Bipolar disorder decisions — 2005

The Board determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder warrants a rating of 70 percent, effective from November 15, 2004. The claim for an increased rating remains on appeal as he has not expressed satisfaction with this rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bipolar disorder, finding that she did not reopen her claim until March 19, 2001. The case is remanded to obtain a current VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board found that the veteran does not have PTSD and was diagnosed with depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. The claim for service connection for these psychiatric disorders is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability resulting from active duty.

The Board found that the evidence received since January 1967 denial is not new and material, thus denying the veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder contributed to his death, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The VA has determined that the veteran's manic depressive psychosis with bipolar disorder warrants a 50 percent evaluation, reflecting its current severity.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD and bipolar disorder are related to his active service, but other psychiatric disabilities do not have a direct link.

The Board has determined that the veteran was not entitled to service connection for any of the claimed conditions, including residuals of gonorrhea, kidney disease, Peyronie's disease, hypothyroidism, and a psychiatric disability (bipolar disorder), for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that the veteran's current psychiatric disability had its onset during his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, specifically bipolar disorder, was incurred during his military service and is not due to any pre-existing condition or external factors. The claim for service connection is therefore granted.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, and a lumbosacral strain. The veteran's mental health issues are believed to have begun in childhood, while his physical back condition is attributed to a motor vehicle accident.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar affective disorder with dysthymia and schizoid personality disorder. However, the claim for bipolar affective disorder with dysthymia cannot be granted as there is no medical evidence establishing a link between the current condition and military service.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD with bipolar disorder is rated at 30 percent since November 7, 1996.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including verification of the veteran's claimed stressors and an opinion regarding whether his pre-existing bipolar disorder was aggravated by service. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and consideration due to the veteran's belief that his current psychiatric problems may have had their onset during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a videoconference hearing. The veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including Panic Disorder with Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder, are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than June 28, 1994 for the grant of service connection for bipolar disorder is not warranted.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant's request for withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, finding new evidence to be received since the previous denial. The veteran's diagnoses are linked to her inservice sexual assault.