Bipolar disorder Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, is being remanded due to the inadequate April 2010 VA opinion. The case will be further adjudicated after obtaining a new VA examination.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities, and the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions prevent her from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 50 percent for bipolar disorder is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and updated medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct link between any other psychiatric conditions (including PTSD) and his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection and granted it, finding that new and material evidence has been received to support his claims of PTSD, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims file. This includes obtaining VA and private treatment records, service personnel records, and SSA records. A VA examination will also be conducted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus and a rating in excess of 50 percent for bipolar disorder with alcohol abuse and depression, as well as his claim for an earlier effective date. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar disorder, including cocaine dependency, substance abuse, mood disorder, and dysthymia with panic attacks, is service-connected. The evidence supports a finding that these conditions first manifested during active military service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical treatment for MRSA infection and related complications is approved, as the condition was a serious threat to his health requiring immediate attention.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar and depressive disorders, finding that the Veteran's conditions are not causally or etiologically related to his military service. The Board also found that drug addiction was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an opinion from a VA psychiatrist regarding whether any acquired psychiatric disorder present during the period of this claim is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and determine the appropriate rating for her acquired psychiatric disorder. The issue of competency for direct receipt of VA compensation benefits will also be addressed.

The Board has determined that the appellant requires aid and attendance due to her diagnosed disabilities, including visual acuity of 5/200 or worse in both eyes. As such, she is eligible for enhanced death pension benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder has resulted in symptoms that include depression and anxiety, but does not result in severe impairment in the ability to obtain or retain employment or in occupational and social impairment. The initial evaluation of 50 percent is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is properly considered, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA physician review.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes bipolar disorder. The Veteran is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder is rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The evidence shows significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to unclear diagnoses and need for further examination. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, and erectile dysfunction are currently under review.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a change in hearing officer, and the appellant wishes to have a new hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder. The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.