Bipolar disorder decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional treatment records from his VA medical center.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of lung disorder including pneumonia, Parkinson's disease was not incurred or aggravated during military service nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred, residuals of a staph infection, pleurisy, prostatitis, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and leg and foot disorders were not incurred or aggravated during military service nor may they be presumed to have been so incurred. The Veteran's claim for hepatitis C was also denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a pre-existing psychiatric disorder and insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between any current psychiatric condition and service.

The Veteran withdrew her claim for entitlement to service connection for muscle spasms of the bilateral legs during her Board hearing. The remaining issues are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and bipolar disorder are related to his military service, with current diagnoses supported by VA examination reports. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the nature and likely etiology of her psychiatric condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and major depression with psychotic features, had its onset during active service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board found no evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder to include Major Depression, Depressive Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Mood Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder. The Veteran engaged in combat with the enemy during his service aboard the USS John R. Craig and was awarded a Combat Action Ribbon. His current diagnoses of PTSD and other psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and clarifying the relationship between his service-connected psychiatric disorder and in-service stressors.

The Board has expanded the issue to include any acquired psychiatric disability due to conflicting diagnoses. A VA psychiatric examination and nexus opinion are needed.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Bipolar disorder, finding that the Veteran's account of a military sexual assault is credible and consistent with his diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and records are needed to properly adjudicate the appellant's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with partial PTSD has been rated at 100 percent throughout the initial rating period, effective June 12, 2007. The disability is characterized by severe impairment and unemployability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically bipolar disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for her service-connected bipolar disorder has been dismissed as she withdrew the appeal and is now receiving a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for the service-connected bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with depression and anxiety is being remanded due to incomplete records from VA medical facilities and private treatment sources.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder have been granted service connection, with a rating of 30 percent for the period from October 24, 2005 to April 1, 2007.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms of psychosis were present within one year of his separation from active service and thus presumed to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a bipolar disorder, but finds that he has PTSD that is related to his military service. The claim for PTSD is granted.