Bipolar disorder decisions — 2023

The Veteran's chronic bipolar II disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder are related to a military sexual assault during service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's right great ingrown toenail. The remaining issues, including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and other disabilities, are remanded due to new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for additional VA examination. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, is being considered for service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for back disorder, bipolar disorder, and IBS have been denied. The shortness of breath claim is remanded due to lack of Individual Exposure Summary. Service connection for hysterectomy associated with endometriosis and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ are also remanded.,The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder has not met the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent from February 27, 2023. The IBS claim is denied as it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with bipolar disorder is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating. He also received a grant for TDIU.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bipolar disorder, PTSD, TBI, and DM due to new evidence received. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, consistent with his educational and vocational background. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from July 12, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bipolar disorder is denied. The case is remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his acquired psychiatric disability, and for adjudication of his TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to readjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, and schizophrenia. The Veteran maintains her symptoms began during active duty, and a private examiner opined it was at least as likely as not related to her service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records, including those from two hospitalizations. The Board also requested that the Veteran complete a new VA Form 21-8940 to assess her employment status.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. The VA needs to obtain a medical opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder and remanded the TDIU claim.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and alcohol dependence. The claim was reopened based on new and relevant evidence received since the last denial.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD is dismissed due to their death.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to a lack of current diagnosis, and remanded the issues related to an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection as his acquired psychiatric disability (bipolar disorder and antisocial personality disorder) was found to have existed prior to active service and not aggravated by it.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder with PTSD, and related alcohol abuse, contributed to his death. The decision grants service connection for cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service or secondary to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA medical opinions and a failure to comply with previous remand instructions. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, is being reviewed for potential service connection.