Bipolar disorder decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder was granted a higher initial rating of 50 percent effective March 24, 2009. The other disabilities were previously granted and remain at their current assigned ratings.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is productive of total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, PTSD, and major depression, are etiologically related to his service. The claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, verifying service dates, and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any current psychiatric disabilities are related to military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder (claimed as manic depressive disorder). The matter is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and ensure full compliance with the VCAA.

The Board finds that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of each upper extremity was incurred during his active service due to repetitive motion injuries. Therefore, service connection for bilateral CTS is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder were denied in August 1994. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, to include manic depressive disorder, was reopened due to the submission of new evidence but remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to service, including in-service sexual assault. The RO must ensure that all requested actions have been conducted and readjudicate the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his previously-denied service-connection claim for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, claiming it as bipolar disorder. The new evidence submitted by the Veteran's aunt did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a nervous disorder (claimed as bipolar disorder) and granted it, with an effective date of August 1980. The right knee disability is rated at 10 percent prior to February 8, 2006 and thereafter. Bilateral hearing loss is not compensable. Right thumb disability is also not compensable.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the Veteran's incarceration and inability to attend a VA examination. The Veteran is seeking service connection for acquired psychiatric disabilities, including bipolar disorder, conversion reaction, and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder and contusion of the left elbow do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has remanded the case for further evidentiary development, including obtaining the Appellant's complete service treatment records and private treatment records from various facilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes bipolar disorder with psychotic features. The issue is now on the merits.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is denied, but he is granted a TDIU rating due to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and any other diagnosed psychiatric disorders. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her psychiatric disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. Personality disorder was also ruled out as a disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's PTSD and bipolar disorder are found to be related to service, with the stressors occurring during his active duty. Service connection is granted for these conditions.