The Veteran's claim for an annual VA clothing allowance due to the use of Biofreeze topical analgesic was denied as it is not prescribed for a skin condition due to any service-connected disability.,The Veteran's claim for an annual VA clothing allowance due to her back brace was also denied because the VAMC determined that the model of back brace with Velcro fasteners does not qualify as a qualifying appliance for purposes of awarding a clothing allowance.
The deciding factor: VA treatment records confirm the use of Biofreeze topical analgesic for arthritis pain, but it is prescribed for joint or muscular pain from arthritis and not due to any service-connected skin condition. The Veteran's back brace model with Velcro fasteners was determined by VA to be ineligible for a clothing allowance.
- Claimed conditions
- arthritis of the low back, arthritis of the left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 21, 2018
- Citation
- 1829048
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1829048.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the right and left knees, finding that it is at least as likely as not that these conditions developed due to the Veteran's active military service.,No new evidence or exposure basis was provided in this decision.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions including bilateral shoulder arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, neck pain, arthritis of the low back, and right hand arthritis due to inconsistencies in his statements regarding the onset and chronicity of symptoms.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for chondromalacia patella, patellofemoral crepitus, and arthritis of the left knee. Service connection for a left knee meniscal tear is denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for arthritis of the left knee and right knee to ensure compliance with a Joint Motion for Partial Remand from the Court.
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