Peggy L. Quattlebaum v. Eric K. Shinseki

KASOLD, Chief Judge:

Mrs. Peggy L. Quattlebaum, surviving spouse of World War II veteran Cecil L. Quattlebaum, appeals through counsel a June 11, 2009, Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) decision that denied her attempt to reopen a previously denied claim for accrued benefits. Mrs. Quattlebaum argues that the Board’s statement that “finally denied claims for accrued benefits cannot be reopened once the [one-year] time period [of 38 U.S.C. § 5121(c) ] expires” was an incorrect statement of law and not supported by adequate reasons or bases. Record (R.) at 7. The Secretary disputes this…