Bipolar disorder decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected bipolar disorder is remanded as the VA examination and treatment records are needed, and the Veteran should be provided an opportunity for a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and a need for additional VA examinations. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder, are being evaluated further.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to the need for a new examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his current psychiatric conditions. The issue of whether these conditions are related to service or aggravated by his service-connected TBI will also be addressed.

The Veteran's disability rating for bipolar disorder was restored to 70 percent, effective May 1, 2016. His TDIU was also restored at the same time.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and unclear opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, however diagnosed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for further examination. The appeal is not about service connection, but rather the cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with substitution and accrued benefits claims, which are inextricably intertwined with the service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death. The claim will be further developed by the RO.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an increased disability rating in excess of 70 percent for his acquired psychiatric disability, and the TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for a right elbow disability and an acne disability, but granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders including PTSD, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and bipolar disorder.,Service connection was not established for the right elbow disability due to lack of in-service injury or diagnosis. The acne disability claim was denied as there is no evidence of pre-existing condition prior to service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted prior to July 12, 2019. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's eligibility for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant, as his service-connected disabilities may be related to his medical conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for bipolar disorder due to an inconsistency in the VA examiner's opinion and a need for further medical evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms, along with his bipolar disorder, have led to occupational and social impairment but not total occupational and social impairment. The Board has determined that a rating in excess of 70 percent is not warranted for the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a VA medical opinion to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, due to outstanding medical records that need to be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of service and post-service records, including missing VA Lakeside Hospital records and unverified in-service stressors. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions are being evaluated again with additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the RO did not substantially comply with its prior remand directives and these matters must be remanded for additional development.

The Veteran was granted TDIU from December 19, 2018 due to his service-connected disabilities. However, the Board also remanded for extraschedular TDIU consideration prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The case is being returned for further development.