Va Bipolar Secondary To Ptsd

What Are Bipolar Disorder And Ptsd

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that, per the National Institute of Mental Health , is marked by dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels that make it challenging for a person to live normally and carry out their daily tasks. The disorder affects the brain and is also known as manic-depressive disorder or manic-depressive illness. According to NIMH, an estimated 2.8% of U.S. adults had bipolar disorder in the past year.

There are different kinds of bipolar disorder. NIMH lists three types of bipolar: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder .

Bipolar I: Someone with bipolar I will have manic episodes that can last as long as seven days. They are marked with disruptive periods of unusually high energy and high mood. These manic symptoms can be so severe that they require hospital treatment. It is possible for psychosis to set in, meaning a person with bipolar I can lose touch with the outside world.

Bipolar II: While many people think of bipolar I upon hearing about the condition, the more common form of the illness is bipolar II, which involves cycles of high and low moods. People with this form of bipolar do not have full-blown manic episodes. They have a milder form of mania and experience at least one depressive episode.

Is There A List Of Secondary Conditions For Va Disability

There is no master list of conditions that you may be able to connect secondarily. Thats because any condition medically related to a service-connected condition can be secondarily connected. And many medical issues are comorbid, meaning they cause or are caused by another medical concern that exists concurrently.

Although there is no list of secondary conditions, there are many examples.

For instance, multiple conditions are commonly linked as secondary service connections to post-traumatic stress disorder , including:

• Erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence related to prostate cancer
• Traumatic brain injury and other physical or mental health concerns
• Depression related to Parkinsons disease or cancer

How To Prove Secondary Service Connection

You must first prove your primary service-connected disability to prove a secondary service connection. Proving a service connection relies on evidence such as medical treatment, diagnosis, opinions of medical and psychological professionals, and statements from friends, family, and veterans who served with you.

To obtain secondary service connection, you need to file a VA application claiming service connection for these health issues. You must be able to prove these issues are caused by or made worse by a service connected health condition through medical evidence.

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Always Being On Guard

Those with PTSD may also always be on guard to avoid being triggered by a sound, event, or image. They may obsessively try to control their surroundings to protect themselves . They may put up signs warning neighbors or others to stay away, get guard dogs, or have a consistent sense of hyper-vigilance where they are prepared to fight or to confront something unseen.

Va Disability Rating For Bipolar Disorder

If you are awarded service connection, the VA will assign a disability rating based on how your bipolar disorder affects your ability to work. The VA rates it as follows:

Zero Percent 0%: This means your bipolar disorder has no disabling effects.

Mild Symptoms include abnormal mood swings, unusual talkativeness or irritability, racing thoughts and agitation. The veteran can still function in a work setting with some adjustments

Moderate Symptoms include marked mood swings, frequent outbursts of anger, impulsiveness, poor decision-making and significant problems with concentration. The veteran may be able to work but would need special accommodations

Severe Symptoms include extreme mood swings, suicidal thoughts or attempts, self-mutilation, psychosis and inability to take care of oneself. The veteran is considered totally disabled and unable to work

Total The veteran experiences an extreme form of bipolar disorder that requires hospitalization. This is the most severe level of VA disability rating for bipolar and typically only applies to those who are in a constant state of psychosis or suicidal ideation. The veteran is considered totally disabled and unable to work.

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Anxiety And Panic Attacks

Mild, moderate, or severe mental illnesses, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder , are common in PTSD sufferers. Anxiety is often associated with PTSD, as well as depression and agoraphobia. Some people with GAD or another type of anxiety disorder suffer from panic attacks. These are episodes where the sufferer feels their heart pounding out of their chest, has sudden sweating or shaking, and can feel like they are having a heart attack. A panic attack is fleeting and is not life-threatening but can seem so in the moment. There are many effective therapeutic treatments for GAD and panic attacks.

Va Disability Compensation For Ptsd

Posttraumatic stress can happen after someone goes through a traumatic event such as combat, an assault, or a disaster. Most people have some stress reactions following trauma. But if the reactions dont go away over time or they disrupt your life, you may have posttraumatic stress disorder . Find out if you can get disability compensation or benefits if you have symptoms of PTSD.

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Contact Us For A Free Consultation

If you are suffering from PTSD and want to claim disability benefits then reach out to the experienced veterans disability attorneys at Marc Whitehead & Associates. We are highly experienced in dealing with the Social Security Administration and the VA in obtaining the disability benefits our clients are entitled to. We vow to put the same effort and commitment into our work for you as you put into your service to your country. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Sleep Apnea Secondary To Ptsd

Service Connected Sleep Apnea Secondary to PTSD

Did you know veterans are almost four times as likely to have or develop Obstructive Sleep Apnea compared to the general population?

