Bipolar disorder decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder for which service connection can be established, and therefore, his claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records related to personal assault. The appellant's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not currently suffer from PTSD and therefore service connection for this condition is denied. The Veteran's depression, which he contends is secondary to his service-connected low back disability and right lumbosacral radiculopathy, also fails to meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that there was no credible evidence linking her current psychiatric disabilities to her period of active duty training in 1981.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including service connection for psychiatric disorders, right ankle and foot disabilities. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, clarify the nature of her conditions, and determine if there are any secondary service connection claims.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is manifested by symptoms that more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment, warranting a disability rating of 100 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, other than anxiety and depression, are related to his service-connected anxiety disorder. The appeal is granted.

The Board found that there is no credible evidence to support the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and thus denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and occupational disease are being remanded due to the failure of the RO to comply with all directives in the May 2010 Board remand. The case will be readjudicated after necessary development.

The Board found that the Veteran's allegations of assault in service are not credible and concluded that her acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, were not incurred or aggravated during service.

The Board has determined that new evidence supports reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder. However, these claims remain denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking any current conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the probable etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed bipolar disorder and whether it is related to service. The Veteran will also be provided with another opportunity to respond before the claim is readjudicated.

The Veteran's initial and staged disability ratings for bipolar disorder have been granted, with the highest rating of 70 percent effective since October 28, 2011.,Prior to this date, the Veteran was rated at 30 percent for his bipolar disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA outpatient treatment records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the bilateral knees and an acquired psychiatric disorder will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, are not related to her military service. The evidence does not support a finding of an in-service stressor or sexual assault.

Your claims for reopening service connection for bipolar disorder and PTSD are being remanded to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office for further review. You will be scheduled for a Board hearing at your local office.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, or depression. The new evidence received since January 2002 is sufficient to reopen the claim.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, headaches, and a urinary disorder as the evidence did not show these conditions were incurred during active duty training (ACTDUTRA). The appellant was not considered to have served in active military, naval or air service due to his ACTDUTRA period.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining National Guard service treatment records and providing a supplemental opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disability claims.