provide
any other examples of the veteran's signature due to a fire
in her home.
In a November 1996 statement, S. maintained that M. had a
past history of forging the veteran's signature and diverting
monetary amounts from the veteran to herself. S. stated that
in June 1996 the veteran wanted to ensure that no changes had
been made in his life insurance beneficiary, and he had
contacted the local VA office to confirm that S. was the
named beneficiary. S. submitted a copy of a letter from VA
to the veteran dated in June 1996 indicating that enclosed
was a copy of the most recent beneficiary designation form,
but the letter did not state the date the form was signed so
it is not known whether the 1991 or 1996 form was originally
enclosed with the letter. S. argued that theveteran did not
sign the 1996 beneficiary form, and she provided examples of
the veteran's handwriting.
The 1991 beneficiary designation form was witnessed by K.H.
The 1996 beneficiary designation form was witnessed by I.N.
The appellant stated that she was unable to locate I.N. In
January 1997, the appellant submitted a sworn statement from
J.H., which indicated that J.H. was present when the veteran
changed his beneficiary in April 1996 and that she saw him
sign that document. J.H. submitted another statement in May
1997 stating that she did not know the veteran prior to the
1996 incident, but she had known the appellant as a friend
and neighbor. She stated that she witnessed the veteran
complete and sign the change of beneficiary form in San Diego
in 1996. The veteran was alert and did not appear
intoxicated or under the influence of