Viewing page 114 of 127

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

-30-
INCOMPETENCE
   SECTION 16. 
   (a) Every individual receiving or claiming benefits, or to whom any right or privilege is extended, under this or any other Act of Congress now or hereafter administered by the Board shall be conclusively presumed to have been competent until the date on which the Board receives written notice, in a form and manner acceptable to the Board, that he is incompetent, or a minor, for whom a guardian or other person legally vested with the care of his person or estate has been appointed: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That the Board may, in its discretion, validly, recognize actions by, and conduct transactions with, others acting, prior to receipt of, or in the absence of, such written notice, in behalf of an individual found by the Board to be an incompetent or a minor, if the Board finds such actions or transactions to be in the best interests of such individual. 
   (b) Every guardian or other person legally vested with the care of the person or estate of an incompetent or minor who is receiving or claiming benefits, or to whom any right or privilege is extended, under this or any other Act of Congress no or hereafter administered by the Board, shall have power everywhere, in the manner and to the extent prescribed by the Board, to take any action necessary or appropriate to perfect any right or exercise any privilege of the incompetent or minor and to conduct all transactions on his behalf under this or any other Act of Congress now or hereafter administered by the Board. Any payment made pursuant to the provisions of this or the preceding subsection shall be a complete settlement and satisfaction of any claim, right, or interest in and to such payment.