Bipolar disorder Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was denied. His service-connected low back disability is rated at 40 percent, and his lumbar radiculitis of the left lower extremity is also rated at 10 percent. The appeals for hearing loss, TDIU, and RLS were withdrawn.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder and PTSD were found to cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent disability rating. The issues of service connection for sleep apnea and bilateral hearing loss are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service-connection for PTSD, MDD and Anxiety Disorder due to lack of credible in-service stressors and no link between current psychiatric conditions and service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to make a determination on the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting further examinations.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is rated at 100 percent disabling throughout the appeal period, leaving no question of law or fact to decide regarding entitlement to a TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for mental illness as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder dislocation, finding that there is no evidence in the record supporting a link between his current mental illnesses and his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, is being remanded due to the need for a more comprehensive VA examination.

The Board has resolved reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder is granted. The issue of service connection for a bilateral knee disability remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hand nerve damage was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and hypertension are pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his death. The claims for service connection and TDIU are moot.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied in April 2008 due to lack of evidence. The effective date for the grant of service connection is set at May 18, 2010.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bipolar disorder is sufficiently shown to be related to his active duty service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and major depression with psychotic features. The Veteran's current diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and need for a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the claims for PTSD and Bipolar Disorder due to new evidence showing continuity of symptoms since service. The Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, and mood disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bipolar disorder, but the Veteran's claim remains denied as there is no evidence showing a nexus between her current diagnosis and active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, is not related to his military service and denied the claim for service connection. The initial compensable rating for a compression fracture at L1-L2 was also denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have PTSD or a service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, and thus denies her claims for these conditions.