Sleep apnea is one of the most common secondary conditions to PTSD.

And numerous medical research studies point to the prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in veterans with PTSD.

For example, a study of U.S. veterans found that the probability of having Obstructive Sleep Apnea increased with increasing severity of PTSD symptoms.

According to Sonya Norman, PhD, director of the PTSD Consultation Program at the National Center for PTSD, and an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine: Sleep apnea is a risk factor for a long list of health problems such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and psychological problems including depression, worsening PTSD and anxiety.

Medical research supports causal linkages of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in veterans due to changes in physical structure or other medical conditions.

These include conditions such as: Obesity, large tonsils, endocrine disorders, neuromuscular disorders, heart or kidney failure, certain genetic syndromes, and premature birth.

In our experience, it is common for a veterans PTSD to aggravate his/her Sleep Apnea due to Obesity as an interim link for secondary service connection.

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Why Ptsd Is Sometimes Misdiagnosed As Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is one of the most misused terms in mental health.

People use the term bipolar to describe typical swings from good to bad days, so its no surprise that PTSD with its intense moods and anxiety can be lumped into this category as well, says Dimitriu.

I emphasize to all my patients that a true bipolar diagnosis involves mood states that last for days and involve changes in sleep and energy. Clusters of regrettable behavior are another marker worth exploring for bipolar. Mood tracking helps here, he suggests.

Also, it can be difficult for those who have experienced trauma to talk about it.

If a medical professional isnt aware of someones trauma background a key distinction of PTSD versus bipolar disorder then the several overlapping symptoms could steer a diagnosis in the wrong direction.

There are options for treating PTSD, which include:

• individual psychotherapy

How To Establish Service Connection Secondary To Ptsd

In accordance with 38 CFR § 3.310 disabilities that are proximately due to, or aggravated by, service-connected disease or injury, a current disability condition, which is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury shall be service connected.

Service connection on a secondary basis requires a showing of causation.

A showing of causation requires that the secondary disability claim be shown to be proximately due to or aggravated by another service-connected disability.

There are three evidentiary elements that must be satisfied for secondary conditions to PTSD to prove service connection under the law:

• A medical diagnosis of the secondary disability condition youre attempting to link to PTSD AND

• A current service-connected primary disability AND

• Medical nexus evidence establishing a connection between the service-connected PTSD and the current disability youre trying to connect

The first part can be satisfied with any existing medical evidence in service treatment records, VA medical records, or any private medical records.

The second part can be satisfied with a veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher, which in this case, is PTSD.

The third part, and often the missing link needed to establish secondary service connection, can be satisfied with a credible Medical Nexus Letter from a qualified medical provider.

Truth bomb here veterans

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Total Disability Based On Individual Unemployability For Bipolar Disorder

If a veteran is unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of their service-connected bipolar disorder, they may be entitled to total disability based on individual unemployability . VA should consider entitlement to TDIU benefits when evaluating a veterans claim for bipolar disorder if the veteran is unable to work however, veterans can also specifically file for TDIU.

Compensation & Pension Exam For Bipolar Mental Disorders

If you have a VA service connection disability claim for bipolar disorder, the VA will send you to a VA doctor for an exam at some point during your disability claim. This could also apply for veterans who already have been granted service connection for their condition and is appealing the VA rating. This is whats known as a Compensation & Pension Exam for Disability Benefits.

A Compensation & Pension exam is an important part of your claim and can help support it. The doctor will evaluate the severity of your bipolar disorder, at which point they are required to complete a C& P examination report that lists all their findings including personal appearance. They may also do a mental status exam or other diagnostic tests.

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Understanding The Va Disability Rating Levels

The VAs rating range for bipolar disorder is from 10% to 100%, depending on how serious the symptoms are and how much they affect your daily life. Representation by a lawyer, who presents lay testimony and organized evidence can help boost your VA disability rating and your compensation. Your family, friends and coworkers can provide information about how your symptoms affect your day-to-day life. An experienced VA disability attorney can build a case, have your testimony and evidence heard, and help you get the compensation you deserve.

The VA rates disability from service-connected bipolar disorder according to the following symptoms. Please not that these are general descriptions your Veterans Law Group attorney can provide you with much more specific information:

Service Connection For Bipolar Disorder Through A Secondary Issue

If veterans cant prove that their bipolar disorder was directly caused or aggravated by military service, they may still be able to get benefits if they can show that it is related to another disability that was caused or aggravated by military service. For example, many veterans with bipolar disorder also have a traumatic brain injury.

