Bipolar disorder decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a battalion roster and scheduling the Veteran for his requested Board hearing.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for the claims of service connection for left hip pain, hypertension, ischemic stroke with facial weakness and slight pronator drift (claimed as stroke), bipolar disorder with depression, and alcohol and drug dependency.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder. The Veteran's current psychiatric conditions were previously considered in a prior denial of his claim.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder has been manifested by moderate to severe occupational and social impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability. However, it was determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities were not incurred in or related to his period of honorable active service.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder has been evaluated at a 70 percent rating since November 18, 1997. The evidence does not support an increase in the disability evaluation beyond this level.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a combined effects medical opinion and updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining in-service psychiatric records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim will be re-adjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasons or bases for denying service connection for tinnitus, including as secondary to bipolar disorder. The Veteran's psychiatric medications, specifically lithium, are being considered in relation to this claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to April 21, 2003 for service connection and a rating in excess of 10 percent for his psychiatric disability (to include bipolar disorder with dysthymic disorder).

The Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder was productive of no more than occupational and social impairment during the period from May 1, 2005 to May 2, 2012.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim and found that his anxiety disorder with PTSD features is related to an in-service personal assault, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including rescheduling a video-conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder is rated at 100 percent since March 12, 2003, effective from the date of his initial claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current psychiatric disability (including bipolar disorder) and right leg disability. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel and drill pay records. The Veteran's claims for gunshot wound to the left knee, bipolar disorder, and PTSD are being reviewed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional post-service treatment records. The case will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical opinions.