June l, 1970 M29-I, Part I

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 13. GENERAL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO

UNDERWRITING ACTIONS

PARAGRAPH PAGE\
13.01 Payment of Premiums 13-I\
a. Premium Due Date 13-1\
b. Grace Period 13-I\
c. Acceptance of Late Premium 13-I\
d. Methods of Payment 13-I\
e. Mode 13-2\
f. Shortages 13-2\
g. Overages 13-2\
13.02 Applications - 13-2\
a. Name of Applicant 13-2\
b. Medical Applications 13-2\
c. Nonmedical Applications 13-2\
d. Supplemental Applications 13-2\
e. Delayed Applications 13-2\
f. Applications Unsigned, Undated or Postdated 13-3

g\. Remittance Sent After Date of Physical\
Examination Report 13-3

h\. Remittance Sent After Date of Signature 13-3

i\. Granting Additional Time To Meet Monetary or Medical\
Requirements 13-4

j\. Applications Submitted Without Required Physical\
Examination Report 13-4

k\. Signature by Mark or by a Blind Person 13-4\
1. Filing Applications and Other Material in Folders 13-4\
m. Receipt of Applications in the VA L3-4\
n. Acknowledgment of Applications 13-4\
q **13-i**

M29-1, Part 1 June I, 1970

CONTENTS\--Continued

PARAGRAPH PAGE\
o. Time Limits for Filing Applications 13-4\
p. Defacing and Obliterating Applications 1 3-4\
q. Withdrawal of Application 13-4\
13.03 Policy Numbers and Folders 13-5\
a. Assignment of Policy Numbers 13-5\
b. Correction of Duplicate Numbers 13-5\
c. Combining of Folders 13-5\
13.04 Issuance of Policies and TDIP Riders 13-6\
a. Form Numbers of Policies and Riders 13-6\
b. Preparation of Policy and/or Riders 13-7\
13.05 Plans of Insurance 13-7\
a. Codes for NSLI 13-7\
b. Codes for USGLI 13-8\
13.06 Policy Loans 13-8\
13.07 Use of Dividend in Underwriting Actions 13-8\
13.08 Age of Insured 13-8

13.09 Death of Applicant Before Delivery of Application for\
Insurance to the VA 13-10

13.10 Powers of Attorney 13-10\
a. Release of Information From Insurance Records 13-10\
b. Recognition of Attorney-In-Fact To Act for Insured 13-11

13-ii

December 22,1978 M29-I, Part I

Change 8

CHAPTER 13. GENERAL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO UNDERWRITING ACTIONS

13.01 PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS

a\. **Premium Due Date.** The monthly premium is due and payable on the
day the policy takes effect and on the same day of each succeeding month
during the lifetime of the insured or for the period provided by the
terms and conditions on the policy contract. If succeeding months do not
contain the corresponding date, the premium due date is the last day of
the month. Premiums are payable monthly in advance in legal tender of
the United States of America to any office of the VA authorized to
receive premium payments. A premium due date may be any date of the
month.

b\. **Grace Period.** For the payment of any premium except the first
under an NSLI or USGLI policy, a grace period of 31 days without
interest will be allowed, during which time the policy will remain in
force; but if the policy shall mature within the grace period, the
unpaid premium or premiums shall be deducted from the amount of
insurance payable. A USGLI 5-year level premium term policy shall cease
and become void at the end of the 60-month period unless renewed as
provided in VA regulations.

c\. **Acceptance of Late Premium.** When a premium is not paid within
the grace period but payment is made during the lifetime of the insured
and within 61 days of the due date, such premium may be regularly
applied as timely.

d\. Methods of Payment

\(l\) **Direct.** Payments may be made by direct remittance in the form
of a check, draft or money order payable to the VA. To be acceptable,
checks or drafts must be paid upon presentation for payment. Payments
may be made in cash to VA employees authorized to accept such payments.
Cash tendered by mail is at the insured\'s own risk. Direct payments may
be made by a third party.

\(2\) **Allotment of Service Pay or Retirement Pay.** Payment may be
made by persons in the Armed Forces or by persons entitled to retirement
pay by allotment from such service or retirement pay. This includes the
initial premium and any others. An allotment from service or retirement
pay of a person other than the insured is *not* acceptable -

\(3\) **Deduction From Benefits Paid by the VA.** Payment of premiums
including the initial premium may be made by deductions from any VA
monthly benefit payments (other than subsistence allowance) due and
payable to the insured under any laws administered by the VA, provided
the insurance is not lapsed.

