The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for additional development of his service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically bipolar disorder. The claims file will be reviewed and necessary records obtained from various sources including the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), SSA, and private medical providers. A VA examination will also be scheduled to determine the current nature and likely etiology of any diagnosed mental disorders.
The deciding factor: The Board found that additional development is needed due to incomplete service treatment records and lack of information regarding the Veteran's in-service mental health treatment and alcohol abuse. The Veteran has reported a diagnosis of bipolar disorder since 1994, but VA treatment records show he did not meet full criteria for this diagnosis until September 2011.
- Claimed conditions
- bipolar disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 29, 2016
- Citation
- 1607745
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1607745.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's bipolar disorder was rated at 50% and then reduced to 30%. The Board has now granted a 70% rating effective November 23, 2021, based on the improvement in her symptoms.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in loss of use of both feet, which qualifies her for an allowance for an automobile and adaptive equipment.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 2, 2015, for TDIU was denied as the evidence did not show actual worsening within one year prior to his March 2, 2015, claim.
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