Bipolar disorder decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder warrants a rating of 70 percent from February 27, 1991 to March 25, 1997 and a 100 percent rating thereafter. The effective date for the TDIU rating is set at March 26, 1997.

The Board denied service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder in April 1984, which is final. The veteran's claim was reopened based on new evidence submitted after the April 1984 decision, but an effective date earlier than July 14, 1994, is legally precluded.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the service-connected bipolar disorder, finding that it results in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board found that the veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorders did not clearly and unmistakably preexist service, nor were they incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for bipolar disorder was denied by the Board, as it is not assignable due to the statutory time limits.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that there was no new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claim.

Your son was awarded service connection for bipolar disorder in May 1995, and the VA denied your claim of reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred between November 1993 and January 1994 due to lack of timely filing.

The Board granted service connection for bipolar affective disorder and assigned a 100 percent evaluation, effective July 12, 2001.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and peripheral neuropathy, both determined to be directly related to service. Service connection was also granted for asthma with a rating of 30 percent. The bipolar disorder issue is moot as service connection was granted on a direct basis.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his bipolar disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted a waiver of recovery for the overpayment of improved nonservice-connected disability pension benefits, finding that repayment would not cause undue financial hardship and defeating the purpose for which the benefits were intended.

The Board found that the veteran's personality disorder was not incurred or aggravated during service and denied his claim for service connection. The claims of PTSD and bipolar affective disorder were also denied as they are not diseases or injuries within the meaning of applicable legislation.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim of service connection for bipolar disorder and denied secondary service connection for alcohol dependence.

The VA determined that the veteran's schizophrenia (bipolar disorder) does not render him unemployable due to service-connected disability, as his condition is not severe enough to prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder, manic type does not warrant a rating higher than 70 percent.

The appellant is permanently and totally disabled due to his psychiatric condition, resulting in moderate occupational impairment, and several permanent disabilities that render him unable to work. A permanent and total disability rating for nonservice-connected pension purposes has been granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board found that the pre-existing psychiatric condition did not worsen during service, thus denying service connection. However, the veteran is eligible for a special monthly pension based on his need for regular aid and attendance.

The veteran's bipolar disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent schedular evaluation.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder identified as bipolar disorder.