Bipolar disorder Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a mental disorder, including bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of any chronic low back disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar disorder is service-connected, but not PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and anxiety symptoms, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board found no relationship between the Veteran's service and his current left hip and knee disabilities, thus denying both claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, was denied as there is no evidence of a stressor related to his claimed in-service events. The Board also found that the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that any acquired psychiatric disorder or psychosis was incurred during service.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is manifested by occupational and social impairment due to mild symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, intermittent anger and irritability, and mild memory problems. The current rating of 10 percent adequately reflects the severity of his disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for bipolar disorder, which was previously denied in January 2003. The Veteran testified at his hearing that his mood cycles related to bipolar disorder began during service and he had disciplinary issues as a result.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and major depression, is related to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including depression and bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with major depression has been rated at the highest possible level (100%) since September 14, 2005, due to total social and occupational impairment.

The Board has reopened the claim as new and material evidence was received, indicating that the appellant may have been insane at the time of his offenses leading to his discharge under other than honorable conditions. As a result, the character of discharge is no longer considered a bar to VA benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for bipolar disorder and PTSD, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness regarding his psychiatric fitness. The Board also found that the claimed in-service stressor could not be verified and thus did not support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the scheduled hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically bipolar disorder, was aggravated by his military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board vacates its June 24, 2004 decision and grants service connection for bipolar disorder effective December 10, 2001.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was not incurred in or the result of active duty and denied his claim for service connection.

The appellant is not eligible for DIC benefits as a helpless child of the Veteran due to his current marriage status, which disqualifies him from receiving these benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for a mental disorder. The case will be reviewed again with consideration of new medical opinions and additional examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC based on his spouse's need for regular aid and attendance was remanded. The case of the Veteran's daughter, R.C., who is claimed to be a helpless child due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to age 18, also remains pending.