Bipolar disorder Board decisions

The Board found no evidence of bipolar disorder during service or for many years after, and the Veteran's ex-wife's statements about his behavior were not considered competent medical evidence. The VA examiner concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support a link between the Veteran's current diagnosis of depression with possible bipolar II and his military service.

The Veteran's service records indicate he was diagnosed with schizotypal personality disorder during his active duty. The current appeal is about whether these in-service symptoms are indicative of an acquired psychiatric disability, such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia, that may have been aggravated by the in-service diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a cervical spine injury, asthmatic bronchitis, and bipolar disorder (claimed as a nervous condition) have been denied. The applications to reopen the claims for residuals of a cervical spine injury and asthmatic bronchitis were also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination. The issues of whether new and material evidence was submitted to reopen claims for service connection for back disability and for psychiatric disabilities are considered in light of the VCAA.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim, finding that his daughter was permanently incapable of self-support due to her psychiatric disabilities prior to reaching age 18. The decision is based on new evidence and a reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD with bipolar disorder has been rated at 30 percent since June 29, 2007. The disability is productive of occupational and social impairment due to reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining records from the 196th Station Hospital in Mons, Belgium, and providing the Veteran with a VCAA notice regarding alternative evidence sources. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence obtained.

The Board found no evidence of a right shoulder disability in service and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his service personnel records and VA treatment records. An examination will be scheduled to assess the nature and etiology of his psychological disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a scar on the back of the head with migraines, finding no evidence of such condition in service or post-service. The psychiatric disorder claim is pending.

The Board has decided to grant the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder. The decision is based on evidence that supports a direct relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and acquired psychiatric disorder (including bipolar disorder and PTSD) were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board found that the current disabilities are less likely than not related to in-service events.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's bipolar disorder is not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA medical records and examining the appellant. The appeal is now pending again.

The Board denied service connection for depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and COPD. Service connection for hepatitis C was also denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar disorder is due to disease or injury incurred in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and denied the claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The issue of service connection for hepatitis C is pending.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for accrued benefits related to service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than anxiety reaction, special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability. The evidence did not support these claims.