---
kind: "section"
citation: "38 C.F.R. § 6.21"
title: "38"
number: "6.21"
heading: "Guardian: definition and authority."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/38/6.21"
---

# §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](/cfr/38/13.55.md) 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](/usc/38/1953.md) of title 38 U.S.C.

## Notes

### Amendments

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

### Authority

Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 1940-1963, 1981-1988, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

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