(a) In any legal or equitable proceeding to which the Secretary is a party (including probate and bankruptcy proceedings) arising from a loan guaranteed, insured, or made, or a property acquired by the Secretary pursuant to title 38, U.S.C. chapter 37, original process and any other process prior to appearance that may be served on the Secretary must be delivered to the VA Regional Counsel located in the jurisdiction in which the proceeding is docketed. Copies of such process will also be served on the Attorney General of the United States and the United States Attorney having jurisdiction over that area. Within the time required by applicable law, or rule of court, the Secretary will cause appropriate special or general appearance to be entered in the case by an authorized attorney.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3703(c) and 3720(a))

(b) After appearance of the Secretary by attorney all process and notice otherwise proper to serve on the Secretary before or after judgment, if served on the attorney of record, shall have the same effect as if the Secretary were personally served within the jurisdiction of the court.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3720, 3732)