The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome causes him to use his VA-issued back brace, rubbing cream, walking cane, and heating pad. This use of orthopedic appliances collectively wears or tears his clothing, warranting a clothing allowance for the year 2015.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's use of his service-connected lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome-related orthopedic appliances (back brace, rubbing cream, walking cane, and heating pad) causes wear on his clothing, which is sufficient to meet the criteria for a clothing allowance.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 17, 2018
- Citation
- 18158803
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 18158803.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied requests for earlier effective dates for service connection of lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and right hand de Quervain's tenosynovitis.,The effective date for the grant of service connection was set at November 5, 2010.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to August 11, 2016, and in excess of 20 percent on and after August 11, 2016, for lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome, degenerative arthritis, and strain residuals; ratings in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to August 11, 2016 is also remanded.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative arthritis, but remanded the claim for a compensable rating for sleep apnea.
- Granted
Service connection for bilateral pes planus, lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is granted.,Readjudication of the claims for service connection for a right wrist scar and a right wrist muscle injury are warranted.
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