38 CFR § 17.646 - Obligated service.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t38/s17.646"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "38 CFR § 17.646 - Obligated service."
title_number: 38
title_name: "Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief"
section_number: "17.646"
section_name: "Obligated service."
chapter_name: "DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS"
part_number: "17"
part_name: "MEDICAL"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "38 U.S.C. 501, and as noted in specific sections."
cfr_part: "17"
---


# 17.646 Obligated service.

(a) *General provision.* A participant's obligated service will begin on the date on which the participant begins full-time, permanent employment with VA in the field of psychiatric medicine in a location determined by VA. Obligated service must be full-time, permanent employment and does not include any period of temporary or contractual employment.

(b) *Duration of service.* The participant will agree in the acceptance of conditions to serve for an obligated service period of 2 or more calendar years.

(c) *Location and position of obligated service.* VA reserves the right to make final decisions on the location and position of the obligated service.