The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination regarding his bipolar disorder and because the issue of TDIU is inextricably intertwined with the rating decision on bipolar disorder.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's testimony at his Board hearing, along with treatment reports indicating poor hygiene, suggests that his service-connected bipolar disorder may be more severe than previously assessed. Additionally, the claim for a TDIU depends on whether he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his bipolar disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- bipolar disorder II
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 30, 2015
- Citation
- 1528088
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 1528088.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disability and a TDIU due solely to service-connected acquired psychiatric disability are being remanded because the VA did not provide him with a new VA examination, which is a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability.
- Denied
The Veteran's increased rating claim for bipolar disorder II with alcohol use disorder and cannabis use disorder was denied. The compensable hearing loss claim was also denied. Service connection for a peripheral vestibular disorder was denied.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder II, was aggravated by his military service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an increased disability rating for PTSD with bipolar disorder II and acute psychotic features has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
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