IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2023

The Veteran's diagnosed GERD and IBS are found to be related to service, with the Board resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) began during her active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The petition to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Veteran's left index finger disability, erectile dysfunction, right knee disability, irritable bowel syndrome, hypertension, lumbar myositis, and left knee patellar tendonitis (post-AACL repair) are all remanded for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for IBS and remanded the remaining issues due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's RLS is rated at a 10 percent disability rating since November 1, 2016.,Prior to July 1, 2022, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with concussion, irritable bowel syndrome, left shoulder strain, lumbar spondylosis, tinnitus, hemorrhoids, and right knee strain, have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since November 26, 2008. The Board has granted TDIU effective as of that date.