Bipolar disorder Board decisions

The Veteran's diagnosed bipolar disorder was permanently aggravated by his service, and the Board grants service connection for a psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to scheduling issues and incomplete documentation.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety disorder and bipolar mood disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The other issues of PTSD, skin disability, and flat feet remain on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bipolar disorder was denied. The Board also remanded the claims of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder and TDIU, as these issues require further development.

The Veteran's claims for reimbursement of medical expenses at Parkridge Medical Center are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional information from VA treatment providers.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for stressor verification, a new VA examination, and consideration of all relevant VA treatment records.

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

The Board has granted service connection for a bipolar disorder, finding that the Veteran's current disability is likely to have had its onset during her period of active service. The other psychiatric disorders are not connected to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, psychosis, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and psychosis), and left knee disability. The evidence received since the prior final denial is sufficient to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, depressive disorder, major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of her medical records and clarification of her National Guard service.

The Veteran's service-connected mental health disability (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) contributed to his death from pneumonia, thus warranting service connection for the cause of death. As this claim is granted, the DIC based on 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as a greater benefit has been awarded.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, panic disorder, schizophrenia with depression, anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder, were incurred during his military service. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, as well as any SSA records. The claims will be adjudicated in light of all pertinent evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the appellant's claims for DIC and DEA benefits, including obtaining an autopsy report and VA treatment records. The Veteran's death may be related to service-connected conditions or improper VA treatment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his mental health conditions.

The Veteran is granted additional special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance and loss of use of both feet from July 22, 2008 to July 7, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various psychiatric disorders is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss was granted, and he is currently receiving a 10% evaluation for left ear hearing loss. The heart disability to include coronary artery disease, seizure disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder) are not service connected.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, and severe depression, are not service connected due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active duty. The in-service drug use is considered willful misconduct.,Left hip osteoarthritis was not present during service or within one year post-service and is unrelated to service-connected disability. Atherosclerotic vascular calcification was also not present during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding post-service treatment records and a need for updates on the VA PTSD/MST memorandum of record.