**(4) Employer Payroll.** Payments other than the initial premium may be
deducted from employer payroll if the VA has such an agreement with the
employer. The VA cannot be a party to any agreement which may be made by
the insured and his or her employer.

\(5\) **Waiver of Premiums Under 38 U.S.C. 712 and 748.** Payment of
premiums is waived during a period of total disability as defined in the
policy for NSLI and in the TDIP rider for USGLI and in 38 U.S.C. 712 and
748.

**(6) Waiver of Premiums Under 38 U.S.C. 724.** Payment of term
insurance premiums is waived during the period of a section 724 waiver.
Payment of the full premium is required on permanent plan policies
during the period of such waiver. However, the amount of the pure
insurance risk portion of the premium is refunded to the insured.

**(7) Dividends.** Payments may be made under certain instances. (See
Sec. l, ch. 2, \[par. 2.06a(8)\].)

\(8\) **Loans.** The insured may request that an amount be deducted from
a loan to pay advance premiums on his or her insurance. A loan may be
granted to reinstate permanent plan contracts, or to pay the difference
in reserve in connection with conversions and changes in plan.

13-1

M29-1, Part I December 22, 1978

Change 8

e\. **Mode.** Premiums are payable monthly in advance. However, payments
may be made annually, semiannually or quarterly, in advance, in which
case the premium payable will be the sum of the monthly premium for the
period selected discounted by the rate of interest used on the insurance
program under which the policy was issued. For premiums paid in advance
see section I, chapter 2.

f\. **Shortages.** Timely payment of less than the monthly premium may
be accepted if the shortage is not more than 10 percent of one monthly
premium and, combined with any other shortage, does not exceed 30
percent of one monthly premium.

g\. **Overages.** When a premium credit exceeds 89 percent of a monthly
premium, the credit will be applied to advance the next premium due date
by I month with a shortage unless premiums are being paid by deductions.

13.02 APPLICATIONS

**a. Name of Applicant.** The spelling and/or arrangement of the
applicant\'s name in the body of the application must agree with the
signature. If they do not completely agree, but it is reasonably certain
that both apply to one and the same person, the more complete form will
be accepted. If there is a major variance, the discrepancy will be
clarified.

b\. **Medical Applications.** An application which requires **a**
complete physical examination report will be referred to as a medical
application.

c\. **Nonmedical Applications.** An application which requires any
statement(s) as to health, excluding a physical examination report, will
be referred to as a Nonmedical application.

d\. Supplemental Applications

\(I\) The following periods of time from the date of VA\'s letter will
be allowed for submission of supplemental applications, medical data,
and/or certifications of health.

\(a\) 31 days-if applicant is out of service and is residing within the
continental limits of the United States.

\(b\) 60 days-if applicant is out of service and is residing outside the
continental limits of the United States.

\(c\) 90 days-if applicant is in service.

\(2\) When requesting a health certification, the date(s) which is a
pertinent part of the certification will be inserted on the application
or letter.

\(3\) If the supplemental data is submitted within the prescribed period
of time, the information will be considered as being available at time
the original application was submitted.

\(4\) If the supplemental data is not submitted within the prescribed
period of time but is available before the final action is taken, such
as a refund of premiums, etc., the information will be considered as
timely submitted.

NOTE: If the applicant requests additional time to submit the necessary
data, the \[Chief Insurance Division\] or designee may allow an
additional period for forwarding such evidence.

e\. Delayed Applications

\(l\) If **a** medical application, accompanied or preceded by the
required remittance, is mailed or otherwise delivered to the VA within
3I days after the date of the physical examination report, it will be
processed without regard to such delay.

13-2

December 22, 1978 M29-1, Part 1 I\
Change 8

\(2\) If a medical application, accompanied or preceded by the required
remittance, is mailed or otherwise delivered to the **VA** more than 31
days after the date of the physical examination report, or is submitted
without the required report, the application will be disapproved. The
applicant will be advised of the necessary requirements for submitting a
new application. However, when there is not sufficient time remaining
under the law for the applicant to reapply, such application will be
held pending and a supplemental physical examination will be requested.
If found acceptable, the report will be used to supplement the original
application.

