Bipolar disorder decisions — 2014

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities did not manifest during his period of active military service and are not otherwise related to such service.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, is related to active military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bipolar disorder and remanded it for further development. The claim is now being readjudicated.

The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only is denied as he does not meet the criteria for financial assistance due to his service-connected bipolar disorder.

The Board found that the cause of death was not service-connected, and denied service connection for PTSD related to alleged military sexual trauma and alcohol abuse.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. The Veteran's claims are now reopened.

The Veteran's discharge from service was due to a pattern of misconduct, not a medical condition or disability. Therefore, he is not eligible for educational assistance under Chapter 33.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive and bipolar disorders. He also seeks service connection for a right knee disorder. The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric or right knee disorders.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records and VA treatment records, as well as private psychiatric and substance abuse treatment records. The Veteran is scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if she has an acquired psychiatric disorder due to military sexual trauma (MST).

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for multiple sclerosis, cognitive and/or psychiatric disorders, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, chondromalacia of the knees, and headaches. The appeal is inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection.

The Veteran's diagnosed bipolar disorder was permanently aggravated by his service, and the Board grants service connection for a psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to scheduling issues and incomplete documentation.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety disorder and bipolar mood disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The other issues of PTSD, skin disability, and flat feet remain on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bipolar disorder was denied. The Board also remanded the claims of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder and TDIU, as these issues require further development.

The Veteran's claims for reimbursement of medical expenses at Parkridge Medical Center are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional information from VA treatment providers.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for stressor verification, a new VA examination, and consideration of all relevant VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. The case is therefore REMANDED for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for a bipolar disorder, finding that the Veteran's current disability is likely to have had its onset during her period of active service. The other psychiatric disorders are not connected to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, psychosis, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and psychosis), and left knee disability. The evidence received since the prior final denial is sufficient to reopen these claims.