Bipolar disorder decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder with alcohol use disorder in remission, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified bipolar and related disorder was denied increased ratings prior to September 28, 2020 and from that date onwards. His back disability (IVDS with degenerative changes) was also denied an increased rating. The effective date for the assignment of a 50% disability rating for PTSD with unspecified bipolar and related disorder was granted as August 14, 2017. Claims to reopen service connection for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, right hand disorder, and neck disorder were granted, while claims to reopen service connection for chest condition and jaw condition were denied.

The Veteran's neurobehavioral disorders, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia, are not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking them to her exposure at Camp Lejeune. Her cardiac disability and skin disabilities remain denied.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder contributed to his death due to asthma exacerbation. The Board found that the appellant is credible and granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen her service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder. The Board found that there is at least equipoise evidence in favor of a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC at the L level.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in the rating decision and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric condition has prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment throughout the period on appeal, warranting a TDIU. Additionally, he is entitled to SMC based on housebound status due to his additional service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, is granted as service connected. The Board found that the evidence was in equipoise regarding whether her current condition arose during service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, MDD, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder, are granted as service connected. His vertigo is also granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis and limitation of the hand/thumb, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a left knee disability due to additional development being needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the clinical findings and need for additional development of records, including correctional facility records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is granted as secondary to his service-connected compression fracture of the thoracic spine at T12 with degenerative arthritis. The disability rating for his compression fracture remains remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, are remanded due to the need for additional development regarding military sexual trauma (MST).

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder with MDD and an anxiety disorder, as well as secondary service connection for insomnia. Service connection for a headache disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining relevant medical records and adjudicative information from the Social Security Administration.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder has been rated at 100% since May 19, 2016. The rating is based on the severity of her symptoms and their impact on her ability to work and socialize.

The Board has remanded this case due to the need for further verification of in-service stressors and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and schizotypal personality disorder, is granted as service connected. Service connection for PTSD is denied. The issues of service connection for IBS, right upper extremity disorder (right shoulder strain), and cervical spine disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's left ankle disability and bipolar disorder with PTSD and alcohol use disorder were evaluated, but the appeal was denied for a higher rating. The Veteran received a 100 percent rating for his bipolar disorder starting May 1, 2018.