#### 1. Guidelines for the Administration of an Independent Living Plan

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic provides guidelines for the administration |
| troduction | > of an independent living (IL) plan, including         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   philosophical framework                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   components of the philosophical framework, and      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   standards of practice (SOP).                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 29, 2006                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The philosophical framework provides the principles   |
| ### a. Phi | > which direct the scope and practice of utilizing the  |
| losophical | > standards of practice for independent living (IL)     |
|  Framework | > plans.                                                |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b. C | > The philosophical framework is composed of the        |
| omponents  | > following nine principles.                            |
| of the Phi |                                                         |
| losophical | -   Enhance participation in activities of daily living |
|  Framework |     (ADL)                                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Assist the veteran in participating to the maximum  |
|            |     extent possible and desirable in family and         |
|            |     community life                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Provide the most effective services and assistive   |
|            |     technology based on sound research evidence         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Provide required holistic evaluation and services   |
|            |     for all veterans who qualify                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Develop rehabilitation plans that provide services  |
|            |     to address all identified independent living needs  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Consider the veteran's expressed interests and      |
|            |     desires, but provide services based on objectively  |
|            |     identified needs                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Establish goals and measure/verify outcomes         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Provide services that produce a sustaining          |
|            |     influence that continues after rehabilitation       |
|            |     services are completed, and                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Explore the possibility of paid or volunteer        |
|            |     employment, when feasible.                          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

1\. Guidelines for the Administration of an Independent Living Plan,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c.   | > The table below describes the standards of practice   |
|  SOP for t | > for the development and implementation of an IL plan. |
| he IL Plan | >                                                       |
|            | > **Step 1. Orient the veteran to the IL process.**     |
|            | > Assist the veteran in understanding rights and        |
|            | > responsibilities in the IL process.                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Job                                     | References/Regulations     |
| Ai                                      |                            |
| ds/Tools/Documents/Resources/Activities |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| **A**. Orient the veteran to the IL     | **Title 38, USC, Chapter   |
| process using *VA Form 28-0786, VR&E    | 31**                       |
| Independent Living Program              |                            |
| Orientation*.                           | Section 3100 (Purposes),   |
|                                         | Section 3101               |
| After a joint review                    | (Definitions), 3104 (Scope |
|                                         | of services and            |
| -   the case manager and the veteran    | assistance), 3120 (Program |
|     will sign *VA Form 28-0786*         | of independent living      |
|                                         | services and assistance)   |
| -   a copy of the signed form will be   |                            |
|     provided to the veteran, and        | **38 CFR**                 |
|                                         |                            |
| -   the original form will be placed on | 21.76 (Independent         |
|     the right side of the CER folder.   | living), 21.90             |
|                                         | (Individualized            |
| **[Mandatory Job Aid]{.underline}**     | independent living plan),  |
|                                         | 21.160 (Independent Living |
| *IL Program Orientation (28-0786)*      | Services), 21.162          |
|                                         | (Participation in a        |
|                                         | program of independent     |
|                                         | living services), 21.192   |
|                                         | ("Independent living       |
|                                         | program" status), 21.310   |
|                                         | (Rate of pursuit of an     |
|                                         | independent living         |
|                                         | program)                   |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | **M28-1, Part II, Chapter  |
|                                         | 8, Change 7**              |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | Paragraph 8.01             |
|                                         | (Introduction), 8.02       |
|                                         | (Program Description),     |
|                                         | 8.04 (Scope of Services),  |
|                                         | 8.05 (Duration and         |
|                                         | Limitation of Services),   |
|                                         | 8.06 (Monetary             |
|                                         | Assistance), 8.07          |
|                                         | (Travel), 8.08             |
|                                         | (Procurement of Services), |
|                                         | 8.12 (Individualized       |
|                                         | Independent Living         |
|                                         | Program), **28.IV.iii.5**  |
|                                         | (Evaluations for persons   |
|                                         | with TBI)                  |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | **CRCC Code of Ethics**    |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | A-1, A-2, A-3, Section B,  |
|                                         | C-1, C-2, Section F        |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+

