Bipolar disorder decisions — 2002

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 14, 1995 for the grant of service connection for bipolar disorder.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of entitlement to special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, finding that his disabilities did not result in helplessness due to mental or physical impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected bipolar disorder due to her failure to report for a scheduled VA examination, and found that her disability did not warrant a higher rating under either the old or new criteria.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 13, 1996 for a 100% schedular rating for PTSD was denied as the maximum benefit available for that disability under the criteria in effect both before and after November 7, 1996 has already been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder as secondary to the veteran's service-connected psychophysiological cardiovascular reaction with hypertension. The claim for an increased rating for the service-connected condition remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder originated during his active military service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 31, 1997 for the award of a total disability rating for compensation purposes on the basis of individual unemployability (TDIU). The appeal was based on new evidence that reopened his service connection claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The case is now remanded to comply with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and other procedural requirements.

The veteran is seeking service connection for bipolar disorder as secondary to her service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome. The VA has not provided a psychiatric examination, and the case must be remanded for one.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized home improvements and structural alterations, finding that there was no medical emergency necessitating the installation in March 1997.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claims of service connection for bipolar disorder and chronic cervical spine disability, resulting in a denial.

The veteran's bipolar disorder was incurred in or aggravated during active service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The VA granted service connection for bipolar disorder and assigned a 30 percent initial disability rating effective from January 29, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date and a higher rating for his schizoaffective bipolar disorder, assigning it a 100% rating effective August 10, 2000.