Fill Out DVA Form D2663 Online

What is DVA Form D2663 used for

The form claims a pension for dependants of a deceased veteran on the basis that the death was war caused or defence caused. The claim is granted if DVA determines that the veteran's death was related to service. Decisions rely on current medical evidence and, where one has been issued, the Repatriation Medical Authority's Statement of Principles for the cause of death, which is binding on all parties.

Dependants of an Australian Defence Force member whose service falls on or after 1 July 2004 may instead be covered by the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, which uses a different claim form. The form also notes that if the veteran was an ex prisoner of war, or was receiving disability pension at the Special Rate, Temporary Special Rate, Intermediate Rate or Extreme Disablement Adjustment at the time of death, you should contact DVA first because a formal claim may not be required.

Who uses DVA Form D2663

Widows, widowers and other dependants of a deceased veteran complete the form, or another person completes it on their behalf. Part A allows a representative, such as a Legacy or ex-service organisation advocate, to be nominated to act in matters related to the claim.

DVA strongly encourages claimants to seek assistance from Legacy or another ex-service organisation, whose advocates can explain how the Statements of Principles may apply to the cause of death. DVA staff can also help with completing the form.

How to fill out DVA Form D2663

Have the death certificate and any service and medical records to hand before you begin.

• Nominate a representative in Part A if you want an advocate or organisation to act for you.
• Complete the deceased veteran's details in Part B, including date and place of death and the cause or causes of death, and attach a copy of the death certificate.
• Complete your own details in Part C, including your relationship to the veteran at the time of death, with a marriage certificate or evidence of the relationship unless DVA already holds it.
• List dependent children under 25, attaching a certified birth certificate extract or adoption order for each, and evidence of dependency where the veteran was not the parent.
• Provide the medical history in Part D: doctors, hospitals and nursing homes that treated conditions related to the death, and the veteran's local doctor.
• Give what you know of the veteran's service history, or attach the discharge certificate. If the veteran had claimed a disability pension before, this section is not needed, and DVA can obtain service records from the Department of Defence in any case.
• Answer the prisoner of war questions where relevant, then sign the declaration.

Identity requirements and what happens next

New claimants may need to prove their identity with one Category A document and two Category B documents, adding a Category C document if none shows their current address. Copies must be certified, and the form lists who may certify them. Original documents posted with a claim are returned by registered post.

After lodgement, DVA assesses whether the death was service related against the relevant Statement of Principles or, where none exists, the best available medical and scientific evidence. If any details in the form change, you must tell DVA within 21 days, and giving false or misleading information is a serious offence.