Bipolar disorder Board decisions

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound is denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board found no competent evidence linking the veteran's current psychiatric disorders to service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a higher rating for bipolar disorder with alcohol dependence, finding no current diagnosis of PTSD and noting that the veteran's symptoms were related to his bipolar disorder.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bipolar disorder was granted, effective from October 24, 1992. The denial of service connection for a right ankle disorder remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and polysubstance dependence, likely began during service or within one year of service. The claim is granted as it meets the criteria for new and material evidence.

The veteran's disabilities, including chronic bronchitis and bipolar disorder, do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the veteran's bipolar disorder is related to service.

The veteran's bipolar disorder is productive of total social and industrial inadaptability, warranting a 100 percent evaluation.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current depressive or bipolar disorder and any in-service disease or injury. The claim for service connection was denied as well-grounded claims have not been presented.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for PTSD and determined that new evidence supports a finding of service connection. The veteran was assaulted during his active duty in Vietnam, which is believed to have caused his PTSD.

The Board denied an increased rating for bipolar disorder and a T/R, finding that the veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or T/R.

The Board denied the claim for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits based on the appellant's alleged status as the helpless child of a veteran, finding that he was not permanently incapable of self-support at 18 years old.

The veteran is seeking to reopen his claim for service connection of a bipolar disorder. The RO has requested additional records, including the May 1981 psychiatric evaluation from USAH Augsburg and any other relevant service medical records.

The Board has expanded the scope of the claim to include any mental health disorder raised by the record and has remanded for additional development regarding service connection for left leg, ankle, and psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.