Bipolar disorder decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, manifested within one year of separation from service. The Veteran reported multiple prior mental health diagnoses and episodes that could have occurred within the presumptive period.

The appeal for service connection for anxiety and insomnia is dismissed.,The reduction of the PTSD with TBI rating from 70% to zero percent effective October 1, 2018 was improper and is void ab initio.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor and a need for further examination to determine if he has an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 23, 2009 for the grant of service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder. The Veteran's claim was reopened in January 2009 after she submitted additional evidence including a statement asserting her conditions were due to military sexual trauma.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a left shoulder disability, increased rating for left knee disability, and increased rating for bipolar disorder due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, sciatica, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and psychiatric disability is granted as new and material evidence has been submitted. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's other specified trauma disorder is rated at 70% from February 10, 2014 to December 23, 2014. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.,Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) does not warrant a rating in excess of 30%. The Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits are granted effective February 1, 2015.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of hearing attendance and need for medical opinion regarding service connection for bipolar disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and tinnitus due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for an extension of her delimiting date for Montgomery GI Bill educational benefits is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if her service-connected mental disabilities prevented her from initiating or completing her chosen program of education.

The Board denied service connection for bipolar disorder as the Veteran's prior diagnoses were made in error and he does not currently meet the DSM criteria for bipolar disorder.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder, right knee condition, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is granted as incurred in service. The Veteran's left wrist osteoarthritis is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, other than PTSD, and remanded the case for further development regarding a cervical neck disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received sufficient to reopen the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's asthma and acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and panic disorder with agoraphobia) are granted service connection. The Veteran previously denied service connection for these conditions but new evidence has been submitted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection of a low back disability and remanded the issue due to new evidence received. The psychiatric disorder claim is also being remanded as there are inconsistencies in the medical records regarding the onset and nature of the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is rated at a 100 percent disability rating since August 21, 2011. The effective date for service connection remains August 21, 2007.

The Board has decided the case is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of PTSD and bipolar disorder, as well as whether any pre-existing conditions were aggravated by service.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, which include bipolar disorder, lumbar degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc disease, and radiculopathy. The Board has granted entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.