Bipolar disorder decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and ADD as separate disabilities from her service-connected bipolar 1 disorder, most recent episode depressed, not otherwise specified, were denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for bipolar 1 disorder was also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and PTSD due to incomplete records and conflicting assertions regarding the onset of his mental health conditions.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings and effective dates for service-connected conditions have been denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities has also been denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability to include mood disability, personality disability, bipolar disability, and antisocial personality disability was rated at 30 percent prior to January 25, 2016.,Prior to January 25, 2016, the evidence of record did not demonstrate that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, excluding PTSD, as there is no current diagnosis of bipolar disorder or chronic depression. The preponderance of evidence does not support these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remands and the need for another VA psychiatric examination.

An earlier effective date of December 23, 2013 for the grant of service connection for a right knee scar is granted.,Entitlement to an initial rating of 70 percent for bipolar disorder prior to March 4, 2009 is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired mental condition, including major depression and other claimed disorders is being remanded due to the need for new evidence and a physical examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder but has remanded the issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions and need for further examination regarding service connection for PTSD, Bipolar Affective Disorder, and aggravation of acquired psychiatric disorders by a service-connected bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's PTSD with bipolar disorder was rated at 70 percent prior to December 14, 2017. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet or exceed those required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's back disability, bipolar disorder, sleep apnea, and migraine headaches are all granted as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disabilities.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypertension is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include schizophrenia and sleep apnea, but remanded the cases of neck disability and back disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression with psychotic features, and substance dependence in remission.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning and lack of proper consideration of the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, particularly her borderline personality disorder (BPD). The Court found that the Board did not adequately address whether BPD represents a progression or development of prior diagnoses.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction due to new and material evidence. The claims of entitlement to effective dates prior to July 19, 2014 for acquired psychiatric disorder, left hip bursitis, and hypertension are denied as they do not meet the criteria.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than depressive disorder with anxiety to include bipolar disorder. The claims for reopening of service connection for congestive heart failure and kidney failure have been granted due to new evidence submitted after the March 2015 denial. However, the Board has denied the secondary service connection claims as there is no established in-service event or injury for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric condition, including bipolar disorder and mild neurocognitive disorder, is secondary to his service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Board found that the TBI contributed to the development of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder, due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The decision is based on insufficient evidence from the previous VA examination and a need to obtain SSA records.