17.612—Cancellation, waiver, or suspension of obligation.
(a)
Any obligation of a participant for service or payment will be canceled upon the death of the participant.
(b)
(1)
A participant may seek a waiver or suspension of the service or payment obligation incurred under this program by written request to the Secretary setting forth the basis, circumstances, and causes which support the requested action. The Secretary may approve an initial request for a suspension for a period of up to 1 year. A renewal of this suspension may also be granted.
(2)
The Secretary may waive or suspend any service or payment obligation incurred by a participant whenever compliance by the participant (i) is impossible, due to circumstances beyond the control of the participant or (ii) whenever the Secretary concludes that a waiver or suspension of compliance would be in the best interest of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(c)
Compliance by a participant with a service or payment obligation will be considered impossible due to circumstances beyond the control of the participant if the Secretary determines, on the basis of such information and documentation as may be required, that the participant suffers from a physical or mental disability resulting in permanent inability to perform the service or other activities which would be necessary to comply with the obligation.
(d)
Waivers or suspensions of service or payment obligations, when not related to paragraph (c) of this section, and when considered in the best interest of the Department of Veterans Affairs, will be determined by the Secretary on an individual basis.