Bipolar disorder decisions — 2003

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and other relevant regulations.

The Board has determined that a VA psychiatric examination is needed to determine the current severity of the veteran's bipolar disorder, particularly as it relates to his ability to secure or follow substantial gainful employment. The claims for an increased rating for bipolar disorder and for a TDIU rating are being remanded.

The Board found that the appellant was not insane on October 8, 1973 when he committed a robbery offense and thus his discharge from military service under dishonorable conditions is valid.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety with insomnia.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected bipolar disorder and for service connection of gastrointestinal disabilities as secondary to his service-connected bipolar disorder due to his failure to report for a scheduled VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation and consideration of his PTSD and TDIU claims, including a VA examination to assess his employability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to procedural issues and a need for further examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no competent medical evidence showing that this disability was related to an in-service disease or injury. The new and additional post-service medical records did not provide sufficient evidence to relate the etiology of the veteran's current psychiatric disorder to active service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim and determined that new evidence supports a finding of service connection for his psychiatric disorder.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a skin disorder and denied service connection for bipolar disorder. The appellant's skin disorder is not shown to have had its onset during qualifying service, nor is it related to any disease or injury incurred in service.

The Board has remanded the case for further procedural development, including informing the veteran of the information and evidence necessary to substantiate his claim and ensuring that all required development procedures are fully complied with.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and the court's decision invalidating certain regulations. The case is now being remanded for additional examination and review.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being sent back to the Regional Office (RO) for specific actions, including requesting Social Security Administration records and giving the veteran an opportunity to respond.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disability, specifically bipolar disorder. The decision is based on the theory of direct service connection and no presumption or exposure basis was provided.

The Board has granted an effective date of May 2, 1994 for a 100% evaluation for bipolar disorder.

The Board found that the veteran suffers from bipolar disorder, which has been evaluated as 100 percent disabling since May 7, 1997. The medical evidence shows she lacks the mental capacity to contract or manage her own affairs, including disbursement of funds without limitation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD, which was aggravated by active service, results in mild impairment of social and occupational functioning. Therefore, a 10 percent evaluation is granted for PTSD.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD and bipolar disorder warrant a 100% evaluation, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 15, 1999, for service connection of a schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric condition, diagnosed as bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder, which the veteran claims was incurred during his active duty.