38 CFR § 6.21 - Guardian: definition and authority.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t38/s6.21"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "38 CFR § 6.21 - Guardian: definition and authority."
title_number: 38
title_name: "Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief"
section_number: "6.21"
section_name: "Guardian: definition and authority."
chapter_name: "DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS"
part_number: "6"
part_name: "UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "38 U.S.C. 501, 1940-1963, 1981-1988, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "6"
---


# 6.21 Guardian: definition and authority.

(a) *Definition.* For the purpose of this section, the term *guardian* includes any fiduciary certified by the appropriate Veterans Service Center Manager under § 13.55 of this title to receive benefits in a fiduciary capacity for an insured or beneficiary.

(b) *Authority.* For the purpose of this part, a guardian of an insured or beneficiary shall have authority to: Apply for conversion of a policy or change of plan; reinstate a policy; withdraw dividends held on deposit or credit; select or change a dividend option; obtain a policy loan; cash surrender a policy; authorize a deduction from benefits or allotment from military retired pay to pay premiums; apply for and receive payment of the proceeds on a matured policy; select or change the premium payment option; apply for waiver of premiums; select or change the settlement option for beneficiaries; assign a beneficiary's interest as provided under section 1953 of title 38 U.S.C.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1944)

[56 FR 9627, Mar. 7, 1991. Redesignated at 61 FR 29025, June 7, 1996, as amended at 71 FR 28586, May 17, 2006]