Citation Nr: 21074103
Decision Date: 12/14/21	Archive Date: 12/14/21

DOCKET NO. 18-53 742
DATE: December 14, 2021

REMANDED

Service connection for bipolar disorder is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served honorably on active duty in the United States Air Force from October 1972 to April 1975. 

This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from an August 2018 rating decision issued by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).

The Veteran attended a videoconference hearing before the undersigned in March 2020.

The Board notes that the Veteran was last denied service connection for bipolar disorder in an April 2008 rating decision.  However, at the time of the rating decision the Veteran's service records could not be located.  The Veteran's service records have now been located and associated with the claims file.  As such, the Board will reconsider the Veteran's claim of service connection for bipolar disorder de novo.

 

Bipolar Disorder

At his hearing, the Veteran testified that during service he self-medicated his bipolar symptoms with alcohol.  The Veteran has a confirmed diagnosis of bipolar disorder.  VA treatment records indicate that self-medication with alcohol is common in those with bipolar disorder.  A review of the Veteran's service personnel records show that he failed to complete alcohol abuse treatment.  Service records also indicate that the Veteran was seen by the mental health clinic during service.  A VA examination has not been provided to obtain an opinion on whether the Veteran's bipolar disorder began during service.  As such, a remand is necessary to obtain a VA examination.

The matter is REMANDED for the following action:

Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bipolar disorder.  The claims file should be made available to the examiner.  The examiner must opine with complete rationale whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's alcohol use during service was a manifestation of his bipolar disorder.

 

 

JOHN Z. JONES

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	Michael Chandeck, Associate Counsel

The Board's decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.