1. (a) Purpose. The purposes of extended evaluation status are to:

   1. (1) Identify a veteran for whom a period of extended evaluation is needed; and

   2. (2) Assure that necessary services are provided by VA during the extended evaluation.

      (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3106)

2. (b) Assignment to extended evaluation status. A veteran's case may be assigned or reassigned to extended evaluation status under provisions of § 21.57, § 21.74, § 21.86, § 21.94, or § 21.96.

   (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3107)

3. (c) Continuation in extended evaluation status. A veteran's case will be in extended evaluation status during periods in which:

   1. (1) The veteran is pending induction into the facility at which rehabilitation services will be provided;
   2. (2) The veteran is receiving rehabilitation services prescribed in the IEEP (§ 21.86); or

   3. (3) The veteran is on authorized leave of absence during an extended evaluation.

      (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3108)

4. (d) Termination of extended evaluation status. A veteran in extended evaluation status will remain in that status until one of the following events occur:

   1. (1) Following notification of necessary arrangements to begin an extended evaluation, the date the extended evaluation begins, and instructions as to the next steps to be taken, the veteran:

      1. (i) Fails to report and does not respond to followup contact by the case manager;
      2. (ii) Declines or refuses to enter the program; or
      3. (iii) Defers induction for a period exceeding 30 days beyond the scheduled date of induction, except where the deferment is due to illness or other sufficient reason;
   2. (2) VA determines the reasonable feasibility of a vocational goal for the veteran before completion of all of the planned evaluation because the decision does not require the further evaluation;
   3. (3) The veteran completes the extended evaluation;
   4. (4) Either the veteran or VA interrupts the extended evaluation;
   5. (5) Either the veteran or VA discontinues the extended evaluation; or

   6. (6) Service-connection for the veteran's service-connected disability is severed by VA or his or her continued eligibility otherwise ceases.

      (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3106)

      Cross References: See §§ 21.57 Extended evaluation, 21.322 Commencing dates, 21.324 Reduction or termination.

[49 FR 40814, Oct. 18, 1984, as amended at 84 FR 193, Jan. 18, 2019]