Bipolar disorder decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the cause of death and DIC benefits claims can be fully adjudicated. The Veteran died from respiratory arrest due to esophageal cancer, with protein malnutrition being one of the conditions contributing to his death but not related to the immediate cause.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including depression and bipolar disorder. However, it is unclear whether new evidence supports these claims as they were previously denied due to pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is found to have originated during active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include bipolar disorder and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination.

The Veteran is entitled to payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical services in connection with emergency room treatment at Pitt County Memorial Hospital on July 18, 2008 due to the potential seriousness of his Synthroid overdose and the delay involved in seeking VA emergency room treatment.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's atypical bipolar disorder and spondylolithiasis are related to his military service, including periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty training (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not file a claim prior to March 29, 2002, when he received his original service connection award. His right hand/finger injury and PTSD with depression, bipolar features, anxiety and nervousness have been granted effective from March 29, 2002.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, and scheduling a psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and major depression, were rated at 30 percent from October 26, 2004 to September 21, 2007, and then increased to 50 percent effective September 22, 2007.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the merits of the claim may be addressed, including obtaining morning reports and other relevant documentation from the Veteran's unit, as well as a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a right knee disorder were denied. The right knee disorder was granted as it is presumed to have existed prior to service. Service connection for the psychiatric disorders could not be established due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed stressors.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial. The issue of whether PTSD is related to active service remains pending and will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Board has denied the Veteran's application to reopen his service connection claim for bipolar disorder, finding that new and material evidence was not presented.

The Board is remanding the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any of the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to his military service, and whether he had a psychosis that manifested itself in the first post-service year. The appeal will be returned to the Board for further consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and finds that the Veteran's current depression is related to his active military service. Regarding bipolar disorder, a remand is required as the Veteran needs another psychiatric examination to determine if he currently has this condition or had it during the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety with short-term memory loss and irritability.

The Board has granted service connection for a schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. The Veteran's low back and left elbow disabilities are being remanded to obtain VA treatment records and contemporaneous examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to procedural issues and the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and considering specific regulations regarding reduction of disability ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including as secondary to a traumatic brain injury (TBI), is not related to service or any service-connected condition.