Bipolar disorder decisions — 2015

The Veteran's bipolar disorder has resulted in significant impairment, including deficiencies in work and social functioning. The Board granted a rating of 70 percent for the bipolar disorder effective December 6, 2013, and also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen her claim of entitlement to recognition as a helpless child due to lack of new and material evidence, including recent medical records that do not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and anxiety not otherwise specified, are less likely than not related to his service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's petition to reopen this claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hepatitis B does not warrant a compensable disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7345, as there is no evidence of active hepatitis or incapacitating episodes. The Veteran's symptoms are attributed to other causes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disabilities, including major depression and bipolar disorder, were incurred in active service.

The Veteran is unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of service-connected disabilities, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with previous directives for further evidentiary development, including scheduling VA examinations and verifying the Veteran's contact information.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of all diagnoses of record, including anxiety disorder and dysthymia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for epithelial exfoliation and trigeminal neuralgia were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence. The claim for PTSD was reopened due to new evidence showing the Veteran witnessed events in Vietnam, which is considered an in-service stressor.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder and hearing loss were not reopened as the submitted evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder have been found to cause total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination to address whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are related to active service and an audiometric evaluation of his hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of schizophrenia or other psychiatric disorder, and therefore is not entitled to service connection for such conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for PTSD. The Bipolar Disorder claim remains pending as there was insufficient evidence provided by the examiner.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with a history of psychosis is found to have been manifested during service and has continued since then. The personality disorder is also found to be related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bipolar disorder and depression existed prior to service and were not aggravated by service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective July 12, 2012. The RO granted a higher rating for her disability.

The Board found that a chronic acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD was not manifested in service, and any such current disability is not shown to be related to the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and bipolar disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service personal assault and grants service connection for this condition.