Bipolar disorder decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted. As a result, accrued benefits were also denied.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% for the period from July 10, 1998, through October 26, 1999. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, panic attacks more than once a week, difficulty understanding complex commands, and impaired judgment.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his other psychiatric disorder, to include schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, is less likely than not related to his period of active duty service. Therefore, service connection for both conditions is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for residuals of a fall, laceration and broken nose.

The Board has granted a rating of 30 percent for the veteran's residuals of GSW to MG XI and fibula, right, finding that these residuals constitute a severe muscle disability. The effective date remains unchanged at August 16, 2002.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, but these claims have been denied on their merits.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD or Bipolar Disorder that is attributable to military service and denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for a bipolar disorder requires additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a bipolar disorder, finding that the veteran's current psychiatric condition is at least as likely as not related to his military service. Service connection was denied for stiff joints due to lack of evidence showing their onset during or immediately after service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bipolar disorder and depression, and alcoholism have been denied as there is no current medical diagnosis linking these conditions to military service.

The veteran seeks service connection for bipolar disorder, which he claims was aggravated by a personal assault during boot camp. The case is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if the pre-existing condition worsened during service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need for medical examinations and records from Social Security Administration.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining service medical records and VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder. The issue is now on remand for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of dependent spouse care and arranging for a psychiatric examination to determine the etiology of the veteran's bipolar disorder.

The VA determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder is currently manifested by mild impairment, controlled with medication. The rating of 10 percent remains unchanged.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating of his bipolar disorder from 30% to 50% is being remanded due to the need to consider additional evidence and readjudicate the case.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Hearing Loss, or Tinnitus as a result of service. The preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic psychiatric disorder during military service and concluded that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and major depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.