\(3\) If a Nonmedical application, accompanied or preceded by the
required remittance, is mailed or otherwise delivered to the **VA** more
than 31 days after the date of signature, it will be disapproved and new
requirements will be furnished the applicant.

\(4\) If the application is for RH insurance and is not mailed within 31
days of the date of signature, \[the applicant will be asked to complete
a comparative health statement. When all the requirements are met, the
RH policy will be issued on the basis of\] the original application.

f\. Applications Unsigned, Undated or Postdated

\(l\) Ml applications should be signed and properly dated by the
applicant.

\(2\) If the date has been altered in Part II, Statement of Applicant,
where the applicant signs the application, or in Part III, Physical
Examination Report, where the physician signs the form, the date must be
clarified or a new application submitted.

\(3\) \[(Deleted.)\]

\(4\) When part II of a medical application is unsigned, the signature
will be requested before processing the application.

\(5\) When part III of a medical application is unsigned, undated or
postdated, the date and/or signature of the -examining physician will be
obtained.

\(6\) When a Nonmedical application is unsigned, undated or postdated,
the application will be held pending. The applicant will be asked to
furnish a supplemental comparative health statement showing that he or
she was in as good health on the date the application was postmarked or
otherwise delivered to the VA as on the date the application was
completed.

\(7\) When an unsigned application for conversion, change of plan to a
higher reserve or for issue of replacement Ordinary Life when the
insured is 65 or 70 years old and has the Modified Life plan of
insurance is received, the requested action may be taken. However, **a**
beneficiary designation may not be accepted from an unsigned
application.

g\. Remittance Sent After Date of Physical Examination Report

\(I\) If the required remittance is mailed or otherwise delivered to the
**VA** within 31 days after the date of the physical examination report,
the application may be processed without regard to such delay.

\(2\) **If** more than 31 days have elapsed, the application will be
disapproved. The applicant will be furnished the necessary requirements
to reapply. If insufficient time remains under the law for
reapplication, the application will be held pending. The applicant will
be asked to furnish a complete supplemental physical examination report.
If found acceptable, the report will be used to supplement the original
application.

h\. **Remittance Sent After Date of Signature.** If the required
remittance is mailed or otherwise delivered to the **VA** within 31 days
after the date of signature on a Nonmedical application, the application
may be processed without regard to such delay.

13-3

M29-1, Part I December 22,1978

Change 8

i\. Granting Additional Time to Meet Monetary or Medical Requirements.
When it is necessary to obtain either additional information or money
from an applicant, and a delay in processing is caused by the VA which
resulted in the prescribed period having expired or insufficient time
remaining, the applicant will be allowed 15 days from the date of the
letter (3 l days outside the United States) to meet the requirements.

j\. Applications Submitted Without Required Physical Examination Report.
If an application is submitted without the required physical examination
report, it will be disapproved except as provided for in paragraph
13.02e(2)\[ \].

k\. **Signature by Mark or by a Blind Person.** When an applicant signs
the application by mark (X), it must be witnessed by two disinterested
persons and they must furnish their addresses. If the applicant is
physically unable to sign the application by name or mark, a statement
signed by two disinterested persons stating that the applicant desired
the submission of the application, is required. The witnesses must
furnish their address. If there is any doubt as to the authenticity of
the signatures of the witnesses in either circumstance, the insured will
be asked to complete a new designation with different witnesses.
Whenever practical, the form should be witnessed by a VA representative
-

l\. Filing Applications and Other Material in Folders. All
correspondence, including file copies of outgoing letters, will be filed
in the folder on the right inside cover in chronological order. All
forms, including applications, will be filed on the left inside cover
also in chronological order. Disposal material will not be filed in the
insurance folder.

m\. **Receipt of Applications in the VA.** The received date in the VA
will be determined by (l) postmark date, if mailed, or (2) earliest
received date indicated by stamp if delivered to the VA or (3) date
application placed in military channels.

n\. Acknowledgment of Applications

\(I\) **VA** Form 29-4424, Postcard Acknowledgment and Notice of
Assignment of New Insurance Number, will be used \[ \] when a new \[RH\]
number is assigned to:

\(a\) \[(Deleted.)\]

\(b\) Notify local index of such assignment.

\[(c) Notify Miscellaneous Accounts and Service Unit of the
assignment.\]

\(2\) **VA** Form 29-5885b, Information About Your Insurance and/or
Application, is a system-generated form and is used to acknowledge a
remittance bearing application when a 203 collection item is coded by
the Collections activity \[except incompetent cases.\] The message YOUR
APPLICATION IS RECEIVING ATTENTION is printed thereon.

