Bipolar disorder decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder has been reopened and granted. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing impairment and bilateral visual impairment are pending, as is the claim for an increased rating for hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development of his claimed stressors and for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder and erectile dysfunction, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his active service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depressive disorder. The case is remanded due to the inextricability of his claim for a character of discharge upgrade for VA purposes.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the grant of a 100% disability rating for PTSD effective from December 12, 2013. As such, no further action is required on any remaining issues.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claims of entitlement to service connection for bipolar disorder and an eye disorder, finding that new and material evidence has been received.,The Board also granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disorder, finding that new and material evidence has been received.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder and denied service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder has been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, thinking, or mood due to symptoms of depression, impaired impulse control, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances and maintaining effective relationships; a rating of 70 percent is granted for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's appeals were withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran requested to withdraw all of his pending appeals, including those related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings. As a result, the Board has dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his bipolar disorder type 2, with dysthymic disorder and insomnia was denied by the Board.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing nightmare disorder did not undergo a permanent increase in severity during his period of active duty from 1975 to 1979 and thus, service connection for a nightmare disorder is not warranted. The other acquired psychiatric disorders are also not related to this period of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, psychotic disorder NOS, and bipolar disorder NOS, had their onset during military service and are otherwise etiologically related to his military service. After applying the benefit of doubt, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with a TDIU from July 1, 2013. The remaining issues were dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals for these claims.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder with major depression has resulted in at least occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since May 20, 2007.,The Veteran's service-connected disability has prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him since May 20, 2007.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, pain disorder, nicotine dependence, alcohol abuse, and polysubstance abuse was caused by military service. With resolution of the doubt in her favor, the Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions as secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn by his representative.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. The appeal is remanded to obtain additional medical records and corroborate the Veteran's reported in-service personal assault.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA mental health treatment records and scheduling a PTSD examination to determine if the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to an in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.