The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for bipolar disorder prior to October 27, 2015 was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for bipolar disorder from October 7, 2015 was also denied due to lack of evidence showing total occupational and social impairment.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show the severity of symptoms required for a higher rating (such as suicidal ideation or gross inappropriate behavior) that would warrant a 70 percent rating.,The Veteran's bipolar disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to October 27, 2015 and 70 percent thereafter. The evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment for the relevant portion of the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Bipolar Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20050902
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 20050902.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD with bipolar disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating effective August 8, 2018.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and for a right knee condition are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The AOJ must attempt to verify the claimed stressor events and provide a VA examination.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not attributable to his active duty service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the Veteran's PTSD and bipolar disorder, as well as a failure to provide an adequate VA examination prior to the rating decision.
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