The rating for service-connected bipolar disorder with panic disorder was reduced from 100% to 70%, effective April 1, 2021. The reduction is void ab initio due to procedural errors and the failure to consider evidence submitted by the Veteran within the allowed period.
The deciding factor: The VA failed to afford the Veteran a 60 day period following the notice of proposed reduction to submit evidence and consider that evidence in the January 2021 effectuating decision, which resulted in the reduction being void ab initio. The reduction was also improper as the AOJ did not base the decision on actual improvement in disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 14, 2024
- Citation
- A24046588
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 A24046588.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Major Depression, and Panic Disorder due to his withdrawal of these issues prior to a decision being made.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, panic disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and ADHD, finding that these conditions had onset during his military service.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's panic disorder, which is service-connected and not related to any exposure basis or presumption, has been granted an initial disability rating of 50 percent effective February 4, 2020. The symptoms include depression, anxiety, and disturbances in motivation and mood.
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