Continued on next page

1\. Guidelines for the Administration of an Independent Living Plan,
Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  c\. SOP for the IL Plan (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > **Step 2. Complete an IL evaluation and, if appropriate, develop an |
| > Individualized Independent Living Plan (IILP) which specifies       |
| > services to address the identified needs.**                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Job                                     | References/Regulations     |
| Ai                                      |                            |
| ds/Tools/Documents/Resources/Activities |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| **B.** A preliminary evaluation of      | **Title 38, USC, Chapter   |
| potential IL needs will be conducted by | 31**                       |
| the case manager.                       |                            |
|                                         | Section 3101               |
| Concurrence by the VR&E Officer is      | (Definitions), 3104 (Scope |
| needed when                             | of services and            |
|                                         | assistance), 3120 (Program |
| -   potential IL needs cannot be        | of independent living      |
|     identified, and/or                  | services and assistance)   |
|                                         |                            |
| -   achievement of appropriate IL goals | **38 CFR**                 |
|     is not feasible.                    |                            |
|                                         | 21.76 (Independent         |
|     If VR&E Officer does not concur,    | living), 21.90             |
|     the counselor must work with the    | (Individualized            |
|     veteran to develop a plan of IL     | independent living plan),  |
|     services.                           | 21.162 (Participation in a |
|                                         | program of independent     |
| If a plan of IL services is not         | living services)           |
| developed                               |                            |
|                                         | **M28-1, Part II, Chapter  |
| -   prepare the case for closure in     | 8, Change 7**              |
|     Discontinued status, and            |                            |
|                                         | Paragraph 8.01             |
| -   provide due process.                | (Introduction), 8.10 (Role |
|                                         | of the Counseling          |
| **[Guidance]{.underline}**              | Psychologist), 8.12        |
|                                         | (Individualized            |
| *Preliminary IL Assessment*             | Independent Living         |
|                                         | Program)                   |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | **28.IV.iv.2.E**           |
|                                         | Vocational Rehabilitation  |
|                                         | Panel                      |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | **CRCC Code of Ethics**    |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | A-1, A-2, A-3, Section B,  |
|                                         | C-1, C-2, F                |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+

Continued on next page

1\. Guidelines for the Administration of an Independent Living Plan,
Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  c\. SOP for the IL Plan (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Job                                     | References/Regulations     |
| Ai                                      |                            |
| ds/Tools/Documents/Resources/Activities |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| C. An assessment of all potential IL    | **Title 38, USC, Chapter   |
| needs will be performed by a staff      | 31**                       |
| member or provider (e.g. IL Center)     |                            |
| with specialized IL experience and/or   | Section 3101               |
| training.                               | (Definitions), 3104 (Scope |
|                                         | of services and            |
| Concurrence by the VR&E Officer is      | assistance), 3120 (Program |
| needed when                             | of independent living      |
|                                         | services and assistance)   |
| -   potential IL needs cannot be        |                            |
|     identified, and/or                  | **38 CFR**                 |
|                                         |                            |
| -   achievement of appropriate IL goals | 21.76 (Independent         |
|     is not feasible.                    | living), 21.90             |
|                                         | (Individualized            |
| If VR&E Officer does not concur, the    | independent living plan),  |
| counselor must work with the veteran to | 21.162 (Participation in a |
| develop a plan of IL services.          | program of independent     |
|                                         | living services)           |
| If a plan of IL services is not         |                            |
| developed                               | **M28-1, Part II, Chapter  |
|                                         | 8, Change 7**              |
| -   prepare case for closure in         |                            |
|     Discontinued status, and            | Paragraph 8.01             |
|                                         | (Introduction), 8.08       |
| -   provide due process.                | (Procurement of Services), |
|                                         | 8.10 (Role of the          |
|                                         | Counseling Psychologist),  |
|                                         | 8.12 (Individualized       |
|                                         | Independent Living         |
|                                         | Program),                  |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | **28.IV.iv.2.E**           |
|                                         | Vocational Rehabilitation  |
|                                         | Panel                      |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | **28.IV.iii.5**            |
|                                         | (Evaluations for persons   |
|                                         | with TBI)                  |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | **CRCC Code of Ethics**    |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | A-1, A-2, A-3, Section B,  |
|                                         | C-1, C-2, F                |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+

