Bipolar disorder decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural errors and a need for an adequate VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the appellant's diagnosed psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD (based on MST) and bipolar disorder is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that suggests an in-service assault could not be corroborated, specifically missing Leave and Earnings Statements.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bipolar disorder is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion on the baseline severity of his condition prior to aggravation and the level of severity after considering aggravation.

The Veteran was granted service connection for bipolar disorder effective October 23, 2019. The claim is denied prior to this date.

The Veteran's PTSD with bipolar I was rated at 70 percent, but the Board found that her symptoms did not warrant a higher rating. The appeal is remanded for further consideration.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD rating is restored to 40 percent effective September 3, 2021. A TDIU and PTSD/bipolar disorder ratings are denied. The Veteran also receives eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, specifically regarding the lack of consideration of in-service stressors and post-discharge symptoms. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are being reviewed for service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar I disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder, is found to be as likely as not related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bipolar disorder with other psychotic features is denied as she is already in receipt of the maximum schedular rating available. The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance/housebound status is granted due to her mental incapacity.

An effective date of February 19, 2014 is granted for the service-connected acquired psychiatric disabilities, including anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar I disorder.

The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board cannot issue a decision on the underlying claim at this time.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for ADHD and a psychiatric disability has been dismissed due to her death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the issue of whether the reduction of the disability rating for bipolar disorder, from 100 percent to 50 percent effective April 1, 2020, was proper. This decision is not binding on other VA decisions and does not establish any new policies or interpretations.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder with psychotic episodes, finding that the Veteran's condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated by it. The claims for diabetes mellitus and a sleep disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is currently evaluated as 70 percent effective from October 22, 2020. The Board finds that the Veteran's symptoms do not result in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the AOJ not having considered all relevant evidence and for clarification on her employment status prior to April 29, 2015.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder was granted service connection with a rating of 70 percent effective January 21, 2020. The appellant also successfully appealed for TDIU based on the bipolar disorder condition.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bipolar disorder and an increased rating for allergic rhinitis were dismissed due to the untimely filing of her VA Form 10182, which was not accepted as a valid appeal under the modernized review system.

The Board has determined that the VA examination in December 2023 was inadequate and requires a new examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified bipolar disorder was granted with an effective date of July 28, 1997.,The earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is being remanded to the AOJ.