If you went through combat, a car accident, bomb blast, IED, etc. and experienced serious head trauma, that could lead to not only physical issues but also mental ones your bipolar disorder could be secondary to the TBI.

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How To Get Ptsd Disability From The Va

Veterans may also make a separate VA disability claim. Many veterans with PTSD quality for VA disability benefits. They should file a claim for monthly tax-free compensation with Veteran Affairs they are suffering from PTSD as a result of a traumatic event that occurred while they were on active duty. Claims must be made in writing and submitted to the appropriate VA regional office.

Each VA disability claim receives a VA disability rating based on how much the disorder interferes with daily functioning. Veterans PTSD is one of the most common disorders claimed by veterans. It is highly recommended that claimants hire a veterans disability attorney for support in reapplying for benefits if their initial claim was denied.

Veterans who are suffering from a PTSD disability should also consider applying for a VA loan which can be used for buying, repairing, or refinancing a home or for retrofitting a home for specific disabilities stemming from a physical injury or other impairment.

If you are experiencing the debilitating effects of PTSD stemming from a traumatic event in your past, you may be eligible for SSDI from the SSA or VA benefits from the Veterans Benefits Administration. Speak to your medical team about your symptoms and how they are interfering with daily functioning. Ask them about helping you make a claim and whether they think you will be awarded benefits. Do additional research online and consult with an attorney, if possible.

Differences Between Bipolar Disorder And Ptsd

Bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder dont necessarily have the same root causes, which makes them different. Research continues to find out what exactly causes bipolar disorder. According to Mayo Clinic, it is thought that several factors can cause one to develop it, including:

Genetics: A first-degree relative can have the disorder, such as a parent or sibling

Biological differences: A person with bipolar disorder may have physical differences in their brain structure.

Environment: A persons surroundings can also have a role in the development of bipolar disorder. Mayo Clinic also says that stressful periods or a traumatic event can cause bipolar disorder to develop in some people. Some of those traumatic events also cause PTSD to develop in a person. Drug and alcohol abuse is also a risk factor for a bipolar episode, it says.

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Service Connection For An Acquired Psychiatric Disorder To Include Personality Disorder Depressive Disorder Adjustment Disorder Bipolar Disorder And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Citation Nr: 18131277

Citation Nr: 18131277 Decision Date: 08/31/18 Archive Date: 08/31/18 DOCKET NO. 16-14 568 DATE: August 31, 2018 ORDER New and material evidence having been received, the appeal to reopen service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depressive disorder, is granted. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include personality disorder, depressive disorder,

What Are Mood Disorders

Mood disorders, oftentimes referred to as affective disorder, are a mental health conditions that severely impacts mood and its related functions. Importantly, mood disorders is an umbrella term used to represent different types of mental health conditions, including the following:

• Major depressive disorder prolonged and persistent periods of extreme sadness
• Bipolar disorder involves alternating periods of depression and mania
• Persistent depressive disorder a long-term form of depression
• Cyclothymia a disorder that causes emotional ups and downs that are less extreme than bipolar disorder
• Seasonal affective disorder a form of depression most often associated with fewer hours of daylight in the far northern and southern latitudes of late fall to early spring
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder mood changes and irritability that occur during the premenstrual phase of a womans cycle and dissipate with the onset of menses
• Depression related to medical illness persistent depressed mood and a significant loss of pleasure in most or all activities that is directly related to the physical effects of another medical condition
• Depression induced by substance use or medication depression symptoms that develop during or soon after substance use or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication

Mood disorders can often lead to significant social and occupational impairment. Generally speaking, symptoms of mood disorders may include the following:

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There Is A Link Between Ptsd And Bipolar Disorder

Many times individuals with bipolar disorder may also have post-traumatic stress disorder or substance use disorders. There is no specific identifiable cause of bipolar disorder but studies have shown that many things may be the cause. Research suggests that life stressors can change the course of the symptoms and sometimes even trigger an episode. These life stressors can be as simple as a change in the seasons or job stress or as big as serving in a war.

What Is A Secondary Service

A veteran can receive a secondary service-connected disability rating for any health condition that is medically related to a condition thats service connected. Medical evidence must link the primary and secondary service-connected impairments, or the secondary impairment must link to another service-connected health concern.

Service-connected mental health conditions are among the most common causes of secondary conditions. Zack Evans, a VA-certified disability benefits attorney, provided this example:

If you had a really bad back injury in service and, because of the way that changed your life and your ability to provide for your family, you experience a downturn in your mental health, Evans said. You get a bit depressed over your physical ailment, and your mental health condition can be connected on a secondary basis.

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