Bipolar disorder decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, and mood disorder, may be related to his military service. However, due to a lack of definitive evidence in the record, the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective December 27, 2012. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment as of December 17, 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on in-service stressors, including military sexual trauma and harassment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to disputed diagnoses and allegations of malingering. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, is being returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar disorder with psychotic features began during his active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a mental status evaluation. The Veteran's stressor in service has already been conceded, and he also has bipolar disorder.

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability rating for bipolar disorder from 50% to 70%, effective August 8, 2018. The reduction was improper as there is no evidence of improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his psychiatric disability and TDIU due to incomplete records, including VA treatment records from inpatient care and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's in-service sexual assault is a valid stressor and linking his current PTSD to this event. The other conditions are not presumed but may be linked to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as bipolar I disorder, is now service-connected. The issue of entitlement to TDIU remains pending and will be remanded for further review.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is rated at a 70% effective from July 1, 2014. The Board granted an earlier effective date of March 23, 2016 for the award of a 70% rating for bipolar disorder. For bilateral shoulder conditions, the Veteran was denied earlier effective dates as no claim prior to December 15, 2016 was reasonably raised.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of June 10, 2008 for the award of basic eligibility to dependents' educational assistance (DEA) benefits due to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The TDIU was awarded due to service-connected bipolar disorder.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board also found that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether or not the Veteran’s currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression, has been reopened. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to support the reopening of her claim. However, the claim is still pending as further development is needed due to insufficient medical opinions and records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development, including obtaining SSA disability benefits records and an addendum opinion from a VA clinician regarding whether his psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and other conditions, finding that her current symptoms are linked to military sexual trauma experienced during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder was granted, but the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and borderline personality disorder) remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and bipolar disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a relationship between his current mental health conditions and his military service.