Continued on next page

1\. Guidelines for the Administration of an Independent Living Plan,
Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  c\. SOP for the IL Plan (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Job                                     | References/Regulations     |
| Ai                                      |                            |
| ds/Tools/Documents/Resources/Activities |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| **D.** Develop an Individualized        | **Title 38, USC, Chapter   |
| Independent Living Plan (IILP) with     | 31**                       |
| objectives and services that address    |                            |
| identified IL needs.                    | Section 3101               |
|                                         | (Definitions), 3104 (Scope |
| Ensure the objectives                   | of services and            |
|                                         | assistance), 3120 (Program |
| -   specifically address all identified | of independent living      |
|     IL needs                            | services and assistance)   |
|                                         |                            |
| -   include specific expected outcomes  | **38 CFR**                 |
|     that are                            |                            |
|                                         | 21.76 (Independent         |
| ```{=html}                              | living), 21.90             |
| <!-- -->                                | (Individualized            |
| ```                                     | independent living plan),  |
| -   measurable                          | 21.162 (Participation in a |
|                                         | program of independent     |
| -   verifiable, and                     | living services)           |
|                                         |                            |
| -   sustainable, and                    | **M28-1, Part II, Chapter  |
|                                         | 8, Change 7**              |
| ```{=html}                              |                            |
| <!-- -->                                | Paragraph 8.01             |
| ```                                     | (Introduction), 8.08       |
| -   facilitate a successful outcome.    | (Procurement of Services), |
|                                         | 8.10 (Role of the          |
| Obtain appropriate approval for program | Counseling Psychologist),  |
| costs if they exceed \$25,000 limit for | 8.12 (Individualized       |
| case managers.                          | Independent Living         |
|                                         | Program),                  |
| **[Optional Job Aid]{.underline}**      |                            |
|                                         | **28.IV.iv.2.E**           |
| *IL Needs Assessment and Planning       | Vocational Rehabilitation  |
| Matrix (28-0787)*                       | Panel                      |
|                                         |                            |
| **[CWINRS Activity]{.underline}**       | **28.IV.iii.5**            |
|                                         | (Evaluations for persons   |
| Enter essential elements of the plan by | with TBI)                  |
| updating Claims Disposition Tab and     |                            |
| Rehabilitation Plan tab.                | **CRCC Code of Ethics**    |
|                                         |                            |
| ***Note:*** Services provided under an  | A-1, A-2, A-3, Section B,  |
| IILP may not exceed 24 months without   | C-1, C-2, Section F        |
| VR&E Officer approval.                  |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| **E.** Submit the IILP and *FL 28-520,  | **Title 38, USC, Chapter   |
| IL Plan Approval Request,* to the VR&E  | 31**                       |
| Officer for concurrence prior to any    |                            |
| parties signing the plan or authorizing | Section 3101 (Definitions) |
| any IL services included in the plan.   |                            |
|                                         | **38 CFR**                 |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | 21.162 (Participation in a |
|                                         | program of independent     |
|                                         | living services)           |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+

