Bipolar disorder decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically bipolar disorder, is related to his military service and grants this claim.

The Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for various conditions have been withdrawn and are dismissed. The Veteran also withdrew her appeal regarding whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for chronic herpes.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a higher rating for lumbar spine strain and radiculopathy, as well as service connection for lower extremity radiculopathy. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder of bipolar disorder with various substance abuse disorders, finding that it is related to in-service mental health symptoms and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a chronic psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, an alcohol-related disorder secondary to PTSD and bipolar disorder, and a left foot disability has been granted.

The Board has found that further development is necessary before it can adjudicate the Veteran's claim on the merits, including obtaining private treatment records from Dr. David M. O'Brien and scheduling a VA examination to determine the likely etiology of a psychiatric disorder, to include bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bipolar disorder associated with IVDS, right knee total joint replacement, and other conditions, prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for bipolar affective disorder with cocaine dependence is remanded due to the failure to attend a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of bipolar disorder was received on April 26, 2010. The Board found that the correct effective date is April 26, 2010, as the original denial occurred due to an incorrect address and notification process issues.

The Veteran's diabetes and ischemic heart disease are granted as service-connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during his time in Thailand. The right leg amputation, mini strokes, brain disease disability, and acquired psychiatric disability (bipolar disorder) are remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, are at least as likely as not related to service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board found new and material evidence for service connection of bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety but denied it due to lack of in-service injury or event.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing service treatment records and the Veteran's failure to appear for VA examination. The examiner is requested to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to military service, including considering his history of property destruction charges during active duty.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, finding that his symptoms are related to his in-service stressor of witnessing a fellow servicemember's suicide.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for further development, including obtaining private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened, and a remand is needed to obtain medical opinions regarding the nature of his psychiatric disorders and whether they are related to service. The issue of service connection for pancreatitis is also inextricably intertwined with the psychiatric disorder claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and bipolar II disorder, is being reviewed as a result of his in-service stressors. His left knee disability is also under review, with an emphasis on whether it is related to his right knee disability.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen a claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is linked to his military and childhood trauma.

The claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.