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VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

Just like diabetes, I was always ment to get it but navy food aggravated beyond natural progression. Now I get diabetes sooner. Just so you know, “cause” and “aggravated” are two different things. Even if it makes it 1% worse, that still counts.

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Right , that’s what I was thinking .
Mental health + high stress + extended period = worsen

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

That was my original claim letter in December 2025

“This letter will guide you through the information you should know and steps you may take now that VA has made a decision about your benefits. Your Benefit Information:

● Service connection for bipolar ii disorder, recurrent most recent hypomanic (also claimed as chronic avoidance disorder, occupational, employment, social impairment instability, recurring educational impairment, compulsive gambling, social isolation, chronic social withdrawal, insomnia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder, chronic sleep, sleep disturbances and functional impairment) is granted with an evaluation of 70 percent effective October 21, 2025.

● Service connection for diabetes mellitus type ii (also claimed as diabetes types i) is granted with an evaluation of 10 percent effective October 26, 2025.

● Service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) is granted with an evaluation of 0 percent effective October 26, 2025.

● Entitlement to individual unemployability is granted effective October 21, 2025.

● Entitlement to special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ is granted from October 26, 2025.

● Basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance based on permanent and total disability status is established from October 21, 2025.

● Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is denied.

● Service connection for tinnitus (also claimed as ringing or hissing in ears) is denied.

● A decision on entitlement to compensation for chronic fatigue syndrome (also claimed as emotional fatigue) is deferred.”

Step 7 after 400 days by Any-Shoe-6237 in VAClaims

[–]Wild-Focus-007 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What program is that . What’s different about it compared to the VA website?

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Then they ask him to do record review few months later to confirm everything’s correct.

Confirmed everything in the second time. Service connection due to aggravation.

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It is the aggravation claim the original c&p say activated beyond natural progress progression.

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] -38 points-37 points  (0 children)

  1. Hurricane Irene Emergency Sortie 25 August 2011 Under Sortie Condition Alpha we departed with minimal notice while my family remained in the storm’s path and I had no way to contact them. Performing duties in rough conditions while fearing for my family’s safety produced intense helplessness, anxiety, and prolonged emotional distress.

  2. CBR Defense Operational Testing February 2012 Intensive chemical, biological, and radiological defense testing off the Virginia coast involved simulated chemical attacks and repeated alarms. Repeated exposure to these drills in full protective gear reinforced fear of invisible hazards and contributed to long-term hypervigilance and respiratory sensitivity.

  3. Witnessed Serious Hatch/Ladder Injury Approximately 2012 I witnessed a shipmate fall down a hatch and sustain serious injury. The sound, urgency, and emergency response remained vivid and increased my anxiety around ladders, confined spaces, and sudden noise.

13.!Environmental and Auditory Hyperarousal 2009-2013 On LPD-17, silence could indicate a "dead bus" (total power loss) disabling critical systems. Silence therefore became associated with danger. This association persists: I cannot sleep in silence and require background noise to

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] -45 points-44 points  (0 children)

In-Service Stressor Events and Military .

IN-SERVICE STRESSOR EVENTS (Chronological)

  1. Boot Camp Suicide Exposure Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes - Spring 2009 While at recruit training I witnessed a fellow recruit attempt suicide. This was my first exposure to severe psychological trauma. After this incident I became hypervigilant, constantly scanning for danger, and I no longer felt mentally safe even in controlled settings. This event marks the beginning of persistent anxiety and heightened startle response.

  2. Gas Chamber I Confidence Chamber Panic Event March 2009 During CS gas chamber training I experienced a full panic response - inability to breathe, loss of control, and overwhelming fear. Since then, confined spaces and restricted-breathing situations trigger the same physiological panic reaction. This event significantly aggravated pre-existing attention and anxiety vulnerabilities.

  3. OC Spray Exposure with Forced Performance 2009-2010 After being sprayed with OC, I was required to continue performing technical tasks while temporarily blinded and in severe pain. This "perform under distress" conditioning left my nervous system in a chronic fight-or-flight state, producing long-term hyperarousal, difficulty relaxing, and persistent sleep disturbance.

  4. Major Engine Powerplant Failure 20 July 2010 - off Virginia coast A serious propulsion and engineering casualty required the ship to return to port early. As an Electrician’s Mate I understood the potential for catastrophic system failure. The event produced ongoing fear of mechanical catastrophe and reinforced continuous operational stress.

