Bipolar disorder decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to March 26, 2014 was denied because the evidence did not show she was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due solely to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with bipolar disorder is granted a 50% evaluation from June 11, 2014 to February 5, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to service-connected disabilities, is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, alcohol and substance abuse disorder, a sleep disorder, and diabetes mellitus due to potential in-service exposure and/or other factors. The Veteran's personnel records indicate he served under 'very trying conditions' during his active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting diagnoses and a need for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the VA examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bipolar disorder with anxious distress and migraine headaches, prevent her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU effective December 29, 2016.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically bipolar disorder, as aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected folliculitis.

The Veteran's initial rating for right knee chondromalacia was denied. The Veteran's bipolar disorder received an increased rating to 70% with a grant of TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder as secondary to PTSD, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and major depressive disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate development of evidence, including missing SSA records and VA examination opinions that did not address relevant lay and medical evidence. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being returned to the RO for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions. The VA examiner is requested to review the service treatment records, consider the symptoms noted during service, and provide an opinion on whether the current psychiatric diagnoses are related to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 50 percent from September 25, 2008 to May 1, 2016 for his acquired psychiatric disorder (to include bipolar disorder) was denied. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to May 2, 2016 was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. A new VA examination is needed to address the onset and etiology of these conditions as well as any potential aggravation by service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and remanded the issue of determining whether he is entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than bipolar disorder, as the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of such a condition.,The Board denied service connection for a deviated septum, finding that it was pre-existing and not aggravated by service.,The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, as there is no evidence of its onset during service or within one year post-service discharge.,The Board denied service connection for right arm tumors, noting the lack of evidence linking them to service.,The Board denied service connection for left arm tumors, also finding insufficient evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an increased evaluation for service-connected depressive disorder is remanded due to the submission of new evidence within one year after the November 2011 rating decision. The claim remains pending as no subsequent rating decision addressed this new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including a VA examination or medical opinion to determine if the appellant's discharge under other than honorable conditions was due to willful misconduct. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders will be evaluated again by a medical professional.

The Veteran's appeals for tinnitus and chronic bronchitis were dismissed. The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened, but the appeal remains pending as a remand is required to address the issue of insomnia.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The issues of TDIU are also inextricably intertwined and must be addressed together.