VA Updates Adjudication Procedures Manual to Allow Payment of Claims Where Appointment of Fiduciary was Pending at Tome of Death

During the week of May 1, 2023, the VA updated its Adjudication Procedures Manual to clarify that a claim in which funds were withheld pending a fiduciary appointment is a claim pending at the time of death and may be paid as accrued benefits. The updated section is M21-1, Part XI, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section A – Entitlement to Accrued Benefits Under 38 U.S.C. 5121 (XI.ii.3.A).