The Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder is denied because the Board finds that his bipolar disorder pre-existed service and did not increase in severity during service.,The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for substance abuse disorders (to include alcohol and opioid abuse disorders) is also denied as VA compensation will not be paid if the claimed disability or death was the result of the person's own willful misconduct or abuse of alcohol or drugs.
The deciding factor: The Board found that bipolar disorder clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service, and did not increase in severity during service. The Veteran’s substance use disorders are also denied as they are not secondary to an already service-connected disability.,VA compensation will not be paid if the claimed disability or death was the result of the person's own willful misconduct or abuse of alcohol or drugs.
- Claimed conditions
- bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 23, 2024
- Citation
- 24017313
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 24017313.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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