Bipolar disorder decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from a VA outpatient clinic in Hilo and possibly scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a compensable rating for bipolar disorder was denied as he is now in receipt of the earliest possible effective date based on medical records from June 2005.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of his currently diagnosed major depressive disorder and previously diagnosed bipolar disorder. The case will be re-adjudicated after this is done.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's bipolar disorder is related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, thoracic spine fractures (claimed as a lower spine injury), left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, broken ribs, and left knee condition. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's discharge was due to a service-connected disability (bipolar disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia), meeting the eligibility criteria for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to outstanding records and the need for further examination. The Board will determine if his current psychiatric disorders are related to his service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically bipolar disorder. The Board has determined that the claim is inextricably intertwined with his TDIU claim and must be remanded to obtain an addendum opinion from Dr. M.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder was found to be severe enough at the time of his death to result in permanent and total disability, meeting the eligibility requirements for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and TBI.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, schizoaffective disorder, and dysthymic disorder. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia, depression, and PTSD, finding that her psychiatric disorders were not caused by or related to her military service.

The Board has granted a 30% evaluation for sinusitis and has also granted service connection for bipolar disorder, both effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound, thus his claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance and housebound status is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Bipolar Disorder, finding new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is rated at 70 percent since January 10, 2014. He also meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to provide an opinion on whether any psychiatric disorder is related to service, including as secondary to a right wrist disability. The personality disorder was also diagnosed during service.

The Board has remanded the case to comply with the August 2011 Joint Motion, and further appellate review is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, currently diagnosed as bipolar disorder, had an onset during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and a psychiatric disability, to include bipolar disorder, as there is no evidence of such conditions within one year of separation from active service, and VA medical opinions have found no link between these disabilities and service.