Bipolar disorder decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and bipolar disorder are related to his active duty service, including his experiences during the Gulf War.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD with bipolar 2 disorder and hypomanic (previously evaluated as schizophrenia, unspecified), was granted effective from November 18, 2009. His claim for service connection for tinnitus was also granted effective from the same date.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has reopened the claim and determined that new and material evidence has been received to support a service connection for bipolar disorder, which is considered a new condition not previously addressed in previous claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records from his prison treatment. The claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran did not submit a valid claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder prior to January 24, 2007. As such, an earlier effective date is denied.

The Veteran's initial ratings for bipolar disorder have been granted and adjusted over time. The rating was initially 30% before June 17, 2003; increased to 50% from March 12, 2008; and further increased to 70% from January 24, 2007.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have PTSD related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for any necessary VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was denied as there is no evidence showing the disorder occurred in or was caused by service. The Board granted the appeal on reopening of her service-connected hysterical neurosis, finding that it manifested into bipolar disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar and dysthymic disorders, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability. The issues of radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, erectile dysfunction, and tinnitus are not addressed due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA records and SSA disability benefits information. The claims will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has determined that the scope of the appeal includes service connection for any psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. Further development is needed to obtain missing records and arrange for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of the Veteran's service in the Oklahoma Army National Guard and obtaining any additional available treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and found that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are not related to his military service. The left wrist disability was rated as 10% from July 28, 2003 to November 30, 2003, and increased to 30% thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for drug addiction and psychiatric disabilities are pending.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as there is no credible evidence of an in-service stressor. The claims for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are pending.