Bipolar disorder decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran qualifies for VR&E self-employment services based on his most severe service-connected disability and requires such services. The case is now remanded to review the merits of the proposed self-employment plan.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder, secondary to his service-connected disabilities, is being remanded due to the Veteran failing to report to a scheduled VA examination. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Board is remanding the case for further development to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for various psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The AOJ will verify the alleged stressor event and conduct a comprehensive examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his psychiatric conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA psychiatric opinion regarding the appellant's mental health during service and whether he was insane at the time of his discharge. The case will be returned to the AOJ after these actions are completed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back strain and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as bipolar disorder), but finds that further development is needed before these claims can be decided on their merits.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for service connection for bipolar disorder before the Board could make a decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, are not related to his military service. The low back disability was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for bipolar disorder with anxious distress and mild neurocognitive disorder is denied. The earliest possible effective date of June 9, 2016 has already been granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression. The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding the etiology of his psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including mood disorder with adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, has been granted service connection. The initial rating assigned is 70 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The new evidence submitted did not show a current diagnosis of PTSD or establish a possible nexus between the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and his active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of certain medical opinions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, are related to his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder pre-existed his active naval service and was not aggravated by it, thus denying service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to in-service personal assaults, and her psychiatric disorders are related to this stressor. The left leg disability claim was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar disorder is related to his service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, was not manifest in service and is not etiologically related to active service. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorder, and schizoaffective disorder, had its onset during a period of active duty or ACDUTRA. As such, service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include bipolar disorder and excluding PTSD, was granted. For the period from January 7, 2011 to October 6, 2011, the initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was assigned as 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA psychiatric examination.