Bipolar disorder decisions — 2009

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for a 100 percent evaluation for service-connected bipolar disorder. The Board finds that the earliest possible effective date is September 25, 2003.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was not incurred in or aggravated during active service and denied his claim.

The Veteran is entitled to a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD as of November 14, 2008. Prior to this date, the Veteran's PTSD was not responsible for significant impairment in his ability to work or maintain social relationships.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no confirmed stressor related to his service and insufficient evidence of a current disability due to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a hepatitis disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no evidence of current disabilities related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating of 30 percent for bipolar disorder was denied by the RO, and the matter is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and attempting to verify an in-service stressor for PTSD diagnosis.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder-bipolar type, and deformity and scarring of the left ear resulting from surgery in service are granted. The Veteran does not have a presumptive or secondary service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disabilities, including bipolar disorder and depression, is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the relationship between his current mental health conditions and his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate reasons and bases in the previous decision, including a need for another VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA treatment records and the need for a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration records and clarify whether he still desires a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has reopened the claim for bipolar disorder, depressive type. The PTSD and Meniere's disease with hearing loss and tinnitus claims are pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder, a compensable disability rating for hearing loss of the left ear, and service connection for spinal and cervical stenosis. The decision also noted that the Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding spinal and cervical stenosis.

The Veteran's mood disorder was rated at 30 percent from April 27, 2005 to January 31, 2008 and increased to 50 percent from February 1, 2008. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted (increased rating) and others denied (no higher rating).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, finding that there is no current disability related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders that may be present.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that no claim was filed prior to July 19, 2001.