Continued on next page

1\. Guidelines for the Administration of an Independent Living Plan,
Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  c\. SOP for the IL Plan (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Job                                     | References/Regulations     |
| Ai                                      |                            |
| ds/Tools/Documents/Resources/Activities |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| E. Continued                            |                            |
|                                         |                            |
| If VR&E Officer approves the IL plan,   |                            |
| the veteran and the case manager will   |                            |
| review the plan and                     |                            |
|                                         |                            |
| -   each sign *VA Form 28-8872,         |                            |
|     Rehabilitation Plan*                |                            |
|                                         |                            |
| -   a copy of the signed form will be   |                            |
|     provided to the veteran, and        |                            |
|                                         |                            |
| -   the original form will be placed on |                            |
|     the right side of the CER folder.   |                            |
|                                         |                            |
| **[Mandatory Job Aids]{.underline}**    |                            |
|                                         |                            |
| *IL Plan Approval Request (FL 28-520)*  |                            |
|                                         |                            |
| *IL Extension Request (FL 28-521)*      |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+

Continued on next page

1\. Guidelines for the Administration of an Independent Living Plan,
Continued

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > **Step 3. Provide IL services.** Provide all services and           |
| > assistance outlined in the rehabilitation plan. There should be an  |
| > on-going holistic reassessment of IL needs in areas such as         |
| > socialization, safety, health and fitness, personal life control,   |
| > housing, hygiene, personal and family adjustment, mobility and      |
| > transportation, legal, spiritual, financial, benefits,              |
| > communication, cognitive, and meaningful activities.                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| **Job                                   | **References/Regulations** |
| Aids                                    |                            |
| /Tools/Documents/Resources/Activities** |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| **F.** Monitor veteran's progress as    | **Title 38, USC, Chapter   |
| needed throughout the IL process during | 31**                       |
| face-to-face meetings (except when      |                            |
| alternatives such as telephone, email,  | Section 3100 (Purposes),   |
| or mail may be necessary).              | Section 3101 (Definitions) |
|                                         |                            |
| Supervision must occur at least once    | **38 CFR**                 |
| per month.                              |                            |
|                                         | 21.160 (Independent Living |
| Discuss with the veteran any resulting  | Services), 21.192          |
| concerns and take appropriate actions   | ("Independent living       |
| to address those concerns.              | program" status)           |
|                                         |                            |
| **[Guidance]{.underline}**              | **M28-1, Part II, Chapter  |
|                                         | 8, Change 7**              |
| *Case Support*                          |                            |
|                                         | Paragraphs 8.04 (Scope of  |
| **[CWINRS Activity]{.underline}**       | Services), 8.05 (Duration  |
|                                         | and Limitation of          |
| Document the veteran's progress and/or  | Services), 8.06 (Monetary  |
| concerns and any corrective action(s)   | Assistance), 8.08          |
| taken.                                  | (Procurement of Services), |
|                                         | 8.12 (Individualized       |
|                                         | Independent Living         |
|                                         | Program)                   |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | **Case Management Task     |
|                                         | Force Report**             |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | **CRCC Code of Ethics**    |
|                                         | A-2, B                     |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+

