Bipolar disorder Board decisions

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for residuals of resection of adenocarcinoma of the thyroid, and his claim for a TDIU during certain periods were denied as there was no evidence of recurrence or severe hypothyroidism.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine as secondary to service-connected left hip and bilateral knee disabilities, and denied service connection for bipolar disorder.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for bipolar illness type II, finding that the veteran's symptoms meet the criteria for this level of disability.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased evaluations have been granted, with the exception of the herniated nucleus pulposus claim which is pending.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that the appellant's current condition is related to his military service. Service connection was denied for residuals of a concussion and headaches.

The veteran's production costs for $4,200 in supplements were not considered necessary to begin operations as a self-employed herbal retailer.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than October 24, 2002, for the grant of service connection for bipolar disorder is legally precluded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder and right ankle disability, as well as her claim for a higher evaluation for mechanical low back pain. The veteran's back pain was evaluated at 10 percent under old criteria but not more favorable under new criteria. Her mental health conditions were not shown to be related to military service.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested the withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD-a bipolar disorder, finding that there is no medical evidence establishing a link between his military service and his current diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

The veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder is currently evaluated at 50 percent disabling, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bipolar disorder, finding that reopening the claim was not possible due to the finality of the July 1997 rating decision.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability was granted effective August 7, 2003. The earlier effective date of July 9, 1998 is denied.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a VA psychiatric examination to clarify the diagnoses of his acquired psychiatric disorders and assess their severity. The RO will then readjudicate the claims based on de novo review.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar I disorder, depressed, warrants a 70 percent disability rating from an initial grant of service connection.

The veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD, which he claims is related to an in-service motor vehicle accident. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional records and a VA psychiatric examination.

The VA did not find that the veteran's death was caused by carelessness, negligence, or similar fault in providing medical treatment. The Board found that the veteran's lithium toxicity during hospitalization was managed appropriately and did not cause his death.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the veteran's employability.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include bipolar disorder, and is granting it.