Bipolar disorder Board decisions

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for bipolar disorder from February 7, 2000. The appellant's condition was previously rated at 30 percent since July 22, 1999.

The Board has determined that the veteran's multiple disabilities, including bipolar disorder and cervical spondylosis, render him permanently and totally unemployable, thus warranting a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD with bipolar disorder is productive of incapacitating symptoms resulting in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent evaluation.

The veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied service connection for bipolar disorder is being remanded due to notification issues and the need to comply with new laws.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was granted. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for bipolar disorder was also granted, with a 30 percent evaluation effective from February 1, 1993. Other claims were continued at their prior evaluations.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The RO was directed to obtain additional treatment records, conduct VA examinations, and consider the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected bipolar affective disorder prior to July 11, 2000 and denied a rating in excess of 50 percent from July 11, 2000.

The veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disability, including depressive neurosis, major depression or bipolar disorder was reopened. However, the issue remains denied as it is not well grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include a bipolar affective disorder without psychosis, and for a passive-aggressive personality disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board granted the veteran's claim of service connection for bipolar disorder effective March 14, 1995, based on receipt of new and material evidence submitted in support of his reopened claim.

The Board has remanded the case for a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and severity of the bipolar disorder, including assigning GAF scores based on clinical symptoms. The RO must also consider the applicability of both old and new rating criteria for mental disorders.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 14, 1997 for the grant of service connection for a psychiatric disorder (schizoaffective disorder, paranoid-type schizophrenia, and history of bipolar disorder) is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and readjudication due to changes in the law, including provisions from the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder, which largely prevents him from sustaining gainful employment, warrants a 100% evaluation.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bipolar disorder warrants a 70 percent disability rating, and her claim for individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the case can be decided, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination for the appellant.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim for an elevated cholesterol level and abnormal EKG finding of bradycardia was also denied.

The veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and ensuring compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. The VA also needs to review his bipolar disorder with psychotic features for an increased evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date of June 5, 1995, for a 100 percent evaluation for his service-connected schizoaffective disorder with paranoid and bipolar components. The decision stated that there was no evidence to show he became disabled due to this condition within one year prior to the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but does not meet the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent.