Bipolar disorder
Across 727 real Board appeals for Bipolar disorder
70% were granted, partly granted, or remanded.
A denial is often not the end — remands are sent back for more development and frequently end in a grant.
- Granted 22%
- Partly granted 15%
- Remanded 33%
- Denied 24%
What tends to win
Among the appeals that were granted or partly granted, the most common ways Bipolar disorder was linked to service:
- Direct service connection207
- Reopened with new & material evidence28
- Secondary to another service-connected condition9
How it’s rated, in practice
When Bipolar disorder was granted, the rating most often assigned was:
- 100% (76)
- 70% (33)
- 50% (6)
- 10% (3)
- 80% (2)
Presumptive & exposure paths
These appeals involved a recognized exposure — which can mean the link to service is presumed, with no nexus to prove:
- Camp Lejeune water6
- Gulf War3
- Agent Orange / herbicides2
Real decisions
- Granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date of March 11, 2013, for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder based on new and material evidence constructively received within one year of the initial denial.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired mental health condition, to include major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, based on new evidence.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial rating for an acquired psychiatric disability, currently diagnosed as PTSD with bipolar disorder and other trauma and stressor related disorder, was increased to 70 percent effective July 11, 2019.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, currently diagnosed as bipolar disorder, based on service aggravation.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for PTSD, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and unspecified bipolar and related disorder based on credible evidence of in-service stressors and continuous symptoms since service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for bipolar disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected TBI.
What you can do next
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.