Bipolar disorder Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and readjudication due to a complex history of psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses, including bipolar disorder, personality disorders, PTSD, depression, and other conditions.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder and polysubstance abuse are found to be related to his military service, warranting the grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for bipolar disorder has been dismissed due to his failure to provide necessary identifying information and releases for outstanding treatment records within a year following the date of the request.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bipolar disorder. The Veteran's current diagnosis of bipolar disorder is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically bipolar disorder and PTSD, was rated at 50% effective from May 3, 2007. This rating is considered appropriate given the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar disorder and PTSD are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a video conference hearing. The claims of service connection are still pending and will be addressed after the hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unavailability of SSA records and clarification on incarceration, psychiatric treatment, motor vehicle accident, and Dr. Leslie Kryzanowski's involvement.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability was reopened and granted. The claim for a back disability remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining buddy statements and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently found acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims on appeal can be properly adjudicated.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened, and the RO reduced his disability rating for bilateral hearing loss from 40 percent to 0 percent. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and bipolar disorder) were addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from November 29, 2007. The Board found that the disability picture more nearly approximates social and industrial impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder and erectile dysfunction, finding that these conditions are related to active service. Bipolar disorder is found to be related to service due to its onset during service and the Veteran's history of psychiatric symptoms since separation. Erectile dysfunction is found to be proximately caused by service-connected bipolar disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bipolar disorder, PTSD, and a left knee disorder due to issues regarding evidence corroborating the Veteran's claimed stressors in Vietnam. The petitions to reopen the claims for skin disorder and calluses on the feet are also being remanded to obtain VA medical records from specific facilities.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for additional compensation for his dependent child, N.P.S., is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that he submitted information regarding his dependents prior to November 22, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, was incurred during her active military service. The decision is based on credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Central State Hospital records. The Veteran will be afforded a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, onset and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder found to be present.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, but the evidence is insufficient to establish a diagnosis of PTSD. The claim for bipolar disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the claimed in-service stressors were not credible and did not result in a current diagnosis of PTSD.