How to Get a VA Rating for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can create significant challenges in daily life, with extreme mood swings impacting your ability to work or function. Veterans who experience bipolar disorder due to military service may be eligible for VA disability benefits. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to secure a VA rating for bipolar disorder.

Step #1: Understand Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes intense mood changes, from emotional highs (mania or hypomania) to extreme lows (depression). These mood shifts can interfere with daily life, affecting your sleep, energy, and ability to concentrate.

Military stressors can sometimes trigger or worsen bipolar symptoms. The VA recognizes bipolar disorder as a disability under section § 4.130, with ratings ranging from 10% to 100%, depending on the severity of symptoms.

Step #2: Prove a Service Connection

To qualify for a VA disability rating, you must show a direct link between your bipolar disorder and your military service. There are two common ways to establish this connection:

1. Onset During Active Duty – If your bipolar disorder symptoms began while you were on active duty, this can be used to establish a service connection. The initial symptoms may have occurred during high-stress situations, such as combat, injury, or trauma. Medical records from this time, along with personal statements from those who knew you, can help verify that your condition started during service.
2. Aggravation of Pre-existing Bipolar Disorder – If you had a bipolar diagnosis before joining the military, you might still qualify for benefits if you can show that your military service made your condition worse. However, be cautious with this approach, as the VA may argue that the worsening was due to the natural progression of the disorder. To strengthen your case, provide evidence of how your symptoms intensified during service.

Step #3: Gather Supporting Evidence

Documentation is critical in building a strong VA claim. Here’s what to include:

• Medical Records – Obtain records of any treatment for bipolar symptoms during or after your service.
• Personal Statements – Statements from friends, family, or colleagues can help paint a picture of your behavior before and after military service.
• Psychiatric Evaluations – A medical professional’s opinion linking your condition to your service is essential.

Step #4: Demonstrate “As Likely As Not” Standard

You don’t need to prove that military service was the sole cause of your bipolar disorder. Instead, you must show that it is “as likely as not” that your service contributed to or worsen your condition. By providing a thorough timeline and medical evidence, you can establish a strong case for service connection. At least as likely as not simply means that there is at least a coin flip chance that your condition is due to service

Step #5: Apply for Benefits

Once you have your documentation ready, submit your claim to the VA. The rating you receive will depend on the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. VA ratings for bipolar disorder range from 10% to 100%, reflecting different levels of disability.

Step #6: Get Help from a Veteran’s Lawyer for Bipolar Disorder

Navigating the VA claims process can be complicated. If your claim is denied or you need assistance building a case, it may be helpful to consult a VA disability lawyer who specializes in mental health claims.

By following these steps and gathering the right evidence, you can increase your chances of receiving the VA benefits you deserve for bipolar disorder.

Contact a VA Disability Lawyer at Gang & Associates

We concentrate only on veterans’ disability law and employ highly skilled professionals proficient in handling the most complex VA disability cases relating to Bipolar Disorder and other disabilities, cancers and diseases. We have a winning track record to stand behind. You may contact us directly for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.