The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance is denied as there was no qualifying back brace or topical medication that caused damage to his outer garments.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's service-connected lower lumbar strain required a back brace, which would tend to wear out or tear clothing, nor did it show that he used topical medication for a skin condition due to a service-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- lower lumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 17, 2017
- Citation
- 1752966
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1752966.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for depression, insomnia, and lower lumbar strain due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's assertions suggest an association between his current disabilities and service.
- Partly granted
The veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for GERD and service connection for lower lumbar strain were denied. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was remanded.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for lower lumbar strain, finding that the Veteran's current condition is a continuation of his back sprain from service and resolving all doubt in his favor.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's service treatment records are incomplete and requests for these records have not been completed. The Veteran is also requested to provide any additional medical records from private providers, including Dr. Baldwin.
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