Bipolar disorder decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for emotional instability and remanded the claims of service connection for bipolar disorder and TDIU due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder is granted, and a VA examination is required to assess the relationship between his military service and his diagnosed condition. The claim for secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction as related to bipolar disorder is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder was reopened, and the Board granted this claim. The Veteran's digestive conditions were found to warrant a rating of 30% but not more.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a lack of proper notice and because the Veteran's private medical records have not been obtained. The VA will obtain relevant, outstanding private medical records from Dr. M.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of PTSD due to withdrawal by the Veteran and his representative. The claims for increased rating of psychiatric disabilities and TDIU are remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but the issues of service connection for a shoulder condition, residuals of a back injury, bilateral hearing loss, disability manifested by earaches, tinnitus, and headaches are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and review of records.

The Board has granted service connection for drug and alcohol abuse as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder. The decision also deferred adjudication of issues regarding heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and TDIU due to inextricably intertwined nature with the primary claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but remanded to obtain additional information about his in-service stressors and to provide a new opinion regarding the etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for initial ratings and service connection for various conditions. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's effective date for basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is granted as of April 26, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, is service-connected due to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is granted. The claim for PTSD is also granted. The issue of TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran is seeking a total disability rating based on individual unemployability for the period prior to July 12, 2016 due to service-connected bipolar disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder. However, as his combined rating does not meet the minimum percentage criteria under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a), the case is being referred to the VA Under Secretary for Benefits or the VA Director of Compensation and Pension Service for consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right knee condition and bipolar disorder has been remanded due to the need for additional evidence or further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder, major depression with episodes of psychosis and secondary substance abuse. Service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD. The claim will be reconsidered with a new examination.

The appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder, is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bipolar disorder, as well as to obtain all outstanding treatment records.