Bipolar disorder decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 14, 1997 for the grant of service connection for a psychiatric disorder was denied. The Board found that no earlier effective date could be granted as there were no records indicating treatment or diagnosis before this date.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence submitted by the appellant and other procedural issues.

The VA has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine the current severity of the service-connected bipolar disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the veteran's bipolar disorder is related to his military service and to clarify the date of onset.

The veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically cyclothymic disorder and bipolar disorder. The Board has determined that the appeal should be remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct a VA examination.

The veteran's bipolar disorder, evaluated at 50 percent prior to March 2, 1998, meets the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation based on severe impairment in social and industrial adaptability.

The veteran's PTSD was initially granted with a 30 percent evaluation effective June 22, 1994. The RO has not provided any information about the rating assigned for bipolar disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that the veteran's condition was incurred during active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence received after an August 2002 rating decision.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disability, claimed as bipolar disorder, due to new and material evidence submitted since the previous final decision.

The Board found that the veteran's bipolar disorder did not manifest during service or within one year of service, and there is no credible evidence linking his current condition to service. The claim for service connection was therefore denied.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder and denied a retroactive effective date. The veteran's current rating is 70 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for psychiatric disability. The veteran's current claim will be remanded to develop the merits of her underlying service connection claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to new VCAA requirements and a need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased rating for PTSD, service connection for bipolar disorder as secondary to PTSD, and an effective date earlier than April 8, 1996 for TDIU.

The Board determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder does not warrant a disability rating greater than 50 percent, based on her current symptoms and functional impairment.

The Board is remanding the case to the RO for additional development, including proper notice and consideration of new evidence submitted by the veteran at a hearing. The claim will be reopened if new and material evidence has been received.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in connection with the veteran's claim for service connection for a bipolar disorder. The claims for eligibility to individual unemployability and Dependents' Education Assistance are also remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the service connection issue.

The VA determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder does not result in significant occupational and social impairment, as his symptoms are mild or transient. Therefore, a compensable evaluation is not warranted.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder was incurred during active military service.