Citation Nr: 18145037 Decision Date: 10/26/18 Archive Date: 10/25/18 DOCKET NO. 16-40 828 DATE: October 26, 2018 ORDER Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include bipolar disorder and depression is granted. FINDING OF FACT The Veteran’s acquired psychiatric symptoms, to include bipolar disorder and depression, are etiologically linked to her active service. CONCLUSION OF LAW The criteria for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include bipolar disorder and depression have been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 5107(b) (West 2012); 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(a) (2017). REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION The Veteran served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from March 1988 to October 1991. Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include bipolar disorder and depression The Veteran is seeking service connection for bipolar disorder and depression. The Court has held that when a veteran claims service connection, he or she is not claiming service connection for a specific diagnosis but for his or her symptoms regardless of the diagnosis, and the claim encompasses the underlying condition, regardless of diagnosis. Clemons v. Shinseki, 23 Vet. App. 1, 4-6 (2009). Here, while the Veteran has multiple psychiatric diagnoses, the record reflects that the symptomatology overlaps. Thus, the Board has recharacterized the two claims as a single claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include bipolar disorder and depression. As noted, the record reflects current diagnoses for bipolar disorder and depression. As to an in-service incurrence, the Veteran has stated that her psychiatric disorders are due to the stress of being in service, to include the stress of being a female in a male-driven profession (mechanic). See February 2013 Statement. While her service treatment records (STRs) are silent for any complaints, treatment or diagnoses for a mental disorder, the Board has no reason to doubt the credibility of the Veteran’s assertions regarding her in-service experiences. Moreover, the Veteran’s DD-214 lists her occupation as a mechanical technician. As such, her statements are also in line with the record. Additionally, a buddy statement from the Veteran’s sister-in-law indicates that the Veteran became discouraged while in service because she was stationed with men. Essentially, she noted a change/decline in the Veteran’s mental health since service. Having a personal relationship with the Veteran, the sister-in-law is competent to attest to the Veteran’s personality change. Nor does the Board have any reason to doubt the credibility of the assertions. Thus, given the probative lay statements of the Veteran and her sister-in-law, the Board concedes an in-service incurrence. As to a nexus, the Veteran has submitted a private opinion from a Dr. H.G. wherein the doctor opines that the Veteran’s bipolar disorder is more likely than not related to her service. The Board notes that Dr. H.G. did not provide a rationale for the opinion. However, in reviewing the overall letter, the Board finds that a rationale may be inferred. Dr. H.G. indicated that the Veteran struggles with psychiatric symptomatology, social isolation, and irritation. She also noted that a decline in the Veteran’s behavior is documented in her claims file. Specifically, the examiner cited the Veteran’s STRs as well as post-service mental health treatment records from VA and the Social Security Administration. Additionally, Dr. H.G. specifically noted buddy statements from the Veteran’s sister-in-law and long-time friend indicating that the Veteran’s near continuous depression began in service and persists currently. Lastly, Dr. H.G. noted a medical journal indicating that active service impacts depression, anxiety, and quality of life satisfaction. In light of this information, the Board finds that Dr. H.G. reviewed the record and considered the Veteran’s service and history of psychiatric symptoms in deriving the opinion. Notably, there is also no negative opinion of record to negate the positive opinion. As such, the Board finds the private opinion probative. Given the probative evidence, the Board finds that a nexus is established. Accordingly, the appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include bipolar disorder and depression is granted. GAYLE STROMMEN Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD A. Smith, Associate Counsel