\(3\) FL 30 will be clerically prepared and used in all other instances
to acknowledge an underwriting application.

o\. **Time Limits for Filing Applications.** If the last day specified
for filing an application falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday,
the application will be considered as having been filed timely if it is
submitted on the following workday. When a holiday occurs on Saturday,
the preceding Friday is a legal holiday for Federal employees. Months,
when a holiday occurs on Sunday, the following Monday is a legal holiday
for Federal employees. These holidays will be considered in determining
the last day of a specified period for filing of applications or for
payment of insurance premiums. The effective date will be the date the
application is submitted, unless the applicant requests any other
acceptable date.

p\. Defacing and Obliterating Applications and Other Official Documents.
Unauthorized markings and notations will not be made on insurance
applications and other official documents. Unnecessary notations and
observations concerning certain evidence can destroy the usefulness of
the documents in the case of a claim or in the process of finding fraud.
This is especially true regarding photocopies of such official
documents. When it is necessary to comment on the entries in an
application or other official document, such comment should be by a
separate memo, reference slip or other recognized media.

134

December 22, 1978 M29-I, Part I\
Change 8

q\. **Withdrawal of Application.** If the applicant requires withdrawal
of the application for insurance, the rules are:

\(l\) When the applicant has submitted a timely application for
insurance, together with the remittance covering the initial premium,
the application meets all requirements, and the request for withdrawal
is delivered to the VA on or after the effective date of change, the
request will not be granted, and the application will be approved. If
forwarded by mail, properly addressed, the postmark date will be taken
as the date of delivery. If forwarded through military or **VA**
channels, the date the request is placed in channels will be taken as
the date of delivery.

\(2\) When additional evidence or other requirements must be furnished
by the applicant before determination of acceptability can be made, the
application may be withdrawn, provided the request is delivered to the
VA or bears a postmark date prior to the date of submission of the
additional requirements.

\(3\) The application may also be withdrawn if the request is delivered
to the VA or bears a postmark date prior to the effective date of
change.

13.03 POLICY NUMBERS AND FOLDERS

a\. **Assignment of Policy Numbers.** Blocks of numbers assigned to the
various officers are as follows:

\(l\) Philadelphia

\(a\) For all NSLI policies except those with an \"N\" prefix:

l through 999,999

16,000,000 through 17,999,999

\(b\) For NSLI policies with an \"N\" prefix:

22,005,000 through 22,005,999

\(c\) For USGLI policies:

1,200,000 through l ,299,999

\(2\) St. Paul

\(a\) For all NSLI policies except those with an \"N\" prefix:

19,000,000 through 19,999,999

\(b\) For NSLI policies with an \"N\" prefix:

22,004,000 through 22,004,999

\(3\) Regardless of the insurance programs involved, an insured may not
have two policy numbers with identical figures in the last three digits
in the low order position.

b\. **Correction of Duplicate Numbers.** When an insurance number has
been duplicated, correction will be made by deletion of the duplicated
number from the records of one of the insurance contracts involved. The
records will be assembled and examined to determine from which record
the duplicate number is to be deleted. The insured will be notified of
the new policy number.

13-5

M29-I, Part I December 22,1978

Change 8

**c. Combining of Folders.** When an application is approved and there
is a record of other active insurance, the folders will be \[combined.\]
The order of precedence is **V** (including RS, RH or H), J and K. If an
RH policy is approved and there **is an active** J and/or K policy, the
folders will be combined under the RH number. It will be necessary to
delete the J and/or K records and reinsert them under the RH file
number.

