The Veteran's beneficiary designation for his NSLI policy was changed to J.K. and R.K., the grandchildren of the Veteran, who are now claiming entitlement to the proceeds. The Board finds that this change was valid as it was made in writing by the insured (the Veteran) with a notary stamp present. However, due to the Veteran's hospitalization at the time of the change, there is no evidence of undue influence or lack of testamentary capacity, and thus the appellant is not entitled to the proceeds.
The deciding factor: The beneficiary designation was valid as it was made in writing by the insured (the Veteran) with a notary stamp present. However, due to the Veteran's hospitalization at the time of the change, there is no evidence of undue influence or lack of testamentary capacity, and thus the appellant is not entitled to the proceeds.
- Claimed conditions
- Not specified in this decision
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 11, 2012
- Citation
- 1235234
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1235234.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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