Bipolar disorder decisions — 2017

The Veteran's bipolar disorder (previously psychotic disorder) was manifested by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks prior to February 6, 2009. The criteria for a 30 percent evaluation have been met.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service stressor and his acquired psychiatric disorders are not service-connected. The claim for increased rating for residuals of fourth and fifth finger fracture is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, to include bipolar affective disorder, due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for a new VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder. The VA examiner will provide an addendum opinion addressing whether any prior diagnoses were erroneous or in remission, and if so, whether they are related to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claim for service connection for bipolar disorder can be decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric conditions are not related to his military service and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected conditions is 90%, meeting the criteria for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and an examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bipolar disorder is granted, and he is currently rated at 30 percent from January 20, 2011. For coronary artery disease, the Veteran is granted an initial evaluation of 100 percent effective February 17, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an adequate VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability and updating VA treatment records. The Veteran is also required to complete a VA Form 21-0781a (Statement in Support of Claim for PTSD Secondary to Personal Assault).

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, did not meet the criteria for service connection as there was no link between his current symptoms and an in-service stressor. The diagnosis of PTSD is based on a history provided by the Veteran during service, which has varied over time.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for service connection claims related to his acquired psychiatric disorder, low back disorder, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral foot disability. His cervical spine and right thumb disabilities were evaluated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to further consider these matters.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bipolar disorder as separate from his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder has been denied. His claim for an increased rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder is also denied, as the evidence does not support a finding that his current disability level warrants a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar affective disorder type I and alcohol abuse. The Board also finds that service connection is warranted for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining mental health records and scheduling a VA examination to address whether the Veteran's bipolar disorder is related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include adjustment disorder with anxious and depressed mood and bipolar disorder with rapid cycling, that had its onset during service or is otherwise related to his military service. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, are related to his service. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Veteran's ED is found to be secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder.,Service connection for the acquired psychiatric disorder was granted effective September 23, 2008. However, an earlier effective date of September 23, 2008 is denied as the Veteran's TDIU claim was not yet established at that time.