Bipolar disorder decisions — 2023

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder, depression, and PTSD to include substance abuse due to new evidence received since the August 2013 rating decision. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 25, 2009.

The Veteran's service connection claim for substance abuse disorder as secondary to bipolar disorder was denied. The temporary total rating based on hospitalization and the TDIU claim were also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with panic attacks and unspecified bipolar disorder was granted, effective from June 29, 2004. The decision is based on new evidence received after the initial denial in December 2004.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 70 percent for bipolar disorder effective January 22, 2016. However, the Veteran's claim is remanded due to a lack of recent VA medical records and the need for a new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD and bipolar disorder were rated at a 70 percent disability level from June 14, 2015, to July 28, 2021.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (bipolar disorder) and alcohol abuse, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including manic depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The VA will obtain additional medical opinions and records to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bipolar disorder and a back condition due to incomplete medical records, lack of VA examinations, and need for additional lay statements.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of VA examination, and requires further evaluation for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent rating for bipolar disorder, depressed with psychotic features has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. The decision is based on evidence that his symptoms are related to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder, as well as the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits are all denied. The effective date assigned is April 25, 2013.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder are related to an in-service sexual assault, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for service-connected bipolar disorder was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptomology more closely resembled occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% disability rating from March 13, 2019, through July 4, 2020. The TDIU claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar disorder began during service and granted her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected stimulant use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and bipolar disorder are rated at 70 percent since January 17, 2020. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type as it was due to his own drug abuse.