The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to use of custom insoles/sling supports was denied as shoes are not classified as articles of 'clothing' that can be damaged by wear and tear for purposes of a VA clothing allowance.
The deciding factor: Shoes were determined not to be included as an article of clothing that can be permanently damaged by qualifying appliances in clothing allowance decisions.
- Claimed conditions
- sleep apnea, migraines, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with depressive disorder, supraspinous tendinosis, status post anterior labrum tear, left shoulder, status post ganglion cyst removal with residual scar, right wrist, status post lumbar strain, status post femur fracture, right leg, right knee instability, left knee arthritis with instability, left knee limited range of motion, status post right ankle sprain, status post bunionectomy and neuroma excision with residual scar, right foot, tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergic rhinitis with status post rhinoplasty, peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20020178
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 20020178.
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 Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines was reopened due to new evidence. Service connection is granted for painful scars, but the rating assigned remains at 10 percent. The claims for fibromyalgia and bilateral shoulder disability are denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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