Current as of October 03, 2022 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes, a free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.
(a) General. The main purpose of interpreter service for the hearing impaired is to facilitate instructor-student communication. VA will provide interpreter service as necessary for the development and pursuit of a rehabilitation program. This service will be provided if:
(1) A VA physician determines that:
(i) The veteran is deaf or his or her hearing is severely impaired; and
(ii) All appropriate services and aids have been furnished to improve the veteran's residual hearing; or
(2) A VA physician determines that the veteran:
(i) Can benefit from language and speech training; and
(ii) Agrees to undertake language and speech training.
(b) Periods during which interpreter service may be provided. Interpreter service may be furnished during:
(1) Initial evaluation or reevaluation;
(2) Extended evaluation;
(3) Rehabilitation to the point of employability;
(4) Independent living services; or
(5) Employment services, including the first three months of employment.
(c) Selecting the interpreter. Only certified interpreters or persons meeting generally accepted standards for interpreters shall provide interpreter service. When an individual is not certified by a State or professional association, VA shall seek the assistance of a State certifying agency or a professional association in ascertaining whether the individual is qualified to serve as an interpreter.
(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3104(a)(14))
(d) Relatives. Interpreter service at VA expense may not be provided by a relative of the veteran. The term relative has the same meaning as under § 21.374 pertaining to the use of relatives as attendants.
(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3492)
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Code of Federal Regulations Title 38. Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief § 38.21.152 Interpreter service for the hearing impaired - last updated October 03, 2022 | https://codes.findlaw.com/cfr/title-38-pensions-bonuses-and-veterans-relief/cfr-sect-38-21-152/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.