shows the fact and date of death. the deceased individual was, at an official report of death from the the time of Secretary of the department concerned. on the retired list in an inactive duty status, or on active duty occurred abroad a U.S. consular report of death bearing the signature and seal of the U.S. consul. the deceased individual an official report of death from the head was, at the time of death, a of the department concerned. civilian employee of a U.S. government agency, and death occurred abroad When primary evidence cannot be furnished, the claimant Important: must provide the reason why. c. Secondary Once a claimant provides the reason for the lack of primary evidence of death, Evidence of the fact of death may be established on the basis of the following secondary evidence a finding of the fact of death made by another Federal agency in the absence of evidence to the contrary, or affidavits from persons who have personal knowledge of the fact of death, and viewed the body and know it to be the body of the person whose death is being established. Affidavits must set all the facts and circumstances concerning the Note: death such as the date, place, time, and cause thereof. d. In the absence of the primary or secondary evidence outlined in M21-1, Part Circumstances III, Subpart iii, 5.B.5. b and c, VA may make a finding of death if the fact of Under Which death is shown by a preponderance of competent evidence. VA May Make a Finding of An administrative decision is required. Important: Death For more information on preparing an administrative decision Reference: regarding a finding of death, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, 1.G. 6. Determining Whether a Marriage Is Void
shows the fact and date of death. the deceased individual was, at the time of on the retired list in an inactive duty status, or on active duty an official report of death from the Secretary of the department concerned. occurred abroad a U.S. consular report of death bearing the signature and seal of the U.S. consul. the deceased individual was, at the time of death, a civilian employee of a U.S. government agency, and death occurred abroad an official report of death from the head of the department concerned. Important: When primary evidence cannot be furnished, the claimant must provide the reason why. c. Secondary Evidence of Once a claimant provides the reason for the lack of primary evidence of death, the fact of death may be established on the basis of the following secondary evidence a finding of the fact of death made by another Federal agency in the absence of evidence to the contrary, or affidavits from persons who have personal knowledge of the fact of death, and viewed the body and know it to be the body of the person whose death is being established. Note: Affidavits must set all the facts and circumstances concerning the death such as the date, place, time, and cause thereof. d. Circumstances Under Which VA May Make a Finding of Death In the absence of the primary or secondary evidence outlined in M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 5.B.5. b and c, VA may make a finding of death if the fact of death is shown by a preponderance of competent evidence. Important: An administrative decision is required. Reference: For more information on preparing an administrative decision regarding a finding of death, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, 1.G. 6. Determining Whether a Marriage Is Void
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