April 24, 2007


RiverSource Life Insurance Company
(previously IDS Life Insurance Company)
70100 Ameriprise Financial Center
Minneapolis, MN 55474

RE:      RiverSource Life Insurance Company
         (previously IDS Life Insurance Company)
         RiverSource Group Variable Annuity Contract
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 on Form S-1
         File No. 33-48701

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am familiar with the above-referenced Registration Statement filed by
RiverSource Life Insurance Company (previously IDS Life Insurance Company)
("Company") on behalf of the 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 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