13.04 ISSUANCE OF POLICIES AND TDIP RIDERS

a\. Form Numbers of Policies and Riders

\(1\) For insurance assigned \"K\" numbers

9-341 Special Endowment at Age 96

9-735 5-Year Level Premium Term

9-741 Ordinary Life

9-745 5-Year Convertible Term

9-747 20-Payment Life

9-748 30-Payment Life

9-749 20-Year Endowment

9-750 30-Year Endowment

9-751 -Year Endowment

9-753 Total Disability Provision

9-1667a Total Permanent Disability Provision

Form 753 Total Disability Provision

\(2\) For insurance assigned \"V\" numbers

9-1667 Total Disability Income Provision \[(\$5-60)\]\
29-1660 5-Year Level Premium Term\
29-1661 Ordinary Life, 20-Payment Life, 30-Payment Life\
29-1664 Endowment Policy\
29-1667 Total Disability Income Provision (\$10-65)

29-1667b Total Disability Income Provision (\$10-60)\
29-8161 Modified Life-Age 65\
29-8175 Special Ordinary Life at Age 65\
29-8177 Modified Life-Age 70\
29-8181 Special Ordinary Life at Age 70

\(3\) For insurance assigned \"H\" numbers

29-8162 H Modified Life -Age 65

29-8176 H Ordinary Life at Age 65

29-8289 H Modified Life-Age 70

29-8682 H Ordinary Life at Age 70

\(4\) For insurance assigned \"RS\" numbers

9-4400 5-Year Level Premium Renewable Non convertible Term

29-1667 Total Disability Income Provision (\$10-65) 29-1667b Total
Disability Income Provision (\$10-60)

29-8374 Waiver of Premiums Provision, to be attached to VA Form 9-4400

NOTE: Die appropriate \"V\" policy forms **will** be **used** with the
\"V\" prefix being obliterated and a gummed insert providing information
to the effect that the insurance is non participating being placed over
paragraph 3 entitled \`\`Dividends, \`\` where applicable.

13-6

December 22,1978 M29-1, Part I\
Change 8

\(5\) For insurance assigned \"RH\" numbers

294401 5-Year Level Premium Term\
294402 Ordinary Life, 20-Payment Life, 30-Payment Life\
294405 Endowment Plans\
29-8163 Modified Life-Age 65\
29-8180 Modified Life-Age 70

\(6\) For insurance assigned \"W\" numbers

94408 Limited Convertible 5-Year Level Premium Term

94409 Life Plans

94410 Endowment Plans

29-8164 Modified Life-Age 65

29-8179 Modified Life-Age 70

29-1667 Total Disability Income Provision (\$10-65)

29-1667b Total Disability Income Provision (\$10-60)

29-8374 Waiver of Premiums Provision, to be attached to VA Forms 94409
and 94410.

**(7)** For insurance assigned \"J\" numbers

29-8165 Modified Life-Age 65

29-8178 Modified Life-Age **70\
**29-8168 Ordinary Life, 20-Payment Life, 30-Payment Life\
29-8171 Endowment Plans\
29487 Total Disability Income Provision

\(8\) For insurance assigned JR numbers

29-8166 Modified Life-Age 65\
29-8291 Modified Life-Age 70\
29-8169 Ordinary Life, 20-Payment Life, 30-Payment Life\
29-8172 Endowment Plans\
29487 Total Disability Income Provision

\(9\) For insurance assigned JS numbers

29-8167 Modified Life-Age 65\
29-8291 Modified Life-Age 70\
29-8170 Ordinary Life, 20-Payment Life, 30-Payment Life\
29-8173 Endowment Plans\
29-8174 1-Year Endowment\
29487 Total Disability Income Provision

b\. **Preparation of Policy And/or Rider.** Generally, policies and/or
riders for NSLI are generated by the computer at the time of issue or
change. When the policy and/or rider is not a pinfeed form, clerical
preparation is necessary.

