Bipolar disorder decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for psychiatric disability is granted, and the claim for hypertension is reopened. The Board also dismissed the appeal for Agent Orange exposure as the Veteran withdrew her request to pursue this issue.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder was found to not warrant a rating in excess of 70 percent prior to November 20, 2011. The claim for TDIU prior to that date is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing a supplemental opinion from a VA psychologist regarding the diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, an addendum opinion from the August 2014 VA examiner, and another attempt to obtain Dr. Harrington's records.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for any of the claimed conditions, including alcoholism. The Veteran's available post-service records do not support his claims.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently found acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder. The Veteran's claim will be adjudicated again based on all evidence of record.