Bipolar disorder — all decisions

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for bipolar disorder with memory loss and tonic clonic seizures have been dismissed. The appeal for a compensable rating for tension headaches has been remanded, as well as the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's initial 100 percent evaluation for PTSD with unspecified bipolar disorder and alcohol abuse disorder is granted, effective from February 5, 2019.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings, service connection, and TDIU were denied. The decision also dismissed claims related to breathing problems, severance of service connection for right ear hearing loss, earlier effective date for the grant of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss, and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD, the in-service stressors are not sufficient to establish a traumatic event leading to PTSD, and there is insufficient evidence linking bipolar disorder to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder with anxious distress and bipolar disorder, first manifested during service. Service connection is granted for this condition.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired mental disorder, including bipolar disorder, and for a compensable rating for epididymitis, left testicle, are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence from non-VA sources.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is directly related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inconsistencies in the evidence and need for additional development, including verification of a reported stressor and obtaining VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and need for additional development, including a new psychiatric examination.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for tinnitus and TDIU due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The Board has expanded the Veteran's claim to include diagnoses of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. The case is remanded for an examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's September 2014 VA examination was inadequate and a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion addressing his hospitalizations in March 2014. The AOJ did not comply with the Board’s remand directives, so a new VA psychiatric examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for right shoulder disability, infectious disease, acquired psychiatric disorder, and headaches as secondary to infectious disease or bipolar disorder due to outstanding VA treatment records and missing service treatment records. The Veteran's current diagnoses will be evaluated by a psychiatrist or psychologist, an infectious disease specialist, and a right shoulder examiner.

The Board has remanded the claims for a VA opinion to address whether any current psychiatric diagnosis represents the present manifestation of a preexisting condition, or if it is related to service. The Veteran's obesity and hyperlipidemia are not disabilities for which VA compensation may be granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, PTSD, and substance abuse disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise that these conditions are etiologically related to active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders other than PTSD, including bipolar disorder and panic disorder. The claim is now pending for a new opinion from a psychiatrist or psychologist.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bipolar disorder and throat cancer, as well as a disability rating for left knee disability and TDIU prior to August 25, 2016. Additional evidence is needed from the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and incomplete verification of claimed stressors. The Veteran is also required to provide any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and PTSD, has been reopened. However, the Board denied the claim as there is no probative medical nexus between active service and the current disabilities.