Bipolar disorder decisions — 2013

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The issue was remanded by the Court and returned to the Board.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and depression, did not have their clinical onset in service and are not otherwise related to active duty.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD or bipolar disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are not etiologically related to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal due to extenuating circumstances and satisfaction with current treatment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination to address his psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are not related to his military service and denied his claims for service connection.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection for any psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depression.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a material change in her disability status, and she needs a new VA examination to assess the current level of occupational and social impairment caused by bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is found to be related to his military service, and the claim for service connection for this condition is granted. The claims for PTSD, TBI residuals, and eligibility for treatment under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1702 are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to the appellant, through his authorized representative, requesting withdrawal of the appeals in July 2013.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum to the April 2013 VA examiner's report. The appeal is now pending again.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders are not causally or etiologically related to her military service, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder has been rated at 70 percent since the appeal began, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSDI records and securing a VA addendum opinion from the March 2012 VA examiner to address whether there is clear and unmistakable evidence of no increase in bipolar disorder during service or if such an increase was due to natural progression.

The Veteran's attorney is seeking payment of attorney fees from past-due benefits for services rendered in connection with his service-connected bipolar disorder. The Board has remanded the case to determine if the attorney is entitled to the full amount of the withheld fees or a lesser amount based on the factors set forth in VA regulations.

The VA examiner found that the appellant's schizophrenia did not arise during his period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and is less likely related to service. The claim for bipolar disorder was also denied as there is no evidence of such disorder during the pendency of this appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, with depression was incurred during a period of ACDUTRA and granted service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar disorder did not preexist his military service, was not incurred in service, and is not otherwise related to his period of active military service. The Veteran's service-connected painful back and ankles, and chronic fatigue syndrome disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.