PUBLIC LAW 108–183—DEC. 16, 2003 ‘‘1831. ‘‘1832. ‘‘1833. ‘‘1834.
117 STAT. 2655
‘‘SUBCHAPTER IV—GENERAL PROVISIONS Definitions. Applicability of certain administrative provisions. Treatment of receipt of monetary allowance and other benefits. Nonduplication of benefits.’’.
(2) The table of chapters at the beginning of title 38, United States Code, and at the beginning of part II, are each amended by striking the item relating to chapter 18 and inserting the following new item: ‘‘18. Benefits for Children of Vietnam Veterans and Certain Other Veterans .................................................................................................. 1802’’. SEC. 103. ALTERNATIVE BENEFICIARIES FOR NATIONAL SERVICE LIFE INSURANCE AND UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE.
(a) NATIONAL SERVICE LIFE INSURANCE.—Section 1917 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ‘‘(f)(1) Following the death of the insured and in a case not covered by subsection (d)— ‘‘(A) if the first beneficiary otherwise entitled to payment of the insurance does not make a claim for such payment within two years after the death of the insured, payment may be made to another beneficiary designated by the insured, in the order of precedence as designated by the insured, as if the first beneficiary had predeceased the insured; and ‘‘(B) if, within four years after the death of the insured, no claim has been filed by a person designated by the insured as a beneficiary and the Secretary has not received any notice in writing that any such claim will be made, payment may (notwithstanding any other provision of law) be made to such person as may in the judgment of the Secretary be equitably entitled thereto. ‘‘(2) Payment of insurance under paragraph (1) shall be a bar to recovery by any other person.’’. (b) UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE.—Section 1952 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ‘‘(c)(1) Following the death of the insured and in a case not covered by section 1950 of this title— ‘‘(A) if the first beneficiary otherwise entitled to payment of the insurance does not make a claim for such payment within two years after the death of the insured, payment may be made to another beneficiary designated by the insured, in the order of precedence as designated by the insured, as if the first beneficiary had predeceased the insured; and ‘‘(B) if, within four years after the death of the insured, no claim has been filed by a person designated by the insured as a beneficiary and the Secretary has not received any notice in writing that any such claim will be made, payment may (notwithstanding any other provision of law) be made to such person as may in the judgment of the Secretary be equitably entitled thereto. ‘‘(2) Payment of insurance under paragraph (1) shall be a bar to recovery by any other person.’’. (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect on October 1, 2004. (d) TRANSITION PROVISION.—In the case of a person insured under subchapter I or II of chapter 19 of title 38, United States Code, who dies before the effective date of the amendments made
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38 USC 1917 note. 38 USC 1917 note.
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