Bipolar disorder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with polysubstance dependence was rated at 30 percent prior to August 22, 2013. The symptoms described were occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bipolar disorder has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss and bipolar disorder, but denied service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's hearing loss is considered to have started in service due to noise exposure during his military service as a cannoneer. His bipolar disorder is also considered to have started in service based on the evidence of record. However, there is no current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder with psychotic episodes, as new and material evidence was submitted. The acquired psychiatric disability is now considered etiologically related to his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. The Veteran's current diagnosis of this condition is believed to have begun during his military service. However, the decision on headaches remains denied as there is no credible evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran's hairy cell leukemia was not granted service connection as it is not related to his military service.,PTSD with unspecified bipolar disorder has been granted a 100% evaluation effective May 8, 2018. The Board found that the condition caused total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder with symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as specific phobia disorder. However, it denied the claims for depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol use disorder, and antisocial personality disorder.

The Veteran's physical and mental disabilities necessitate the aid and attendance of another person to assist with some activities of daily living and protect him from ordinary hazards. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the onset of the Veteran's bipolar disorder, which may have begun during service or post-service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder is reopened. The skin disorder claim is denied. Service connection for restrictive ventilatory defect remains at a 60 percent evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, sarcoidosis, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including depression and/or bipolar disorder) due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Board found that the Veteran did not have an applicable period of service during which he could be granted service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. Bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be examined for his right knee osteoarthritis, left leg radiculopathy, and anxiety disorder NOS with bipolar disorder. The issues of increased ratings are being remanded due to new evidence suggesting aggravation.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, is dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The claim for service connection of a mental condition is reopened and the appeal is granted to this extent only. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient nexus opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no current diagnosis of bipolar disorder and that none of his diagnosed disorders were related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, are related to his in-service stressors. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for migraines and a permanent and total rating for pension purposes, but denied service connection for psychiatric disability (bipolar disorder and depression), insomnia, sleep impairment, and memory loss.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims to reopen for service connection for major depressive disorder, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. The claim of entitlement to a compensable rating for avulsion of tip of the olecranon, left elbow is remanded. The claim of entitlement to a compensable rating for residuals of a fracture of the left leg is also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination, and requests for additional records and a new opinion.