Bipolar disorder decisions — 2008

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for a rotator cuff tear of the right shoulder, mild degenerative spondylosis with spurring of bodies C2-C5, and allergic rhinitis. The claim for bipolar disorder is pending as it pertains to an appeal from another RO. The TDIU and pension claims are also pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service medical records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. A VA examination is also required to determine the nature and likely etiology of the claimed bipolar disorder.

The veteran was awarded a 100% rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability effective November 14, 2001. No earlier date is granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of entitlement to helpless child benefits on the basis of permanent incapacity for self-support prior to attaining the age of 18, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted. The decision is final as no appeal was filed.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence showing a link between the veteran's bipolar disorder and his military service, including any in-service sexual assault. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board found that the veteran's mental disorders are not related to his service and denied both his claim for service connection and his request for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including cervical spine strain with degenerative disc disease, thoracolumbosacral spine strain with degenerative changes, tension headaches, right upper and left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndromes, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder), right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, right knee disability, and right hip disability. The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing right knee disability was not aggravated by service.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as bipolar disorder, was incurred or aggravated by service. The preponderance of medical evidence does not link any current psychiatric condition to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's son, C.M., can be recognized as a helpless child based on having permanent incapacity for self-support prior to age 18 due to mental or physical defects.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims of hepatitis C and a psychiatric disability other than PTSD (claimed as bipolar disorder).

The Board found that the veteran's bipolar disorder resulted in total social and industrial inadaptability, warranting a 100 percent disability rating since the effective date of service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 28, 2001 for the grant of a total evaluation for service-connected bipolar disorder.

The veteran seeks service connection for left hip and knee disabilities. The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's physical incapacity requires regular aid and attendance of another person to protect him from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment, warranting special monthly pension.

The veteran's claim for higher ratings for manic bipolar disorder before April 20, 2007 and from April 20, 2007 is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder was incurred during military service and is granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression, was not incurred or aggravated in service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection.