Citation Nr: 18141709
Decision Date: 10/11/18	Archive Date: 10/11/18

DOCKET NO. 16-27 154
DATE:	October 11, 2018
ORDER
1. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for coronary artery disease is dismissed.
2. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is dismissed.
3. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is dismissed.
4. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is dismissed.
FINDINGS OF FACT
In August 2018, VA was notified that the Veteran died in August 2018.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
Due to the death of the Veteran, the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the appeal for entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for coronary artery disease, entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, and entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities. 38 U.S.C. § 7104(a) (2012); 38 C.F.R. § 20.1302 (2017).
REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
The Veteran served on active duty from January 1964 to June 1965 and from April 1971 to May 1974.
Unfortunately, the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal. As a matter of law, appellants’ claims do not survive their deaths. This appeal on the merits to each issue has become moot by virtue of the death of the Veteran and must be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. 38 U.S.C. § 7104(a); 38 C.F.R. § 20.1302.
In reaching this determination, the Board intimates no opinion as to the merits of the issue on appeal or to any derivative claim brought by a survivor of the Veteran. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1106.
 
A. P. SIMPSON
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	A. Keninger, Associate Counsel