April 23, 2010

RiverSource Life Insurance Company
829 Ameriprise Financial Center
Minneapolis, MN 55474

RE:  RiverSource MVA Account
     RiverSource Life Insurance Company
       RiverSource(R) AccessChoice Select Variable Annuity
       RiverSource(R) Builder Select Variable
       RiverSource(R) Endeavor Select Variable Annuity
       RiverSource(R) FlexChoice Variable Annuity
       RiverSource(R) FlexChoice Select Variable Annuity
       RiverSource(R) Galaxy Premier Variable Annuity
       RiverSource(R) Innovations Variable Annuity
       RiverSource(R) Innovations Select Variable Annuity
       RiverSource(R) Innovations Classic Variable Annuity
       RiverSource(R) Innovations Classic Select Variable Annuity
       RiverSource(R) New Solutions Variable Annuity
       RiverSource(R) Pinnacle Variable Annuity
       RiverSource(R) Signature Variable Annuity
       RiverSource(R) Signature Select Variable Annuity
       RiverSource(R) Signature One Variable Annuity
       RiverSource(R) Signature One Select Variable Annuity
       Evergreen Essential(SM) Variable Annuity
       Evergreen New Solutions Variable Annuity
       Evergreen New Solutions Select Variable Annuity
       Evergreen Pathways(SM) Variable Annuity
       Evergreen Pathways(SM) Select Variable Annuity
       Evergreen Privilege(SM) Variable Annuity
       Wells Fargo Advantage(R) Variable Annuity
       Wells Fargo Advantage(R) Select Variable Annuity
       Wells Fargo Advantage(R) Builder Variable Annuity
       Wells Fargo Advantage Choice(SM) Variable Annuity
       Wells Fargo Advantage Choice(SM) Select Variable Annuity
     Form S-1
     Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 for Registration Statement
        No. 333-139776

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am familiar with the above-referenced Registration Statement filed by
RiverSource MVA Account with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

I have made such examination of law and examined such documents and records as
in my judgment are necessary and appropriate to enable me to give the following
opinion:

1. The Company is duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under
applicable state law and is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each
jurisdiction where it transacts business. The Company has all corporate powers
required to carry on its business and to issue the contracts.

2. The Account is a validly created and existing separate account of the Company
and is duly authorized to issue the securities registered.


3. The contracts issued by the Company, when offered and sold in accordance with
the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement and in compliance with
applicable law, will be legally issued and represent binding obligations of the
Company in accordance with their terms.

I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.

Sincerely,


/s/ Rodney J. Vessels
-------------------------------------
Rodney J. Vessels
Assistant General Counsel and
Assistant Secretary