13.05 PLANS OF INSURANCE (CODES)

a\. Codes for NSLI

1-Ordinary Life

2-20-Payment Life

3-30-Payment Life

13-7

M29-1, Part 1 I December 22,1978

Change 8

4-20-Year Endowment

5-Endowment At Age 60

6-Endowment At Age 65

7-5-Year Level Term or 5-Year Limited Convertible Term

8-Modified Life-Age 65

-8-Modified Life-Age 70

9-Reduced Modified Life-Age 65

-9-Reduced Modified Life-Age 70

0-Replacement Ordinary Life V, W, H, RH or J-Ages 65 and 70.

b\. Codes for USGLI

I-Ordinary Life

2-20-Payment Life

3-30-Payment Life

4-20-Year Endowment

5-Special Endowment at 96 (without waiver)

6-Special Endowment at 96 (with waiver)

7-5-Year Level Term of 5-Year Convertible Term

8-30-Year Endowment

9-Endowment at 62

0-Whole Life 745

NOTE: On rerated cases, an \"R \"is shown after The code.

13.06 POLICY LOANS

a\. Authority for granting policy loans on NSLI is included in 38 U.S.C.
706 and VA Regulation 3428. For USGLI, it is included in 38 U.S.C. 744
and **VA** Regulations 3100 and 3101.

b\. A policy loan may be granted on any inforce policy issued on a
permanent plan \[or term with the paid-up additions attached\]. This
includes policies surrendered for reduced paid-up insurance, but does
not include policies furnishing protection under the extended term
provision.

13.07 USE OF DIVIDENDS IN UNDERWRITING ACTIONS

Dividends received from participating insurance and held by the VA as a
dividend credit or on deposit may be used to help pay the cost of
underwriting.

13.08 AGE OF INSURED

a\. The age of the applicant for insurance purposes is his or her age on
the birthday anniversary nearest to the effective date of the policy.
Make the calculation to determine the insurance age by subtracting the
date of birth from the effective date of insurance.

13-8

October 1,1973 M29-1, Part I\
change 8

13.07 USE OF DIVIDENDS IN UNDERWRITING ACTIONS

Dividends received from participating insurance and held by the **VA**
as a dividend credit or on deposit may be used to help pay the cost of
underwriting.

13.08 AGE OF INSURED

a\. The age of the applicant for insurance purposes is his age on his
birthday anniversary nearest to the effective date of the policy. Make
the calculation to determine the insurance age by subtracting the date
of birth from the effective date of insurance.

13-8a

December 22,1978 M29-1, Part I\
Change 8

\(6\) Information will be released to a third party only as requested by
such authorized person. The fact that a VA Form 294337 or its equivalent
may be on file does not mean that the third party will be notified
automatically concerning transactions between the VA and the insured
from time to time. The third party will be given information to which he
or she is entitled only upon his or her request.

\(7\) When the authorized third party requests that all correspondence
or completed actions be forwarded to him or her, the request will
generally be complied with; however, when it is not practical to do so,
he or she will be advised. For example, when a computer-generated policy
is sent to the address in the master record, the third party will be
advised as to the action taken and the reason VA is unable to comply
with his or her request.

\(8\) **VA** Forms 294337 and other authorizations will be filed on the
left side of the insurance folder, cleated face down and lengthwise, so
that they may be folded back over subsequently filed material.

b\. Recognition of Attorney-In-Fact To Act for the Insured. Generally,
the absence of any statute providing otherwise, powers or authorities
may be created to do any act the \[insured\] might lawfully perform. The
writing should disclose the identity of the agent and what he or she is
authorized to do, but need not be so detailed as to specify each act the
agent is empowered to perform.

\(1\) A general power of attorney specifically relating to insurance
transactions may be acceptable to change, convert or modify an NSLI or
USGLI contract.

\(2\) A designation or change of beneficiary and/or optional settlement
may not be made by a person having a general power of attorney. Any such
designation or change submitted by a person having a power of attorney
will not be accepted unless the request is accompanied by a properly
executed power of attorney specifically designating a beneficiary, and
indicating the optional settlement desired or requesting a change of
beneficiary and/or option. In this respect the labeling of the document
is immaterial; it must be special and specific in nature as outlined
above, to be acceptable.

\(3\) All questionable cases involving a power of attorney should be
submitted to the \[Chief, Insurance Program Management Division (290).\]

13-11

October 16,1972 M29-1, Part I\
Change 4

Example 1:

Effective date July 1,1962\
Date of birth January 18, 1929

1962-7- l

[1929-1-18]{.underline}

33.5-13

The insurance age is 33.

