Bipolar disorder decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of other diagnosed mental disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, is denied as there was no application to reopen his previously denied claim prior to October 19, 2004.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, was rated at 30 percent prior to March 15, 2015, and at 50 percent as of that date. The decision granted the higher rating but did not address the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been withdrawn. The claims to reopen service connection for gouty arthritis, hypertension, depression and anxiety, neck disorder, back disorder, right elbow disorder, and breathing disorder (including asthma and shortness of breath) have been granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including depression with possible psychotic features and bipolar disorder, is service-connected as a result of aggravation during his period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA). The Board finds that the Veteran has met his burden to establish service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and manic depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination. The TDIU issue remains on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD with bipolar disorder in partial remission is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The evidence does not show that his symptoms warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted the application to reopen the claim for service connection for bipolar disorder and depression. The Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are found to be related to her military service, with stress during boot camp being a possible contributing factor.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient medical evidence and an inadequate VA opinion. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, is being reviewed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional records from Social Security Administration.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran's current psychiatric condition is found to be directly related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include bipolar affective disorder, should be remanded due to inadequate development of records from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and a need for another VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's wrist disability. The Veteran's bipolar disorder rating remains under review.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development, including scheduling a Board video conference hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded substantially gainful employment on April 29, 2010. The Board grants an effective date of April 29, 2010 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis. The Board has granted this claim.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disability is being remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination and social and industrial survey.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to issues with the adequacy of a VA medical opinion and for additional development, including psychiatric examinations.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed before a decision can be made on the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining military dependent treatment records from 1961 to 1968 at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Ohio and any current Social Security Administration disability benefits records. The appeal is now pending again.