Bipolar disorder decisions — 2021

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder with depression, finding that the Veteran's condition began during her active duty service and resolving reasonable doubt in her favor.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding service connection for PTSD and schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. The examiner was requested to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination. The issues include psychiatric conditions, arthritis, head injury residuals, neck condition, and bone spurs.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Cannabis Use Disorder, Opioid Use Disorder, and Alcohol Use Disorder, has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent.,The Veteran is also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for psychiatric and right wrist disabilities, as well as initial ratings for left knee arthritis and GERD with gastropathy. The Veteran needs to provide VA with private treatment records and scheduled VA examinations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar affective disorder, depression, and PTSD. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with PTSD has been granted a 100% rating since July 7, 2003. Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is also granted as of that date. The earlier effective date for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, are being remanded for further development to obtain service treatment records and determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for his bipolar I disorder was denied, and he was granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for bipolar disorder is denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to March 31, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for kidney stones was denied in July 2015, and the claim has been reopened due to new evidence. The Board finds that there is no evidence of a nexus between the current disability and service.,Service connection for IBS was granted in July 2015 with an effective date of November 19, 2014. The Veteran's appeal regarding the effective date is dismissed as untimely.