Bipolar disorder decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Bipolar Disorder, as well as bilateral hand disability, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's stressors need to be verified, and all relevant VA treatment records must be obtained.

The Veteran's initial rating for bipolar disorder was denied prior to October 31, 2016. From December 1, 2016 forward, a 100 percent rating was granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for Parkinson's Disease, bilateral hearing loss, asthma, COPD, heart condition, back injury, and bipolar disorder. The VA is directed to obtain updated treatment records, SSA records, and schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's increased rating for bipolar disorder is granted to a 70 percent disability, but the effective date of service connection for his bipolar disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has remanded several of his issues related to hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, bipolar disorder, headaches, sleep disability, and TBI.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, PTSD and major depressive disorder. The Veteran's claim is being reopened on new evidence provided during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for additional mental health records, including SSA records. The Veteran's claim for PTSD related to military sexual trauma (MST) is reopened based on new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings and effective dates related to his bipolar disorder, back disability, and special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound is remanded. The issue of eligibility for financial assistance for specially adapted housing was referred to the agency of original jurisdiction.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues, including failure to provide a VA examination and scheduling issues related to the Veteran's incarceration.

The Board denied reopening the previously denied claims of service connection for depression with anxiety and panic attacks, headaches, unspecified cervical spine disability, and unspecified thoracolumbar spine disability. The claim for PTSD with bipolar disorder was reopened but not granted as new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but remands it due to insufficient evidence regarding the claimed in-service stressors and need for a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and new evidence from the Veteran's sister.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bipolar affective disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his previously denied claim.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for a psychiatric disability, including polysubstance abuse disorder and bipolar disorder, is granted. The appeal to reopen service connection for a left knee and shin condition has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric condition, a higher rating for left heel bone spur, and a higher rating for left eye injury with floaters are remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for bipolar disorder, depression, and PTSD. The case is remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and a psychiatric examination to determine the etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders present during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and special monthly compensation due to need for regular aid and attendance are remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with his claim for service connection for bipolar disorder. The effective dates of the awards will be determined after further development.

The Board has dismissed the DIC claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 due to the appellant's withdrawal of her appeal. The DIC claims for 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and service connection for the Veteran's cause of death are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and hepatitis C due to a lack of adequate VA examinations. The Veteran testified about in-service assaults, post-service diagnoses, and potential exposure to hepatitis C through air gun inoculations and tattoos.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his military service.