Bipolar disorder decisions — 2014

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim and granted service connection for PTSD with bipolar disorder, finding that new evidence supports her claims of in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder, depressed without psychotic features was granted with an effective date of June 25, 1987. This decision is based on the receipt of relevant service department records that were not considered in prior decisions.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the Veteran's claims can be adjudicated, including a new examination to determine if his bipolar disorder was caused by or related to his military service and whether he should be diagnosed with any other psychiatric disorders. The propriety of changing his disability pension award also needs to be addressed.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD with alcohol dependence is not service connected, as his psychosis was not diagnosed within one year of discharge and no new evidence has been submitted to reopen a previously denied claim. The Board also noted uncertainty regarding whether different symptoms are due to PTSD or other diagnoses.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Bipolar Disorder, existed prior to his entry into active military service but was aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and a left eye disorder were denied as there is no current diagnosis or evidence of such conditions. The Veteran has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but this does not affect the denial of his other claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder related to service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is competent to manage her VA funds, reversing the RO's previous finding of incompetence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bipolar disorder and obtaining any outstanding medical records. The case will also be adjudicated again to determine if he is entitled to TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder. The issues of PTSD, anxiety, and depression are still pending as the claim is not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for diabetes mellitus due to VA treatment for bipolar disorder was granted, and service connection for bipolar disorder was also granted with an effective date of May 1, 2003.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate to address whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service. The claim for residuals of a neck injury, claimed as headaches, will also be remanded due to the need for an examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records, personnel records, and SSA records. The VA examiner will assess whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorders had their clinical onset during his active service or are related to an in-service disease, event, or injury.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for bipolar disorder with bulimia nervosa was denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression, is granted as his current psychiatric disorders are found to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary to clarify the Veteran's current diagnosis in light of conflicting medical evidence and to address the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, psychotic disorder, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, diagnosed as bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, is rated at 50 percent. The Board has granted an increased rating for the psychiatric disability and has also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a left shoulder disability, GERD, or onychomycosis in service and there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's claims for bipolar disorder and hypertension were also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, nervousness, fear, and anxiety, is related to his military service.