Bipolar disorder decisions — 2007

The VA has granted service connection for bipolar disorder and assigned a 50 percent rating from the effective date of service connection until February 24, 2006. The veteran's disability picture did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at that time.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder, finding new and material evidence. However, it was not able to definitively establish a link between the veteran's current condition and his military service.

The veteran's claim to reopen his prior denied claim of service connection for bipolar disorder was not supported by new and material evidence, and the claim is therefore denied.

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

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and hypertension due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine or bipolar disorder that is attributable to his military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim and found that new evidence supports a current diagnosis of PTSD. However, there is no corroboration for the claimed in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. The veteran is also to be provided with a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature, extent, onset, and etiology of any psychiatric disability, particularly bipolar disorder and depression. A VA examination regarding diabetes mellitus will also be conducted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder warranted a 70 percent rating effective June 9, 2005. The claim for TDIU was granted effective June 5, 2005.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension, as well as his claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance. The decision found that there was no evidence of a current diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder or bipolar disorder related to service, and that hypertension was not shown in service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination to determine if the appellant's current mental disorder is related to his active duty service.

The veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder is rated at 50 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, currently diagnosed as bipolar disorder. The evidence shows that the veteran had a pre-existing psychiatric condition (schizophrenia) prior to service but experienced significant deterioration during military service.

The veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature, etiology, and onset date of any current psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional records and a VA examination to determine if the appellant's service connection claim for PTSD and bipolar disorder is supported by evidence.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence. The RO must issue a supplemental statement of the case with consideration of this new evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder, hypertension, left hip condition with arthritis, left ankle disability with arthritis, back disability, headaches, and respiratory disability.

The veteran's cervical and lumbar strain were incurred during service, while her foot fungus was not shown to be related to service. Other claims of service connection are denied.

The Board found that the veteran's bipolar disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by his active service, nor was it related to his service-connected PTSD. Therefore, service connection for bipolar disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar affective disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied her claim for service connection.