Continued on next page

1\. Guidelines for the Administration of an Independent Living Plan,
Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  c\. SOP for the IL Plan (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Job                                     | References/Regulations     |
| Ai                                      |                            |
| ds/Tools/Documents/Resources/Activities |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| **G.** If additional and substantive    | **Title 38, USC, Chapter   |
| potential IL issues are identified,     | 31**                       |
| complete another IL evaluation. A staff |                            |
| member or provider (e.g. IL Center)     | Section 3101               |
| with specialized IL experience and/or   | (Definitions), 3104 (Scope |
| training will perform this evaluation.  | of services and            |
|                                         | assistance), 3120 (Program |
| Develop an amended plan if the most     | of independent living      |
| recent IL evaluation identifies IL      | services and assistance)   |
| concerns that necessitate a major       |                            |
| modification of the IILP.               | **38 CFR**                 |
|                                         |                            |
| Submit the new IILP to the VR&E Officer | 21.76 (Independent         |
| for concurrence.                        | living), 21.90             |
|                                         | (Individualized            |
| **[Mandatory Job Aid]{.underline}**     | independent living plan),  |
|                                         | 21.162 (Participation in a |
| *IL Plan Approval Request (FL 28-520)*  | program of independent     |
|                                         | living services)           |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | **M28-1, Part II, Chapter  |
|                                         | 8, Change 7**              |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | Paragraph 8.01             |
|                                         | (Introduction), 8.08       |
|                                         | (Procurement of Services), |
|                                         | 8.10 (Role of the          |
|                                         | Counseling Psychologist),  |
|                                         | 8.12 (Individualized       |
|                                         | Independent Living         |
|                                         | Program),                  |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | **28.IV.iv.2.E**           |
|                                         | Vocational Rehabilitation  |
|                                         | Panel                      |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | **28.IV.iii.5**            |
|                                         | (Evaluations for persons   |
|                                         | with TBI)                  |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | **CRCC Code of Ethics**    |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | A-1, A-2, A-3, Section B,  |
|                                         | C-1, D-1, Section F        |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| **H.** If additional IL services beyond | **Title 38, USC, Chapter   |
| 24 months are required to meet the      | 31**                       |
| agreed upon IL goals, submit *FL        |                            |
| 28-521, IL Extension Request,* to the   | Section 3101 (Definitions) |
| VR&E Officer for an extension of six    |                            |
| months or less.                         | **38 CFR**                 |
|                                         |                            |
| **[Mandatory Job Aid]{.underline}**     | 21.76 (Independent living) |
|                                         |                            |
| *IL Extension Request (FL 28-521)*      |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+

Continued on next page

1\. Guidelines for the Administration of an Independent Living Plan,
Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  c\. SOP for the IL Plan (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > **Step 4. Concluding activities.** Complete all necessary actions   |
| > to determine whether the veteran has achieved rehabilitation. If    |
| > rehabilitation will not be achieved, move the case to the           |
| > appropriate case status.                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Job                                     | References/Regulations     |
| Ai                                      |                            |
| ds/Tools/Documents/Resources/Activities |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| **I.** Based on the results of plan     | **Title 38, USC, Chapter   |
| implementation and provision of         | 31**                       |
| services, move the case to              |                            |
|                                         | Section 3100 (Purposes)    |
| -   **Rehabilitated status** when       | Section 3101 (Definitions) |
|                                         |                            |
| ```{=html}                              | **38 CFR**                 |
| <!-- -->                                |                            |
| ```                                     | 21.76 (Independent         |
| -   IILP outcomes have been             | living), 21.90             |
|     demonstrated that substantiate      | (Individualized            |
|     attainment of the independent       | independent living plan,   |
|     living goals, and                   | 21.192 ("Independent       |
|                                         | living program" status)    |
| -   the veteran has achieved maximum    |                            |
|     independence in daily living        | **M28-1, Part II, Chapter  |
|                                         | 8, Change 7**              |
| ```{=html}                              |                            |
| <!-- -->                                | Paragraph 8.01             |
| ```                                     | (Introduction), 8.05       |
| -   **Interrupted status** when         | (Duration and Limitation   |
|                                         | of Services), 8.12         |
| ```{=html}                              | (Individualized            |
| <!-- -->                                | Independent Living         |
| ```                                     | Program)                   |
| -   there is a need to suspend services |                            |
|     being provided under the veteran's  | **CRCC Code of Ethics**    |
|     IL program, or                      |                            |
|                                         | A-1, A-2, A-3, C-1, D-1,   |
| ```{=html}                              | Section F                  |
| <!-- -->                                |                            |
| ```                                     |                            |
| -   **Evaluation and Planning status**  |                            |
|     when                                |                            |
|                                         |                            |
| ```{=html}                              |                            |
| <!-- -->                                |                            |
| ```                                     |                            |
| -   a determination is made that        |                            |
|     achievement of a vocational goal    |                            |
|     may be feasible, or                 |                            |
|                                         |                            |
| -   there is a need to redevelop the    |                            |
|     plan, and                           |                            |
|                                         |                            |
| -   veteran reports for scheduled       |                            |
|     appointment.                        |                            |
|                                         |                            |
| **[Guidance]{.underline}**              |                            |
|                                         |                            |
| *Activities of Daily Living* (included  |                            |
| in the preliminary IL assessment)       |                            |
|                                         |                            |
| ***Note:*** Closure in Rehabilitated    |                            |
| status requires the case manager to     |                            |
| provide the veteran with due process.   |                            |
|                                         |                            |
| **[CWINRS/BDN Activity]{.underline}**   |                            |
|                                         |                            |
| Update case status and notes as         |                            |
| appropriate. Manually update BDN CAST   |                            |
| screen.                                 |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+

