Bipolar disorder decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder is service-connected, presumed to have been incurred during his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bipolar disorder was denied because there was no prior evidence received by VA before August 20, 1998, that could be construed as a formal or informal claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that the earliest date of service connection was July 21, 2000.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and unclear medical evidence, including a lack of post-service treatment records. The appellant's bipolar disorder is presumed to have existed prior to service but was not aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development of evidence, including obtaining records from private practitioners and hospitals mentioned by the veteran.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his bipolar disorder.

The Board found that the veteran's bipolar disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied both his claim for service connection and his TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that a VA examination and opinion are needed to determine the etiology of the veteran's psychiatric disorder, which includes bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia. The appeal is being remanded for these actions.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar affective disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for bipolar disorder.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased disability evaluation and total rating based on individual unemployability due to his bipolar disorder with paranoid schizophrenia. The RO is instructed to schedule a VA examination, obtain medical records, and readjudicate the claims.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals found that the veteran likely developed an acquired psychiatric disorder in service, and granted service connection for dysthymia.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder and increased the rating for right wrist ganglion cyst removal to 10 percent, effective from August 2000.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and other applicable laws, regulations, and VA guidance. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board found that the veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, is not service-connected due to it being a result of an aggravated personality disorder rather than a superimposed psychiatric condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. The right knee disability claim is being remanded to the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric disorder, specifically a bipolar disorder, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to any service-connected disability. As such, the claim for service connection for bipolar disorder is denied.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current bipolar disorder to his period of service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a diagnosed PTSD, and there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The claims are therefore denied.