Bipolar disorder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, insomnia, and depression, is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to verify a reported in-service stressor and for an examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has vacated its October 2018 decision denying the Veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been received. The Board also found that the newly submitted evidence was duplicative or did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's son, A.U., is recognized as a helpless child due to his disabilities that rendered him incapable of self-support prior to the age of 18.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The TDIU claim is deferred until the service connection issue is resolved.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder NOS with bipolar disorder is granted a 100% rating, effective August 27, 2019. The Veteran's service-connected left leg radiculopathy is granted a 10% rating beginning November 24, 2017 and denied for any increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to his active military service. The examiner will also assess whether any pre-existing condition was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, was reopened due to new evidence. Service connection is granted for residuals of a fractured nose but denied for headache disability. The Board found the Veteran’s claims for PTSD and schizophrenia were not supported by credible evidence of in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a psychiatric examination. The issues of rating adjustment disorder and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are deferred pending this development.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder with depression/anxiety, and PTSD, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and no evaluation is granted.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder was well-controlled with medication prior to March 16, 2009, resulting in no more than occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD claims due to the need for updated VA examinations, as well as the need to obtain Social Security Administration records. The bipolar disorder claim will be addressed in conjunction with the PTSD claim.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a social work assessment. The issues of an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for bipolar disorder prior to April 22, 2009, and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a head injury remain on appeal.

The Veteran's effective date for a 100% rating for bipolar disorder is granted as of May 7, 2015. The TDIU claim is remanded due to the need to consider whether an extraschedular TDIU is warranted prior to May 7, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the rationale provided by the VA examiner and the need for additional development of records, including obtaining service treatment records and mental health treatment records.

Service connection for DDD of the lumbosacral spine was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service. The Veteran's current diagnosis of DDD is not shown to be related to his active duty service.,Bipolar I disorder with moderate mania and limitation of flexion, extension, and abduction of the left hip were granted effective January 30, 2014, as these conditions are considered directly related to his service. The Veteran's earlier claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the acquired psychiatric disability, and because the issues are intertwined with the claim of service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and non-service-connected disability pension benefits due to insufficient information regarding his spouse's social security number, lack of a valid medical opinion linking PTSD to an in-service stressor, and incomplete VA treatment records. The Veteran is also being asked to provide more recent income and net worth information.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and bipolar disorders, as well as somatic symptom disorder. The effective date is not specified.