Bipolar disorder decisions — 2004

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling issue for a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection and increased ratings are pending.

The Board denied service connection for schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, PTSD, and major depression as there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's military service.

The veteran's claim is granted, and he is now eligible for a higher initial rating of 100 percent for PTSD.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected anxiety disorder is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to differentiate symptoms related to his service-connected condition from those related to any nonservice-connected psychiatric conditions.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability, previously classified as schizophrenia and currently classified as bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder and personality disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bipolar disorder, bronchial asthma, stomach problems, sleep disturbance, muscle and joint pain, weight loss, menstrual disorder, fatigue, headaches, and back pain are mixed. Some issues were granted while others were denied or not addressed.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings of bipolar disorder and right fifth metatarsal fracture. The Board also dismissed the claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran is seeking service connection for bipolar disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disorder. The Board has determined that further development, including obtaining VA medical opinions, is needed before the claims can be decided.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder was incurred in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnosis of bipolar disorder is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling a VA psychiatric reexamination. The appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for psychiatric disability, to include bipolar disorder, will be reconsidered after all development is completed.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in the VCAA letter and other procedural issues. The veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder is currently on appeal from an August 1996 rating decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection and an increased rating for PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder warrants a 50 percent rating, reflecting moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression and bipolar disorder, is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression, finding no evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's daughter, CLC, is permanently incapable of self-support due to mental or physical defects prior to her 18th birthday and grants recognition as a helpless child for VA benefits.