Example 2:

Effective date July l, 1962\
Date of birth November l0, 1928

1962- 7. l

[1928-11-10]{.underline}

33- 7-21

The insurance **age** is **34.**

b\. When the insurance effective date is exactly halfway between two
birthdays, the age calculation will result in an even 6 months. In such
instances, determine insurance age as follows:

\(l\) Where the day of birth and effective day are the same, the
insurance age is the *younger age.*

Example 3:

Effective date November 25,1962\
Date of birth May 25,1929

1962- 11-25

[1929- 5-25]{.underline}

33- 6- 0

The **insurance** age is 33.

\(2\) Where the day of birth and effective day are *not* the same, the
insurance age is the *older* age. The month

rather than the day determines **the insurance age.**

Example 4:

Effective date December 1,1962\
Date of birth May 31, 1929

1962-12- 1

[1929- 5-31]{.underline}

33- 6-0

The insurance **age** is 34.

c\. **If the** records disclose different dates of **birth that affect
the insurance age,** the discrepancy will be clarified. If proof is not
furnished **the** date of birth resulting in the older **age** will **be
used.**

13-9

M29-l ,Part l October 16,1972

Change 4

d\. After the insurance is in force under certain conditions it is
necessary to determine the attained age of **he** insured. **This** is
done by subtracting the effective date of the policy from the premium
due date the attained age is needed and adding the issue age of the
insured on the effective date of the insurance. The attained age is
determined in years and months. The following is an example of the
calculation:

Attained Age

Amount Plan Effective Date Age\
\~7,500 OL 9-14-53 32\
Attained age as of 2-14-69.\
69 2 l4

53 9 14\
l 5 5 duration of policy

32 issue age\
47 yrs. 5 mos. attained age

3.09 DEATH OF APPLICANT BEFORE DELIVERY OF APPLICATION FOR INSURANCE TO
THE VA

The date an application is delivered to the VA must be before the date
of death of the applicant. Otherwise, the application will be
disapproved.

13.10 POWERS OF ATTORNEY

a\. **Release of Information from Insurance Records.** The provisions of
VA Regulations 500 through 527 are applicable to the release of
information from VA records. Accredited representatives of recognized
organizations (VA Regulation 5627) holding appropriate power of attorney
and recognized attorneys (VA Regulation 5629(B)) with the written
authorization of the insured may, subject to certain restrictions,
receive information from the insurance and allied folders. VA Form
29-4337, Authorization for Release of Information from Insurance
Records, is generally used for this purpose. This form, when properly
completed, authorizes the VA to release upon request of the person or
organization named thereon, any information from the insurance records
to which the insured would be entitled. The authorization will remain in
effect until canceled by notice in writing, signed by the insured and
delivered to the VA.

\(l\) Letters from the insured and various forms in **use** by
veterans\' service organizations and insurance representatives which are
clear as to intent and are signed by the insured may be accepted as a
valid authorization for the release of insurance information.

\(2\) Any authorization, VA Form 29-4337 or its equivalent, in which the
insured restricts or limits the information to be released will be used
only for that purpose.

\(3\) When a VA Form 294337 is not of record, **but** there is a VA Form
23-22, Appointment of Service Organization as Claimant\'s
Representative, in favor of the service organization, of record in the
\[insurance\] folder. either by presence of the form itself *or* **a
notation that** the power of attorney is on file in a regional office
(or the service organization representative advises that there is a VA
Form **23-22** on file in the regional office, **the** in formation may
be released to the representative.

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October 16,1972 M29-1, Part 1\
Change 4

\(4\) If **it** is clear from correspondence received from an attorney,
trust officer, or insurance agent the he/she is representing th**e**
insured, **all** necessary transactions in connection with the
**insurance may** be accomplished through t**hat** person as a matter of
courtesy, even though **a** power of attorney or VA Form 29-4337, is not
of record. A copy of our correspondence to the third party **will be
sent** to the insured for his information. if there is any question as
to whether or not a third party is actually representing the insured, a
**VA Form** 29-4337 will **be** requested

5\) Where a proper authorization is of record and the third party has
requested status or general information not requiring specific action on
the part of the insured, such status or information will be furnished
directly to the third party without communicating with the **insured.
If** action is required by **the** insured in order to maintain or
protect his rights under the policy, the insured will be notified
directly, and copies of the correspondence will be sent to the
authorized third party.

13-10a