§544. Policies entitled to protection and lapse of policies

(a) Determination

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall determine whether a policy is entitled to protection under this title [sections 541 to 549 of this Appendix] and shall notify the insured and the insurer of that determination.

(b) Lapse protection

A policy that the Secretary determines is entitled to protection under this title [sections 541 to 549 of this Appendix] shall not lapse or otherwise terminate or be forfeited for the nonpayment of a premium, or interest or indebtedness on a premium, after the date on which the application for protection is received by the Secretary.

(c) Time application

The protection provided by this title [sections 541 to 549 of this Appendix] applies during the insured's period of military service and for a period of two years thereafter.

(Oct. 17, 1940, ch. 888, title IV, §404, as added Pub. L. 108–189, §1, Dec. 19, 2003, 117 Stat. 2853 .)

Prior Provisions

A prior section 544, acts Oct. 17, 1940, ch. 888, art. IV, §404, 54 Stat. 1184 ; Oct. 6, 1942, ch. 581, §13, 56 Stat. 775 ; Pub. L. 102–12, §9(15), Mar. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 40 , related to rights and privileges of insured during period of protection, prior to the general amendment of this Act by Pub. L. 108–189. See section 545 of this Appendix.