Bipolar disorder Board decisions

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate to address whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service. The claim for residuals of a neck injury, claimed as headaches, will also be remanded due to the need for an examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records, personnel records, and SSA records. The VA examiner will assess whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorders had their clinical onset during his active service or are related to an in-service disease, event, or injury.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for bipolar disorder with bulimia nervosa was denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression, is granted as his current psychiatric disorders are found to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary to clarify the Veteran's current diagnosis in light of conflicting medical evidence and to address the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, psychotic disorder, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, diagnosed as bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, is rated at 50 percent. The Board has granted an increased rating for the psychiatric disability and has also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a left shoulder disability, GERD, or onychomycosis in service and there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's claims for bipolar disorder and hypertension were also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, nervousness, fear, and anxiety, is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to address her claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD, the only service-connected condition prior to January 26, 2009, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is at least as likely as not incurred during or as a result of his active service. Service connection for this condition has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and potentially obtain VA Vocational Rehabilitation records. The issues of service connection for PTSD, bipolar disorder, and a personality disorder are currently before the Board.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development including obtaining SSA records, VA treatment records, and service mental health clinical records. A comprehensive psychiatric examination is also required to determine if any current psychiatric disability is causally related to the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected bipolar disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA psychiatric examination and retrieval of relevant medical records.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is rated at 30 percent since February 6, 2009. The claim for a TDIU was granted effective July 9, 2002.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression, had its onset in service and granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is granted, and he is awarded a TDIU rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD. The appeal is based on a diagnosis of PTSD and other related conditions but no direct evidence linking these conditions to service was provided.