Bipolar disorder decisions — 2008

The veteran's psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, has been granted a 50% evaluation since April 8, 1998. The service connection for PTSD was also established.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder is service-connected, as it was first reported during his military service and is related to his experiences there.

The VA has granted service connection for the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder, but only after reopening the claim on new evidence. The initial rating assigned is 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 8045-9304.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing psychiatric disorder, which included major depression with psychotic features and bipolar disorder, was aggravated during her period of active service beyond its natural progression. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder is not related to his military service or any service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically bipolar disorder. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder is attributable to her active service.

The veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder is productive of total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating since September 20, 2003.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, is service-connected. However, the claim for a personality disorder, including passive-aggressive and borderline personality disorders, cannot be granted as these are not diseases or injuries eligible for VA compensation.

The VA granted service connection for bipolar disorder and assigned a 50% rating, effective from December 31, 2002. The veteran is seeking an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's mental disorder and its connection to service. The claim will be reconsidered after further development.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder, finding that there was no verified stressor event or evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's active military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted, allowing the veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder to be reopened. The issue will now proceed to a decision on its merits.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, but finds that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD. The claims for major bipolar disorder, right knee strain, right ankle strain, left shoulder strain, arthritis of the cervical spine, and peripheral neuropathy are all denied as not related to service.

The Board has ordered the case back to the RO for further development due to inadequate assistance under VCAA. The veteran is required to provide additional evidence and information, including medical records from specific providers.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination. The claims will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The evidence does not support a finding that the veteran's depression or any psychiatric disorder is related to service, including his right shoulder injury. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder is severe enough to suggest that he is unable to obtain or retain gainful employment, but does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU. The case is being remanded for submission of the claim to the Director, Compensation and Pension Service for extra-schedular consideration.

The Board denied the veteran's petition to reopen her previously denied claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted. The veteran is not eligible for non-service-connected pension benefits as she did not serve for 90 days on active duty.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected bipolar disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and development of records.