April 23, 2010

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

RE:  RiverSource Life Insurance Company ("Registrant")
     Post-Effective Amendment
     No. 2 for Registration Statement
     No. 333-149953
     RiverSource Retirement Advisor Advantage Plus Variable Annuity
     RiverSource Retirement Advisor Select Plus Variable Annuity
     RiverSource Retirement Advisor 4 Advantage Variable Annuity
     RiverSource Retirement Advisor 4 Select Variable Annuity
     RiverSource Retirement Advisor 4 Access Variable Annuity
     RiverSource Guaranteed Term Annuity

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am familiar with the above-referenced Registration Statement filed by
RiverSource Account MGA 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
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Rodney J. Vessels
Assistant General Counsel and
Assistant Secretary