Bipolar disorder Board decisions

The Veteran's initial disability rating for bipolar disorder was increased to 30 percent effective prior to February 21, 2006. The Board found that the impairment from the Veteran's bipolar disorder most closely approximated occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks prior to February 21, 2006.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (including bipolar disorder), antisocial personality disorder, a back disability, and headaches. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service stressors or a link between any current disabilities and active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence did not establish a current diagnosis of PTSD due to an in-service stressor, and there was no corroborating evidence for the alleged stressors.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for bipolar disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia was denied as the original decision granting service connection had become final.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder (bipolar I disorder) is not related to any event, injury or disease incurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bipolar disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 50 percent prior to March 6, 2008 and did not warrant a rating in excess of 70 percent from March 6, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a lower left leg contusion/hematuria with incision and drainage was denied. The RO also denied his petition to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury, finding that new and material evidence had not been received. Service connection for psychiatric disorders, including schizoaffective and bipolar disorders, is pending.

The Board is remanding the case to allow for a Travel Board hearing at the appropriate location.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disability did not manifest during service and is unrelated to his period of active duty. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for bipolar disorder and determined that new and material evidence has been received. The Board also found that the Veteran's bipolar disorder is at least as likely as not related to his service, including his hospitalization shortly after separation from active duty.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for bipolar disorder due to new and material evidence provided by a psychological evaluation report from Dr. D.N.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for brain damage, bipolar exacerbation, thyroid disorder, and heart disorder as they were not caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination.

The Board granted service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that it was related to the Veteran's active military service.

The appeal is remanded to obtain additional service personnel records and provide the Veteran with an examination to clarify his current psychiatric diagnoses and their relationship, if any, to service.

The case is remanded for further development and readjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, to include bipolar disorder.

The appeal is remanded to obtain SSA records and confirm the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors related to fires aboard his ship, as well as for a VA examination regarding mental health conditions.

The Board denied service connection for bipolar disorder as there was no evidence of the condition in service or within a reasonable time thereafter, and no medical evidence linking it to military service.

The appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, were not related to his period of active service from March 1982 to December 1985.

The service-connected bipolar disorder is rated at 70 percent, as it causes occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.