Bipolar disorder decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his service-connected psychiatric disability and entitlement to TDIU prior to May 3, 2007 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 30 percent from March 9, 2001 to May 2, 2007 or for a rating higher than 70 percent since May 3, 2007.

The Board found that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise that the current bipolar disorder is attributable to the Veteran's military service, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a hearing conducted by a former member of the Board. The Veteran is entitled to a new hearing before a current member of the Board.

The Board has expanded the Veteran's claim to include all diagnosed psychiatric disorders and has ordered a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of these conditions, including whether they are related to service or to his service-connected tinnitus. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a fractured left fibula was granted. The claim for service connection for bipolar disorder was reopened and granted. Service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, low back disability, and fractures of the left foot/toes were denied. Compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for left toe fractures was granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as dysthymia or bipolar disorder, originated while he was serving on active duty and the Board finds that it is related to his service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety disorder. The Veteran's testimony regarding the alleged military sexual trauma (MST) was found to be credible and supported by other evidence in the file.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD related to a motor vehicle accident during service. The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, bipolar disorder with anxiety disorder, has been granted service connection and is currently rated at 30 percent since September 11, 2009.

The Veteran's psychosis, specifically schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, is presumed to have been incurred in service due to its manifestation within one year of discharge.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding records and providing new examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that new evidence supports her claim. The Board also found in favor of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current left hearing loss disability, but granted service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric disabilities. Service connection was also denied for personality disorder, testicular disability, right inguinal hernia, and cervical spine disability.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of his current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and attempting to verify her in-service stressors. A psychiatric examination will be scheduled to determine the nature and etiology of her acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 21, 1998 for the grant of service connection for bipolar disorder. The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for bipolar disorder is dismissed.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA eligibility were granted effective January 20, 2009. Her bipolar disorder was service-connected on July 23, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and the evidence does not support a link between any diagnosed condition and his active duty service or service-connected TBI.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Bipolar Disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. The evidence now shows a reasonable possibility that these conditions are related to his military service.