[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 38, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 38CFR12.23]

[Page 558]
 
            TITLE 38--PENSIONS, BONUSES, AND VETERANS' RELIEF
 
                CHAPTER I--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
 
PART 12_DISPOSITION OF VETERAN'S PERSONAL FUNDS AND 
 
Sec.  12.23  Recognition of valid claim against the General Post Fund.

    Effective December 26, 1941, the assets of the estate of a veteran 
theretofore or thereafter deposited to the General Post Fund are subject 
to the valid claims of creditors presented to the Department of Veterans 
Affairs within 1 year from the date of death or otherwise as provided by 
any applicable law. Any heir, next of kin, legatee, or other person 
found to be legally entitled to the personal property of the veteran may 
claim same within 5 years from the date of the veteran's death. If 
claimant is under any legal disability (as a minor, incompetent, etc.) 
at the date of the veteran's death, the 5-year period begins upon the 
termination of removal of legal disability. Such claims are for 
settlement by the field facility which had originally made the deposit. 
In the event of doubt as to entitlement or the necessity of legal 
proceedings to obtain assets for the benefit of the General Post Fund, 
the case will be referred to the Chief Attorney of jurisdiction for 
advice and/or appropriate action. Any necessary court costs or expenses 
will be paid from the appropriation, General Operating Expenses, 
Department of Veterans Affairs.

[33 FR 1073, Jan. 27, 1968]

                   Operation of Lost and Found Service