Sec. 13. (a) Language conferring general authority with respect to benefits from military service means the principal authorizes the attorney in fact to do the following:

(1) Execute vouchers in the name of the principal for allowances and reimbursements payable to the United States, a state, or a subdivision of a state to the principal, including allowances and reimbursements for transportation of the principal and the principal's dependents, and for shipment of household effects, and receive, endorse, and collect the proceeds of a check payable to the order of the principal drawn on the treasurer, fiscal officers, or depository of the United States, a state, or a subdivision of a state.

(2) Take possession and order the removal and shipment of property of the principal from a post, warehouse, depot, dock, or other place of storage or safekeeping, either governmental or private, and execute and deliver a release, voucher, receipt, bill of lading, shipping ticket, or certificate the attorney in fact considers desirable or necessary.

(3) Prepare, file, and prosecute the claim of the principal to a benefit or assistance, financial or otherwise, to which the principal is or claims to be entitled under a statute or regulation existing at the time of the execution of the power of attorney or enacted after execution of the power of attorney by the United States, a state, or a subdivision of a state, or by a foreign government if the benefit or assistance arises from or is based upon military service performed before or after the execution of the power of attorney by the principal or a person related by blood or marriage to the principal and execute a receipt or other instrument the attorney in fact considers desirable or necessary for the enforcement or collection of the claim.

(4) Receive the financial proceeds of a claim described in this section, conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything received from a claim for purposes permitted under this section, and reimburse the attorney in fact for expenditures properly made in the execution of powers conferred upon the attorney in fact.

(5) Prosecute, defend, submit to arbitration, settle, and propose or accept a compromise with respect to a claim existing in favor of or against the principal based on or involving benefits from military service or intervene in a related action or proceeding.

(6) Hire, discharge, and compensate an attorney, accountant, expert witness, or other assistant when the attorney in fact considers the action to be desirable for the proper execution by the attorney in fact of a power described in this section and keep needed records.

(7) Perform any other acts the attorney in fact considers desirable or necessary to assure to the principal and to the dependents of the principal the maximum possible benefits from the military service performed before or after the execution of the power of attorney by the principal or a person related by blood or marriage to the principal.

(b) The powers described in this section are exercisable equally with respect to benefits from military service existing at the time of the giving of the power of attorney or accruing after that time, whether accruing in Indiana or in another jurisdiction.

As added by P.L.149-1991, SEC.2.