Bipolar disorder decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70% prior to September 28, 2011. A TDIU was granted effective November 14, 2008.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that no prior correspondence met the criteria to be considered a formal or informal claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her service-connected bipolar disorder is being remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records since the last Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to failure to appear for VA examinations. The issues include a rating increase for deviated nasal septum, service connection for psychiatric disorders, sleep apnea, and eye conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and further development is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and special monthly pension based on aid and attendance or housebound status due to an inadequate medical opinion in the previous VA examination. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically bipolar disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, due to new medical opinions submitted since the final July 2007 rating decision.,The Board also remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for GERD as it is unclear whether there are missing service treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for bipolar disorder is being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification regarding the Veteran's bipolar disorder, including whether it is related to service. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's request for an effective date prior to January 30, 2014 for the grant of service connection for left hip scar and left ankle impingement has been granted.,A rating in excess of 70 percent for bipolar disorder is denied. The Veteran also received a TDIU determination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. The Veteran must be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran did not have a current disability and that any diagnosed conditions are not related to service. The decision also denied service connection for cocaine, cannabis, and alcohol use disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, finding that the evidence is in equipoise and resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic sinusitis and mild degenerative disc disease of the neck with degenerative arthritis, have been found to aggravate his psychiatric conditions resulting in diagnoses such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and unspecified bipolar disorder. Service connection is granted for these acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of a September 1978 VA Medical Certificate and History which includes a diagnosis of anxiety. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including paranoid schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder, is being reviewed again for proper service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, and has remanded the case for further development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for bipolar disorder is denied. The evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment, as required for a 100% rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's bipolar disorder and personality disorder are related to his military service, including whether any pre-existing conditions were aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining complete service treatment records, verifying in-service stressors, and providing a VA examination.