Bipolar disorder Board decisions

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective September 20, 2010. A TDIU was granted with an effective date of September 20, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied by operation of law as he does not meet the criteria for a current disability. The claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, traumatic brain injury, and vision disorder are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing clarifying medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as bipolar disorder and depressive reaction, was found to have significant symptoms prior to April 29, 2008, but did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The claim of entitlement to TDIU benefits due to service-connected disability is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and providing a VA examination to determine if any psychiatric disorder is related to service. The Veteran's claims are currently pending.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and found that the Veteran's current disability is related to her military service. The remaining claims of entitlement to increased evaluations for bipolar disorder, uterine disability, headaches, and asthma are remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder that had its onset in service, manifested within one year of discharge, or is otherwise related to service. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board found that the criteria for an earlier effective date prior to December 11, 2007 were not met as there was no evidence of increased disability during the one-year period prior to the claim. The Veteran's bipolar disorder was rated at 30 percent from January 27, 1999 and then increased to 70 percent effective December 7, 2011.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD with an associated substance abuse disorder and depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's account of exposure to traumatic in-service stressors is credible. The Board also found no evidence of a pre-existing psychiatric condition aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as additional VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have tinnitus, PTSD, bipolar disorder and anxiety, pinched nerve, ADHD and ODD, or scoliosis during service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder. The new evidence submitted includes opinions from Dr. C.B., who opines that the Veteran's current mental health conditions are related to his in-service boxing injury, while Dr. K.B.'s earlier opinion suggested pre-existing psychological issues. A VA examination is needed to determine if any pre-existing conditions were clearly and unmistakably not aggravated by service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision is based on the direct relationship between her reported in-service stressors and her current diagnoses of PTSD and other mental health conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for an anxiety disorder but denied service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder other than anxiety disorder. The Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to her military service, while the other psychiatric disorders are not shown to be related to her service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, were incurred in active duty service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine if the appellant was permanently incapable of self-support before turning 18 years old, and has ordered further medical records and a VA social worker's opinion.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and whether they are related to service or aggravated by service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension. The claims of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and restless leg syndrome are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no evidence of chronic sinusitis or chronic fatigue syndrome, and the left shoulder strain was not shown to be related to service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, including PTSD, as well as his left ankle disability. The claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion.