 The Department of Veterans Affairs VA identifies employment as a priority issue for OEFOIF veterans. However, OEFOIF veterans with polytrauma represent a new and unique VA sub-population. Polytraumatic injuries are more complex than injuries sustained in any previous conflict. Returning to work, therefore, may prove especially challenging. Among individuals with severe disabilities, employment outcomes are closely tied to the individuals level of success with Independent Living IL. IL refers to the ability to reside in the community and participate in activities of choice by managing available resources, negotiating barriers and exercising self-determination. IL often is viewed as a prerequisite to employment for severely disabled individuals, because barriers and facilitators to independence at home and in the community also influence success in the workplace. Thus, IL will be a critical first step to pursuing vocationalemployment goals for OEFOIF veterans with polytrauma. To date, no published studies have investigated IL among veterans with polytrauma. This pilot study will be the first project in a line of research to promote the independence and employability OEFOIF veterans. The goals of the study are twofold. Goal 1 of the study is to investigate the barriers and facilitators to IL identified by community dwelling OEFOIF veterans with polytrauma, caregivers, and IL service providers, and perceptions of how these factors may affect veterans return to work. This goal will be accomplished by using qualitative methods for data collection and analyses. Qualitative interviewing will be used to elicit the perspectives of veterans with polytrauma and caregivers living in Florida, and Florida-based Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment IL service providers. Qualitative data will be coded, and then analyzed using the constant comparative method. Goal 2 of the study is to evaluate the feasibility of using the data collection tools and procedures for a future planned study. An efficacy evaluation will be used to test and refine the data collection tools interview guides and demographic checklists. To evaluate data collection procedures, field notes will be recorded and analyzed to identify optimal organizational procedures and time parameters to minimize subject burden. Findings will be used to plan and design a large, national study of factors affecting return to work among OEFOIF veterans with polytrauma living throughout the United States. Findings also will be used to develop future proposals to fund longitudinal research and implementation projects to improve employability outcomes among veterans with polytrauma. 