The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not limit or prevent participation in the avocational interests of exercise, photography, and music. The Board denied the request for VR&E benefits to purchase a music keyboard, stationary and electric bicycles, and camera as part of his avocational activities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are severe enough that achieving a vocational goal is not currently reasonably feasible, thus denying entitlement to VR&E benefits for avocational interests.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Chronic Renal Insufficiency, Migraine Headaches, Lumbar Spine Strain, Impairment of Sphincter Control, Bilateral Pes Planus, Cervical Spine Degenerative Joint Disease, Radiculopathy of the Left Lower Extremity, Radiculopathy of the Right Lower Extremity, Tinnitus, Left Hip Strain, Right Hip Strain, Urinary Incontinence, Left Hand Tendon Rupture, Left Foot Hallux Valgus, Allergic Rhinitis, Colon Polyps, Erectile Dysfunction, Scalp Scar, Dermatophytosis, Neck Scar, Right Upper Extremity Radiculopathy, Left Upper Extremity Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 27, 2022
- Citation
- 22004421
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 22004421.
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 PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
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