(a) Permanent and total disability. The Secretary will cancel a student borrower's indebtedness in accordance with section 722(d) of the Act if the borrower is found to be permanently and totally disabled on recommendation of the school and as supported by whatever medical certification the Secretary may require. A borrower is totally and permanently disabled if he or she is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity because of a medically determinable impairment, which the Secretary expects to continue for a long time or to result in death.

(b) Death. The Secretary will cancel a student borrower's indebtedness in accordance with section 722(d) of the Act upon the death of the borrower. The school to which the borrower was indebted must secure a certification of death or whatever official proof is conclusive under State law.