Mental health conditions are among the most commonly service-connected disabilities for veterans and bipolar disorder is one of the most severe and misunderstood. Characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning, bipolar disorder can significantly interfere with a veteran’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and manage daily life.
If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder whether before, during, or after military service you may be eligible for VA disability compensation. However, many veterans receive ratings that are far lower than their symptoms justify due to misunderstanding how the VA evaluates bipolar disorder.
This guide explains who qualifies for bipolar VA disability, how the VA rates bipolar disorder, how to prove service connection, and what evidence gives your claim the best chance of approval.
Veterans and Bipolar Disorder
Mental health injuries are often invisible but deeply impactful. Veterans may develop bipolar disorder due to:
- Chronic stress and trauma
- Combat exposure
- Sleep deprivation and operational tempo
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Genetic predisposition combined with service stressors
For many veterans, symptoms go undiagnosed for years, often mistaken for PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
“Bipolar disorder in veterans is frequently misdiagnosed or under-rated because symptoms fluctuate,” explains VA disability expert Brian Reese.Also Read
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What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder formerly called manic-depressive disorder is a lifelong mental health condition marked by episodes of mania (or hypomania) and depression.
These mood episodes are not short-term emotional changes. They often last days or weeks and can severely impair functioning.
Common Bipolar Symptoms
- Extreme mood swings (mania ↔ depression)
- Manic symptoms: racing thoughts, impulsive behavior, grandiosity
- Hypomanic episodes (less severe mania)
- Major depressive episodes
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
- Impaired judgment and decision-making
- Periods requiring hospitalization (especially bipolar I)
Overlapping Symptoms: Bipolar Disorder vs PTSD
Bipolar disorder and PTSD share overlapping symptoms such as:
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
The key difference is mania or hypomania, which is unique to bipolar disorder.
Important Note:
The VA does not pay separate ratings for overlapping mental health symptoms. Instead, all service-connected mental health conditions are rated together under one combined evaluation.
Types of Bipolar Disorder Recognized by the VA
The VA does not assign different ratings based solely on bipolar subtype. What matters is severity and functional impact.
Recognized diagnoses include:
- Bipolar I Disorder (DC 9432): Severe manic episodes, possible psychosis
- Bipolar II Disorder (DC 9432): Hypomania with major depression
- Cyclothymic Disorder (DC 9431): Chronic but milder mood instability
Key Point:
Diagnosis establishes eligibility but rating depends on how symptoms affect work and life.
How the VA Rates Bipolar Disorder?
The VA rates bipolar disorder under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, using six possible ratings:
0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%.
Ratings are based on:
- Frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms
- Occupational impairment
- Social impairment
Bipolar VA Rating Chart
| VA Rating | Symptoms | Occupational & Social Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Diagnosis without disabling symptoms | No functional impairment |
| 10% | Mild or controlled symptoms | Interference only during stress |
| 30% | Persistent symptoms | Occasional work impairment |
| 50% | Frequent mood disturbances | Reduced reliability & productivity |
| 70% | Severe symptoms incl. suicidal ideation | Deficiencies in most areas |
| 100% | Psychosis, danger to self/others | Total occupational & social impairment |
“Veterans with bipolar disorder are often underrated because they appear functional between episodes,” notes Brian Reese.
Who Qualifies for Bipolar VA Disability?
You may qualify if your bipolar disorder:
- Began during military service
- Was caused or worsened by service
- Is secondary to another service-connected condition (such as TBI)
Even if symptoms existed before service, you may qualify if service aggravated the condition beyond natural progression.
Proving Service Connection for Bipolar Disorder
To win a bipolar VA claim, you must prove four elements:
- Current Diagnosis by a licensed mental health provider
- In-Service Event or Stressor (combat, trauma, TBI, etc.)
- Current Functional Impairment
- Medical Nexus linking bipolar disorder to service
“A strong nexus opinion is often the deciding factor in bipolar claims,” says a VA-accredited claims consultant.
Evidence That Strengthens a Bipolar VA Claim
Helpful evidence includes:
- Psychiatric treatment records
- Prescription history (mood stabilizers, antipsychotics)
- Hospitalization records
- Buddy statements
- Family statements describing behavior changes
- Nexus letters or Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs)
Filing a VA Claim for Bipolar Disorder
You can file your claim:
- Online
- By mail
- By fax
- In person at a VA regional office
VA Form 21-526EZ is required if not filing online.
Pro Tip:
Submitting a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) with strong medical evidence can reduce delays.
Bipolar Disorder and TDIU
Veterans with bipolar disorder may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
TDIU allows payment at the 100% rate, even if your bipolar rating is less than 100%, when symptoms prevent substantially gainful employment.
“Bipolar disorder is one of the leading mental health conditions qualifying veterans for TDIU,” notes a VA disability analyst.
Veterans Crisis Support
If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, suicidal thoughts, or feel unsafe:
- Call 988, then press 1
- Text 838255
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
Help is available 24/7.
Final Thought
Bipolar disorder is a serious, life-altering condition and veterans deserve compensation that reflects its true impact. Understanding how the VA evaluates bipolar disorder, building strong evidence, and clearly documenting functional impairment can make the difference between denial and approval.
Brian Reese concludes:
“Bipolar disorder claims are winnable but only when veterans understand how the VA really rates mental health.”
FAQs
Can bipolar disorder be service-connected?
Yes, if caused or worsened by military service.
What VA ratings apply to bipolar disorder?
0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%.
Can I have both PTSD and bipolar disorder?
Yes, but the VA assigns one combined mental health rating.
Is bipolar disorder hard to prove?
It can be without strong medical evidence and a nexus opinion.
Can bipolar disorder qualify for TDIU?
Yes, if it prevents steady employment.
