Bipolar disorder decisions — 2012

The Veteran's schizoaffective disorder and bipolar I disorder with psychotic features have been rated at 30%, 50%, and now 70% since June 9, 2006. The current rating of 70% is effective September 1, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination and for further development of his claims, including service connection for bipolar disorder and PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and a seizure disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for VA examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's bipolar disorder clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service, and was not permanently aggravated by any incident of his military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The appeal is based on a direct service connection theory.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bipolar II disorder, which is a direct result of his military service, meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for PTSD based on personal/sexual assault in the military. The claim for depression and bipolar disorder will be considered as part of the PTSD rating determination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and other psychiatric disorders was denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition in service or related to service, and the diagnoses are not supported by credible supporting evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, Bipolar disorder, and Dysthymia. The Veteran's health effects claim is also granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for bipolar disorder. The Board found that the left 12th rib resection is not related to service and dismissed the claim.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for tinea pedis has been withdrawn. The Board finds that service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder, depression, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, social phobia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Service connection is also granted for insomnia, with the condition being secondary to service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Board found that the Veteran is not incompetent for direct receipt of VA compensation benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to consider her current psychiatric disabilities, including somatoform disorder, dysthymic disorder, depression, and bipolar disorder. The case will be re-adjudicated as a claim for any acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bipolar disorder is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection are not addressed as they have been referred back to the RO.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA treatment records from a Shreveport VA facility. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and medical opinion reports are inadequate for adjudication purposes, necessitating a remand to obtain new examinations and opinions. The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability remain under review.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of an in-service stressor event related to PTSD and consideration of alternative current conditions within the scope of the filed claim.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a diagnosed psychiatric disability, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, is granted as the evidence supports a finding of direct service connection based on his combat experience.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, was incurred in service and grants service connection for this condition.