Bipolar disorder decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for another psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD due to military sexual trauma and bipolar affective disorder.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder. The Veteran's current bipolar disorder is found to have its onset during her military service and is therefore service-connected.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder. The Veteran's current bipolar disorder is found to have its onset during her military service and is therefore service-connected.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current psychiatric symptoms and service, as well as the need for further development in relation to his claim for colon cancer.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for unspecified bipolar disorder with alcohol use disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence being submitted by the Veteran, which requires a review of all evidence received since the August 2017 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has denied service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that the current condition is not related to active duty service and does not have a causal relationship with or worsening of residuals from a head injury. The claim was denied as there is no evidence of psychiatric symptoms during service and the Veteran's current condition can be attributed to alcohol abuse and post-service events.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The appeal for a higher rating for tinnitus and an earlier effective date for hearing loss are denied, but the case is remanded for additional development regarding the hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the evaluation of his bipolar disorder before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for service-connected PTSD, bipolar disorder, and cocaine dependence is being remanded due to the need for updated examinations and additional records.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD due to military sexual trauma and childhood abuse is granted. The Board found that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service personal assaults, which meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements and VA treatment records are needed to determine if his current psychiatric conditions are related to his ACDUTRA service or aggravated by his right hip disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding whether any of the claimed conditions are related to active duty service. The Veteran's bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disabilities, as well as secondary conditions like ulcers and memory problems, need further examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but denied the claims of service connection for personality disorder, depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, and bipolar disorder.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 100% disability rating for bipolar disorder, finding that the earliest indication of record was June 22, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following gainful employment, as he can perform sedentary level work despite his knee pain and psychiatric symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder is granted. The claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and seizure disorder are denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, hypertension, acid reflux, and erectile dysfunction due to incomplete medical records. The Veteran's hearing loss is claimed as a contributing factor in his psychiatric disabilities.