#### 2. Required Documents for an Independent Living Plan

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains                                   |
| troduction |                                                         |
|            | -   the list of documents used for independent living   |
|            |     (IL) plans, and                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   instructions for using guidance documents.          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 29, 2006                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > The table below lists the documents used for IL       |
|  a. List o | > plans.                                                |
| f Document | >                                                       |
| s for Inde | > ***Important***: An asterisk "\*" preceding the form  |
| pendent Li | > name indicates the document is required when          |
| ving Plans | > completing the IL process.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Document                         | Description                       |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *\*VA Form 28-0786, Vocational   | Provides an orientation to the IL |
| Rehabilitation & Employment      | process, and includes information |
| (VR&E) Independent Living        | about                             |
| Program Orientation*             |                                   |
|                                  | -   mission                       |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   goals                         |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   qualifying for IL services    |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   types of services offered     |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   case support, and             |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   IL evaluation.                |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *\*Preliminary IL Assessment* -- | Utilized to identify potential IL |
| Guidance                         | needs by examining                |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   activities of daily living    |
|                                  |     (ADL)                         |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   alcohol/substance abuse       |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   housing and mobility needs,   |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   personal, emotional, and      |
|                                  |     spiritual needs, and          |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   leisure/avocational           |
|                                  |     activities.                   |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

Continued on next page

2\. Required Documents for an Independent Living Plan, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  a\. List of Documents for Independent Living Plans (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Document                         | Description                       |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *\*VA Form 28-8872,              | Outlines the services necessary   |
| Rehabilitation Plan*             | to achieve independence in daily  |
|                                  | living.                           |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *VA Form 28-0787, IL Needs       | May be used during IL plan        |
| Assessment and Planning Matrix*  | development to                    |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   assess veteran's needs        |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   identify service options, and |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   measure potential outcome(s). |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *\*FL 28-520, IL Plan Approval   | Submitted to the VR&E Officer or  |
| Request*                         | designee to request concurrence   |
|                                  | of an IL plan.                    |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *\*Case Support --* Guidance     | Guidelines for monitoring         |
|                                  | services in an IL plan.           |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *\*FL 28-521, Request for IL     | Submitted to the VR&E Officer or  |
| Extension*                       | designee to request an extension  |
|                                  | to an IL plan.                    |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *\*Activities of Daily Living -* | Utilized at the conclusion of an  |
| Guidance                         | IL program to measure             |
|                                  | improvements in functioning and   |
|                                  | increased independence in daily   |
|                                  | living activities.                |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b. I | > When rating each activity on the guidance documents,  |
| nstruction | > *Preliminary IL Assessment* and *Activities of Daily  |
| s for Usin | > Living,* utilize the rating system listed in the      |
| g Guidance | > chart below.                                          |
|  Documents |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  -------------------------------------------- --------------------------
  Level of Activity                            Rating

  Usually did with no difficulty               4

  Usually did with some difficulty             3

  Usually did with help or assistive device    2

  Usually did not do because of disabilities   1

  Usually did not do for other reasons         0
  -------------------------------------------- --------------------------

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > Scores obtained when completing the *Preliminary IL Assessment* can |
| > be used to identify a veteran's IL needs. Scores from *Activities   |
| > of Daily Living* can be compared to the initial scores to assess    |
| > and document the veteran's progress.                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+