Bipolar disorder decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date than June 7, 2010 for generalized anxiety disorder with bipolar disorder was denied. The Board found that the July 1995 rating decision denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder on the merits is final and did not involve clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Board has remanded the case for further development to ensure a complete record upon which to decide the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and MDD.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type are found to be service-connected.,Migraine headaches are determined to be secondary to the service-connected schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder (bipolar I disorder and cyclothymic disorder) alone supports a total disability rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disability, combined with other disabilities rated at least 60 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder and a vision disorder, finding that his conditions preexisted service and were not aggravated by it.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction is denied, and his claim for an increased rating for bipolar disorder with anxiety disorder and depressed mood is remanded.

The Veteran's claims have been withdrawn by his attorney, and the Board has dismissed all of the appealed issues.

The Veteran's mental disability is rated at 70 percent, effective July 28, 2009. The rating for headaches prior to July 25, 2019 was granted at 30 percent and since then has been increased to 50 percent. TDIU remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further development, including obtaining medical records and verifying in-service exposure.

The Veteran's bipolar II disorder, previously characterized as panic disorder and non-rapid eye movement sleep arousal disorder, was granted a 70 percent disability rating effective January 20, 2020. The decision also noted that the Veteran has experienced occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in areas such as work, thinking, and mood due to symptoms like depressed mood, anxiety, panic attacks more than once a week, chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss, disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, including work or a work-like setting, and suicidal ideation.

The Veteran's claim for service-connected bipolar disorder with psychosis and posttraumatic stress disorder was granted, effective September 19, 1995. The effective date is extended to exclude the period between February 11, 1998 and July 27, 1998 when he received active service pay.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional VA and private treatment records, as well as a VA examination for psychiatric disorders. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinions and a need for further development. The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, is being reviewed.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates and increased ratings have been dismissed due to voluntary withdrawal of claims.,The Veteran was awarded TDIU based on his bipolar disorder, effective February 19, 2015.

Service connection is granted for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and manic depression.,Service connection is also granted for a low back disability. However, service connection for sinusitis or allergies and headaches remains pending as additional evidence is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient VA treatment records and a need for a retrospective opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder prior to June 11, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for loss of a tooth is dismissed. The Board has remanded the issues regarding bipolar disorder, sleep disability, and neurological disability of the left upper extremity due to incomplete records.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development regarding service connection for lead poisoning residuals and acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and PTSD. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed due to new evidence submitted by him.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating and an earlier effective date for bipolar disorder has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.