Citation Nr: A25106981 Decision Date: 12/11/25 Archive Date: 12/11/25 DOCKET NO. 250220-522433 DATE: December 11, 2025 ORDER The appeal concerning the issues of entitlement for an increased rating for right knee replacement, thoracolumbar spine, and entitlement to individual unemployability are dismissed. FINDING OF FACT In October 2025, the Veteran died while this appeal was pending before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board). CONCLUSION OF LAW Due to the death of the Veteran, the criteria for the dismissal of this appeal have been met. 38 U.S.C. § 7104; 38 C.F.R. § 20.1302. REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION The Veteran had active-duty service from December 1974 to December 1977 and June 1982 to February 1987. These matters are on appeal from a December 2024 decision of the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ). Unfortunately, the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal. Therefore, as a matter of law, the Board cannot issue a decision on the underlying claims at this time and must dismiss this appeal. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1302(a). The Board's dismissal does not affect the right of an eligible person to take the Veteran's place to continue the appeal on the pending claims. This process, known as substitution, must be requested within one year of the Veteran's death. 38 C.F.R. § 3.1010(a), (b). Individuals who may be eligible for substitution include the Veteran's surviving spouse, dependent children, dependent parents, and those who bore the expenses of last sickness or burial. 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.1000(a), 3.1010(a). (Continued on the next page) ? A VA Form 21P-0847, "Request for Substitution of Claimant Upon Death of Claimant was provided to the Veteran's estate in October 2025. In this case, no one has requested to substitute for the Veteran. Any person who would like to request substitution must submit a VA Form 21P-0847, "Request for Substitution of Claimant Upon Death of Claimant." The form and filing instructions are available online at https://www.va.gov/find-forms/. If the AOJ receives a request for substitution within one year of the Veteran's death and then grants the request, this dismissed appeal will resume its place on the Board's docket. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1302(a). B. MULLINS Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board Jarman, Timothy The Board's decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.