Bipolar disorder decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and bipolar disorder have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence and need further evaluation. The appeals for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because the appellant requested withdrawal of their claims for increased rating for migraine headaches and service connection for bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar II disorder, was granted. The claims for increased ratings of the right shoulder and back disabilities, as well as TDIU, are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination, and because of his heightened risk of illness and severe hearing loss during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The case will be returned for another medical opinion on the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board dismissed the appeal for an increased evaluation of bipolar disorder because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and MDD, is being reviewed.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an increased rating for panic disorder and a TDIU was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating, but his overall impairment approximated a 70% rating. For the TDIU claim, the evidence showed he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his other claimed psychiatric conditions are not related to service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed because the RO has already awarded a total schedular rating for their acquired psychiatric disability, leaving no unresolved issues.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as she withdrew her appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision. Her claims for higher ratings, service connection, and TDIU have been addressed in recent rating decisions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, and the Board has also remanded to determine if he has other psychiatric disabilities related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination and a need for further evidence regarding whether the Veteran's bipolar II disorder was caused by service.

The request to reopen the claim for service connection for diverticulitis previously claimed as stomach condition (gastritis/pancreatitis) is dismissed.,New and material evidence has been received for service connection for a knee condition, and the request to reopen the claim is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development and need for clarification on whether the Veteran's service-connected other trauma and stressor related disorder aggravates his non-service-connected bipolar disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's balance issues and psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, tension headaches, and TDIU have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to inadequate development and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing was denied because he does not meet the criteria based on his service-connected disabilities, as none of them qualify under the specific provisions for such benefits.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of left leg muscle strain and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,Specifically, a new VA examination is required to determine the severity of the Veteran’s left leg muscle strain throughout the appeal period.