Sherman E. Morris v. Eric K. Shinseki

BARTLEY, Judge:

Sherman E. Morris, Sr. (Mr. Morris), who was the brother, fiduciary, and legal custodian of deceased veteran Burnell L. Morris (the veteran), appeals through counsel a February 27, 2012, Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) decision denying entitlement to benefits due and payable at the time of the veteran’s death. Record (R.) at 3-15. This appeal is timely and the Court has jurisdiction pursuant to 38 U.S.C. §§ 7252(a) and 7266(a). Mr. Morris argues that he is entitled to these benefits because he qualifies as an heir of *496the veteran’s estate under Georgia state law and because…