Bipolar disorder decisions — 2012

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, as well as for partial-complex seizure disorder. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service stressors or a link between current symptoms and any claimed events.

The Board found that the service-connected PTSD did not cause or contribute to the Veteran's death, and thus denied service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her service-connected psychiatric disorders and TDIU were denied. The claim to reopen a right shoulder disability was also denied.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for psychiatric disabilities including PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, with the diagnosis based on in-service stressors related to sexual assault and witnessing another individual being sexually assaulted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Bipolar Disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to her in-service experiences.

The Board has remanded the case for an additional VA examination to determine if there is credible evidence of the Veteran's reported in-service stressors and whether any current acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was incurred or aggravated as a result of those stressors. The Veteran must report for this examination.

The Board found that there is clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's pre-existing mood disorder was not aggravated during his service, thus denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. The decision found that there was no credible supporting evidence of a verified in-service stressor related to PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case to ensure a complete record is available for decision, including obtaining VA treatment records and clarifying whether the Veteran is receiving Social Security Administration disability benefits. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity to respond.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment over the course of the appeals period, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of her claims file.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder has been rated at 70 percent since September 13, 2004. The Board found that the current level of impairment does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder, finding that there was no credible evidence linking any current psychiatric condition to service. The Veteran's statements regarding his in-service stressor were deemed not credible.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, fibromyalgia, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include bipolar disorder or depression) as there was no clear and unmistakable evidence showing a preexisting condition that worsened during service. The VA examinations did not provide sufficient nexus opinions to establish direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on a personal assault in service, resolving reasonable doubt in her favor.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and the VA examiner found no evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD. The Board finds that the Veteran's schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are not related to his service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and development to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD with bipolar disorder, traumatic brain injury residuals, and migraine headaches. The effective date remains pending further action.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of his psychiatric disability was denied as there is no evidence showing a valid claim prior to February 21, 2003.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, shortness of breath, tinea pedis, and hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease have been granted. The effective date is not specified.