Bipolar disorder decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for adjudication of the Veteran's appeal, as they failed to address evidence favorable to the Veteran and/or were based on inaccurate facts or on the lack of contemporary medical treatment records. The appeal is remanded for additional development.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder, effective August 27, 2009. The Veteran's claim was reopened based on new evidence submitted after the initial denial in March 1999.

The Board has remanded the claim due to issues with notification and scheduling of a VA examination, and requests additional information from the Veteran regarding his psychiatric conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service, including any in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than major depressive disorder, dysthymia and depression (claimed as PTSD, bipolar disorder, and anxiety) is granted. The appeal to reopen the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder is also granted.

The Board dismissed the appeal for a rating in excess of 50 percent for bipolar disorder prior to February 1, 2020 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and additional psychiatric diagnoses are being remanded due to the need for new evidence and a comprehensive examination.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is granted service connection based on a presumption of service connection. OSA and an acquired psychiatric disorder are denied as not shown in service or related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability and bipolar disorder. The claims are not yet decided.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for schizophreniform disorder, severe depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, as well as any acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD. The case is being returned for further development.

The Board has found that the issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and entitlement to TDIU are inextricably intertwined and therefore remanded. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to non-compliance with prior remands and additional development is needed, including a new examination for medical opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, substance abuse disorders, and alcohol abuse. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of other specified bipolar and related disorder and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder was denied as there were no pending claims prior to February 25, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional records, including Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits documents.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination and the Veteran's incarceration status. The case will be returned for further evaluation, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and to obtain any outstanding treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, is being reviewed.

The Veteran's son, D.D., was not found to be permanently incapable of self-support prior to turning 18 years old. Therefore, the claim for recognition as a helpless child is denied.

The Board granted an increased rating of 70 percent for PTSD with bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder with agoraphobia from November 15, 2011. The Veteran also received a TDIU effective from the same date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder; obstructive sleep apnea; and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to issues with obtaining a VA examination.