EXHIBIT 9

April 24, 2008

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

RE: RiverSource(R) Variable Annuity Account
    RiverSource(R) Innovations Select Variable Annuity
    RiverSource(R) Innovations Variable Annuity
    RiverSource(R) Innovations Classic Select Variable Annuity
    RiverSource(R) Innovations Classic Variable Annuity
    RiverSource(R) Endeavor Select Variable Annuity
    RiverSource(R) New Solutions Variable Annuity
    Evergreen Essential(SM) Variable Annuity
    Evergreen New Solutions Select Variable Annuity
    Evergreen New Solutions Variable Annuity
    Wells Fargo Advantage(R) Select Variable Annuity
    Post-Effective Amendment No. 3
    File Nos.: 333-139763/811-07195

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am familiar with the establishment of the RiverSource Variable Annuity Account
("Account"), which is a separate account of RiverSource Life Insurance Company
("Company") established by the Company's Board of Directors according to
applicable insurance law. I also am familiar with the above-referenced
Registration Statement filed by the 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 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 prospectuses 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/ Elisabeth A. Dahl
-------------------------------------
Elisabeth A. Dahl
Assistant General Counsel and
Assistant Secretary