Bipolar disorder decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for service-connected bipolar disorder (also claimed as manic depression) is being remanded to the RO for further consideration, including whether referral of the case for extra-schedular evaluation under 38 C.F.R. � 3.321(b)(1) is warranted.

The Board denied service connection for alcohol dependence as it was a result of the Veteran's own willful misconduct. The claim for service connection for all other psychiatric disabilities (including paranoid schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, depressive disorder not otherwise specified, adjustment disorder, borderline personality disorder, and anxiety) was also denied on the merits.

The Veteran's service connection claim for psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, was granted. He also received a compensable rating of 10% for his right shoulder osteoarthritis.

The Board has ordered a remand for an adequate VA psychiatric examination to determine the current nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder. The Veteran is also required to provide authorization for VA to obtain her treatment records from Temple University Hospital dated from 1980.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, hepatitis C, and bipolar disorder. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disorder, variously claimed as bipolar disorder; hypertension and coronary artery disease. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant's discharge from service was due to willful and persistent misconduct, but not because of insanity. Therefore, his character of discharge is considered dishonorable, which bars him from receiving VA compensation benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying in-service stressors and obtaining a VA examination to determine if any psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and requests that additional records be obtained, including from Fort Ord in 1971. The Veteran's service treatment records indicate he had complaints of nervousness, headaches, and depression prior to his separation from active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and mood instability, are related to his military service. The claim for PTSD was denied due to lack of a diagnosis in accordance with DSM-IV criteria.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and opinion to determine whether the Veteran's psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and a sleep disorder were denied as there is no current diagnosis of either condition, and the symptoms have been attributed to his diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran is found competent to handle her VA funds, including the disbursement of funds.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU were denied, while the claim for an earlier effective date was also denied. The Veteran's bipolar disorder has been rated at 50 percent since August 20, 2001.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. This includes obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar disorder is service-connected and he meets the eligibility requirements for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder. The Veteran is also seeking to determine if his ADHD was aggravated by service. A VA examination will be scheduled to assess these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar disorder was aggravated by his brief period of active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.