The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, is denied as there is no evidence of a pre-service diagnosis or a nexus between his current condition and military service.
The deciding factor: There is no clear and unmistakable evidence to show that the Veteran had a pre-existing psychiatric disability. The VA examiner did not find any evidence in the file supporting a diagnosis of bipolar disorder during service, and the VHA opinion concluded that the symptoms of bipolar disorder are not consistent with those experienced during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired Psychiatric Disability (including bipolar disorder)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 26, 2012
- Citation
- 1202845
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1202845.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted as his PTSD is now considered service-connected.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left leg disability is reopened, and the appeal is granted.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
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