Title 38, Veterans' BenefitsRelease 119-102
§1913 Death Before Six Months’ Total Disability
Title 38 › PART II — GENERAL BENEFITS › CHAPTER 19 — INSURANCE › SUBCHAPTER I — NATIONAL SERVICE LIFE INSURANCE › § 1913
Summary
If premiums weren’t waived only because the insured died before six months of total disability, a beneficiary who files proof satisfactory to the Secretary within one year after the death can have the policy treated as in force at the date of death, and unpaid premiums become a lien on the insurance proceeds. If the beneficiary is a minor or insane, proof may be filed within one year after that legal disability ends.
Full Legal Text
Title 38, §1913
Veterans' Benefits, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Whenever premiums are not waived under section 1912 of this title solely because the insured died prior to the continuance of total disability for six months, and proof of such facts, satisfactory to the Secretary, is filed by the beneficiary with the Department within one year after the insured’s death, the insurance shall be deemed to be in force at the date of the death, and the unpaid premiums shall become a lien against the proceeds of the insurance. If the beneficiary is insane or a minor, proof of such facts may be filed within one year after removal of such legal disability.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1991—Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(a), renumbered section 713 of this title as this section. Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(1), substituted “1912” for “712”. Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”. Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”. 1986—Pub. L. 99–576 substituted “the” for “his” in three places.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
38 U.S.C. § 1913
Title 38, Veterans' Benefits
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102