Bipolar disorder decisions — 2023

The Veteran is granted a TDIU based solely on his service-connected other specified bipolar disorder, effective July 24, 2017. He also meets the criteria for SMC based on statutory housebound status due to this condition and additional service-connected disabilities combined at 100 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to conflicting diagnoses and a need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a respiratory condition, increased ratings for his left hip condition, and eligibility for specially adapted housing (SAH) and special home adaptation (SHA) grant have been dismissed. The appeal seeking service connection for PTSD due to MST has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 18, 2018, for the grant of service connection for bipolar disorder is denied. The earliest possible effective date is October 18, 2018, when VA received his request to reopen the claim.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted to support the claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, finding that there was no evidence of chronic psychiatric symptoms since service and noting inconsistencies in the Veteran's statements regarding his mental health history.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD. The examiner is instructed to determine if the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military service and whether he experienced any stressors during service that could support a PTSD diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to failure of the Veteran to appear for VA examinations and provide additional information. The Veteran is homeless, which may constitute good cause for missing the examinations.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period July 28, 2018, to September 7, 2020 was denied as his migraine headaches disability did not render him unable to work.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. However, further development is needed to address the merits of these claims due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of evidence regarding preexisting conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for PTSD with bipolar/schizoaffective disorder and substance abuse disorder, as well as his TDIU claim due to the need for additional evidentiary development. The issues include determining the severity of the service-connected acquired psychiatric disorders since 2015.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bipolar disorder is denied. The Board found no evidence prior to July 29, 2011, that could constitute a valid claim for service connection. A rating of 100% for bipolar disorder from July 29, 2011, is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen her claim of service connection for PTSD. The case is remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD and bipolar 2 disorder resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified depression, mild cognitive impairment, alcoholism, bipolar disorder, and trichotillomania is being remanded due to improper form use in initiating the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with Bipolar Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for anxiety and/or depression has been reopened, and the appeal is granted. The Board finds new and material evidence to support a link between his current psychiatric disorders and in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's acquired mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The RO is instructed to attempt to obtain missing service treatment records and request a VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder has been rated at 100 percent since June 13, 2016. Prior to that date, the rating was initially 50 percent and then increased to 70 percent before reaching 100 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar II disorder and polysubstance use disorder (claimed as opioid use disorder), is also being remanded.,A VA opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his service-connected right knee disability.