The IILP facilitates a team approach in
planning, coordinating, and implementing an interdisciplinary program of
resources and services. Whenever appropriate, the CP will consult with
the VRP and other rehabilitation personnel in developing the plan.
Consequently, the IILP will organize and synthesize the information
developed in the initial evaluation and any extended evaluation with the
recommendations of the VRP and other rehabilitation professionals. The
CP has primary responsibility for the formulation of the plan.
Development of the IILP will follow the procedures for preparing an
IWRP.

**b. Implementation and Periodic Review of IILP**

**(1) Case Management Responsibilities**. Normally, the CP is
responsible for case management in implementing the IILP and monitoring
the veteran's progress. The CP will apply the basic procedures for
providing assistance to the veteran and supervising the rehabilitation
program to ensure timely implementation of the plan's objectives. If
using CPs as case managers for IL programs disrupts or delays delivery
of services to other chapter 31 participants, the VR&C Officer may
assign this IL role to a VRS. When a VRS is assigned an IL case, a CP
should be available for consultation.

**(2) Plan and Progress Reviews**. The case manager and the veteran will
review and evaluate the plan and the veteran's progress toward the
program goal as often as necessary---but at least once every 6
months---following the procedures and schedules outlined in the IILP for
each objective. The case manager may use an outside consultant to assist
in assessing this progress. On the basis of these reviews, the CP will
determine whether to redevelop, amend, or retain the present plan.

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**M28-1, Part II March 24, 1993**

**Change 7**

**c. Veteran's Involvement**

**(1) IILP Development**. The CP will solicit the veteran's cooperation
in negotiating and agreeing to the terms of the IILP. When the CP and
the veteran have developed, agreed to, and documented the plan's
substantive terms, the CP and the veteran will sign the plan to indicate
mutual understanding and acceptance of the terms. Unless a VRS will
assume case management responsibilities, there will be only two
signatures on the IILP. The veteran will receive a copy of the signed
plan.

**(2) Disagreement About Terms of IILP**. If the CP and veteran cannot
agree on the terms of the plan, the CP will request that the VR&C
Officer review the proposed plan. The VR&C Officer will resolve the
disagreement and ensure that plan development continues.

**(3) Rights of Review and Appeal**. The veteran or his or her
representative may request administrative review of a proposed original
or amended rehabilitation plan (see pt. I, par. 3.05). Within 1 year of
written notification of the CP's decision regarding the veteran's plan,
the veteran or his or her representative may appeal the terms of the
proposed plan to BVA (Board of Veterans Appeals) by filing a notice of
disagreement (see pt. I, ch. 10). VR&C staff members will inform the
veteran that any administrative review must take place prior to
appealing the decision to BVA. Once the veteran files a notice of
disagreement, the VR&C Officer must immediately stop any administrative
review in progress and begin appellate processing.

**8.13 ASSIGNMENT OF CASE STATUS FOR PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS**

For instructions regarding case status assignment of IL program
participants, see part I, chapter 7.

**8.14 EVALUATIONS FOR PERSONS WITH TBI (TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY)**

**Rescinded by M28.IV.iii, June 8, 2006**

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**March 24, 1993 M28-1, Part II**

**Change 7**

**APPENDIX 8A**

**Directory of Rehabilitation Medicine Services**

**That Will Provide TBI Evaluations**

**for Chapter 31 Participants**

**VAMC RMS CONTACT\* FTS NUMBER**

1\. Albany, NY Dr. Emma Aliwalis, Chief 641-2416

2\. Albuquerque, NM Dr. Charles Kunkel, Chief 572-7015

3\. Boston, MA Dr. Kyung-Ae Hahn, Chief 839-4981

4\. Dallas, TX Dr. Kenneth Cole, Chief 749-5351

5\. Chicago, IL (Hines) Mr. Robert Massey, Coordinator 381-4912

6\. Houston, TX Dr. Trilok N. Nonga, Chief 528-7117

7\. Knoxville, IA Mr. Andrew Hazer, Coordinator 861-5015

8\. Long Beach, CA Mr. Jack Tomich, Coordinator 966-5958

9\. Memphis, TN Mr. Glenn Ramsey, Coordinator 222-5381

10\. Milwaukee, WI Dr. Mary Mantione, Chief 363-1103

11\. Minneapolis, MN Ms. Deborah Monickon, RN 780-3566

12\. Northport, NY Mr. Dennis Lawn, Coordinator 663-7198

13\. Palo Alto, CA Dr. Elaine Date, Chief 463-5469

14\. San Juan, PR Dr. Benigno Fernandez, Chief 804-766-6533

15\. Seattle, WA Dr. Eugen M. Halar, Chief 396-2222

16\. Tampa, FL Mr. John Strugar, Coordinator 822-6069

\*The RMS contacts on this list will likely change. In the event someone
on the list is not available, contact the Chief, RMS.

**App. 8A- 1**