Bipolar disorder decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is reopened, and the appeal regarding chronic kidney disease as secondary to a psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence of service department records and a need for a VA examination to clarify the Veteran's diagnosis and determine if any current diagnoses are related to military service. The Veteran asserts that his psychiatric disability is caused by MST, but the record does not confirm this.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for an increased rating for hepatic steatosis and for service connection for a Gulf War unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness, chronic fatigue, fatigue secondary to diabetes, a lung nodule, a chronic respiratory condition, chronic upper respiratory conditions claimed as flu-like condition, bone fractures of the left thumb and pinky, chest pain, cysts in the armpit area, diarrhea, digestive disorders, dizziness, eustachian tube dysfunction, eye disease, a fungal condition described as feet and buttocks rash, gastrointestinal issues, hemorrhoids, a hernia condition, a groin condition, a penile condition described as lack of sex drive, bipolar disorder, tinea versicolor, and a bladder condition.,The Veteran's petition to reopen service connection for a skin rash/burn condition was granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, specifically bipolar disorder with depression, is granted an initial 70 percent disability rating. Additionally, the Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability from January 1, 2010.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as there is no evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities rendered him incapable of securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and needs additional information about the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, particularly regarding PTSD.

The Board has determined that new evidence was added to the record since the last decision and must be reviewed by the AOJ before a final determination can be made on your claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and the need for a VA examination to confirm any psychiatric diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU prior to August 25, 2016 due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is granted service connection. However, his claim for PTSD remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current psychiatric conditions and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's mental health disorders will be further evaluated, including obtaining service treatment records from his active duty and National Guard service periods.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The case is sent back to obtain additional medical records and a VA examination to determine if any of these conditions are related to military service, particularly considering the Veteran's reported MST.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is rated at 100 percent, and his back condition is granted a rating of 100 percent. The right thumb condition and left knee condition are both denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for unspecified bipolar disorder and headaches due to the need for new examinations to assess their current severity.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination. The claims file was updated with recent treatment records, and the Veteran was asked to provide a new VA Form 21-8940 and release of medical information.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing an etiology opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence raising additional questions. The appellant's PTSD and bipolar disorder are being reviewed, as well as her bronchitis claim.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that the current symptomatology is encompassed within the diagnosis of PTSD.