D.C. Mun. Regs. r. 7-2517
In lieu of personally appearing before the Board, individuals applying for relief for themselves and/or on behalf of surviving children shall furnish to the Board satisfactory evidence of their identity, marriage, birth, and legal responsibility for the children, and student status of the children, when appropriate, at the time of the death of a member.
With respect to the application for the lump sum payment benefit, provided in cases of performance-of-duty death, evidence of dependency, including the cost of care and portion paid by deceased member, shall also be furnished.
The Board shall consider applications for relief from the documented evidence furnished but may, in its discretion, require any individual(s) making the application to personally appear before it.
In considering applications for the lump sum payment benefit, the Board shall also consider the investigative report of the circumstances regarding the death involved. An appropriate official of the department or agency concerned shall personally present the report to the Board. The official shall be someone other than the member or alternate member serving the Board at the time the application is being considered.
Any applicant for relief, who expresses a desire to do so, may personally appear before the Board.
D.C. Mun. Regs. r. 7-2517