# Spouse and Surviving Spouse
> **US Department of Veterans Affairs** · Final rule. · Published 1997-02-06 · Effective 1997-02-06 · 62 FR 5528
## Document
- **Document number:** 97-2903
- **Category:** va-other
- **Agency:** US Department of Veterans Affairs
- **Federal Register citation:** 62 FR 5528
- **CFR reference:** 38 CFR 3
- **Publication date:** 1997-02-06
- **Effective date:** 1997-02-06
## Abstract

This document amends Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adjudication regulations to replace gender-specific language with gender-neutral language. The amendments are necessary to conform the adjudication regulations with the VA policy that all of its publications will be stated in a manner that does not seem to preclude benefits for female veterans, dependents or beneficiaries.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1997/02/06/97-2903/spouse-and-surviving-spouse)
---
*MORVS · CC0 1.0*