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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 20020178.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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