Citation Nr: 21042519
Decision Date: 07/13/21	Archive Date: 07/13/21

DOCKET NO. 16-01 694
DATE: July 13, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for bipolar disorder prior to December 24, 2019 is remanded.

Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for bipolar disorder since December 24, 2019 is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from January 1983 to January 1986.  

The Veteran appeals the denial of an initial rating higher than 50 percent for bipolar disorder prior to December 24, 2019 and a rating higher than 70 percent thereafter. The Veteran essentially argues that his service-connected bipolar disorder should be rated higher than 50 percent prior to December 24, 2019.

In February 2013, the Veteran filed his claim for service connection for bipolar disorder, manic depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. In relation to his claim, the Veteran was afforded a VA examination in January 2014. During this examination, the VA examiner noted that the Veteran admitted himself to Gadsen Regional MH center for psychiatric hospitalization in 2012 due to suicidal ideation. It was noted, however, that the records were unavailable to the provider. VA outpatient treatment records from November 2012 note that in October 2012 the Veteran was admitted for intermittent suicidal thoughts but with no attempts. In a November 2012 VA treatment note, it was noted that records were received from Gadsen Regional. The October 2012 hospital admission record from Gadsen Regional, however, is not associated with the claims folder. As this admission record is relevant to the claim on appeal, the Board finds that a remand is warranted so that it can obtained and associated with file. 

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

The AOJ should undertake appropriate development to obtain the October 2012 admission record from Gadsen Regional as identified in the January 2014 VA examination and outpatient treatment records. If the records are not in VA possession, contact the Veteran and obtain the necessary authorization from the Veteran so that the records can be obtained and associated with the file. 

 

J. O'CONNELL

Acting Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	T.S. Willie

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.