Bipolar disorder decisions — 2010

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is rated at 50 percent, effective as of the date of this decision.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, was granted. The evidence received since the previous decisions in August 1991 and October 1997 relates to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial evaluation for residuals of left hand injury affecting the long, ring and little fingers was granted. Service connection for traumatic arthritis of the left wrist, bipolar disorder, and loss of four upper teeth due to dental trauma were also granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his condition did not manifest during active duty and was not aggravated by ACDUTRA. The Board concluded that there is no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and military service.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for service-connected depression with anxiety, adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features, and bipolar disorder has been withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including paranoid type schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, and panic attacks, had their onset in service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to insufficient findings in the VA examination report and the need for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to various issues, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) and hepatitis C is being considered.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital is denied as the treatment was not for an emergency and did not meet the criteria for VA reimbursement.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for VA treatment records from October 3, 2006, to the present. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending and will be reconsidered after these records have been obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar II disorder originated during his service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The other service-connected conditions do not warrant separate ratings.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and is granting it. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, is found to be related to his in-service experiences. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is granted.

The Board found that the appellant was not permanently incapable of self-support prior to his 18th birthday due to mental health conditions, and thus denied the claim for helpless child status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 28, 2005, for the grant of service connection for bipolar disorder is being remanded due to a lack of consideration of applicable regulations.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder, which the Board finds requires further examination to determine their etiology. The remaining claims are also remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence did not establish chronicity of a disease during service.

The Board found no evidence of a pre-existing psychiatric disability and denied service connection for bipolar disorder as there is no medical opinion linking the current condition to active military service.