Bipolar disorder Board decisions

The Veteran's bipolar disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent rating from August 12, 2014 to December 6, 2020. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Type I, is presumed to have been incurred in service due to the onset of symptoms within one year following service.

The Veteran's PTSD with bipolar disorder is rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board denied an increased rating as his symptoms did not cause total occupational and social impairment required for a disability rating of 100 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder and fractures have resulted in a need for regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that there was no indication of a formal claim prior to April 28, 2014.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder has been rated at 70 percent since the last examination. The March 2020 VA examination found that his symptoms have worsened, including suicidal ideation and impaired judgment, leading to a recommendation for a higher rating of 100 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder with other trauma and stressor related disorder, are found to be at least as likely as not caused by an in-service event or injury. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder was granted with an effective date of June 18, 2015.,An initial rating of 70 percent for service-connected bipolar disorder is granted.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is rated at 100 percent from April 17, 2006, to December 26, 2012. The effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits is set at April 17, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected major depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder qualifies him for Post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, polysubstance dependence, unspecified personality disorder, and PTSD. The Board also found that his HIV is secondary to his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion and further review is needed.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is rated at 100 percent, and the claim for TDIU prior to July 6, 2020, is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's appeal of the reduction of their PTSD disability rating from 50 percent to 30 percent has been dismissed. The AOJ had previously reinstated the 50 percent rating, and a new decision granted an increased 70 percent rating effective January 25, 2024.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA opinions and the need for additional evidence. The issues of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including left knee osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, right knee disability, insomnia, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder), spinal stenosis, and obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), recurrent lumbar strain, and bilateral hallux vagus.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and depression, other than PTSD. Service connection for PTSD is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his service-connected TBI. A new VA examination is required to address this issue.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and bipolar disorder with depression, anxiety, and insomnia have been granted. The Veteran's cervical spine disability, lumbosacral disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, right ear hearing loss, bilateral pes planus, left toes stress fracture, and right toes stress fracture are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their etiology. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) is also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder and bipolar type, is related to his active military service. The decision grants service connection for this condition.