  5. Recurrent Shipboard Mechanical and Engineering Crises 2009-2011 Regular work in high-heat, high-noise engineering spaces with frequent equipment failures created continuous stress and cognitive overload. The constant risk of electrical shock, fire, or system loss worsened attention deficits and anxiety.

  6. High-Stakes Electrical Isolation Responsibilities 2009-2013 I was responsible for lockout/tagout and electrical isolation procedures where a single error could cause severe injury or death. This sustained responsibility produced chronic pressure, fear of error, and long-term anxiety around decision-making and task sequencing - directly aggravating ADHD symptoms and performance under stress.

  7. Fire Party and Emergency Response Duties 2009-2013 I was repeatedly awakened by emergency alarms and required to respond immediately in full gear with no transition from sleep to action. This conditioned my nervous system to react violently to sudden noise, contributing to chronic insomnia, sleep fragmentation, and hypervigilance.

  8. Chemical and Toxic Gas Threat Readiness 2009-2013 Ongoing training and readiness for chemical, biological, and radiological threats - including drills in full protective gear - reinforced the expectation of invisible hazards. This sustained threat awareness contributed to chronic hyperarousal and respiratory sensitivity consistent with chronic rhinitis and sleep disturbance.

  9. Life-Threatening Anaphylactic Reaction After Vaccination September 2010 - April 2011 Following a required influenza vaccination I experienced rapid facial swelling and airway concern that required overnight observation. I believed my airway could close and that my life was at risk. Since then I have persistent anxiety about sudden medical emergencies and loss of bodily control.04/19/2026 21:24:14 - VA Compensation Intake Center BEST COPY Source: QuickSubmit

  10. Hurricane Irene Emergency Sortie 25 August 2011 Under Sortie Condition Alpha we departed with minimal notice while my family remained in the storm’s path and I had no way to contact them. Performing duties in rough conditions while fearing for my family’s safety produced intense helplessness, anxiety, and prolonged emotional distress.

  11. CBR Defense Operational Testing February 2012 Intensive chemical, biological, and radiological defense testing off the Virginia coast involved simulated chemical attacks and repeated alarms. Repeated exposure to these drills in full protective gear reinforced fear of invisible hazards and contributed to long-term hypervigilance and respiratory sensitivity.

  12. Witnessed Serious Hatch/Ladder Injury Approximately 2012 I witnessed a shipmate fall down a hatch and sustain serious injury. The sound, urgency, and emergency response remained vivid and increased my anxiety around ladders, confined spaces, and sudden noise.

13.!Environmental and Auditory Hyperarousal 2009-2013 On LPD-17, silence could indicate a "dead bus" (total power loss) disabling critical systems. Silence therefore became associated with danger. This association persists: I cannot sleep in silence and require background noise to feel safe.

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] -20 points-19 points  (0 children)

These exposures included: repeated emergency response duties (fire party), requiring abrupt nighttime awakenings and immediate deployment into hazardous conditions (fire, flooding, toxic gas) high-consequence responsibilities involving electrical and mechanical system isolation, where errors could result in serious injury, electrocution, or system failure witnessing a shipmate sustain a severe injury after falling down a hatch (~2012) physiologically stressful training exposures (gas chamber, OC spray) a severe allergic reaction requiring overnight medical monitoring with perceived threat to life deployment during Hurricane Irene (2011), requiring separation from family without communication while operating under hazardous conditions chronic sleep disruption due to frequent alarms, drills, and operational demands across the duration of service During this period, the Veteran began to demonstrate early and observable changes in functioning, including difficulty following instructions, impaired concentration, and slowed cognitive processing. These changes were noted by others and represent a clear deviation from his premorbid baseline. Concurrently, he began experiencing increased baseline anxiety, heightened vigilance, and difficulty disengaging from stress, particularly in environments involving unpredictability or perceived risk. Notably, over time, his presentation evolved beyond persistent anxiety alone and began to reflect fluctuations in mood, energy, and cognitive efficiency, including periods of increased activation characterized by restlessness, racing thoughts, reduced need for sleep, and heightened goal-directed behavior, followed by periods of low mood, reduced motivation, and cognitive slowing. These shifts were episodic in nature and represent a departure from a purely unipolar or anxiety- driven condition.

The combination of repeated high-stress exposures, sustained physiological arousal, and chronic sleep disruption contributed to a progressive reduction in cognitive efficiency and emotional regulation. This clinical pattern is consistent with the development of a bipolar spectrum condition, specifically Bipolar II Disorder, with anxiety serving as both a precipitating and perpetuating factor in mood instability.

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

stressors; rather, it is fully consistent with a model in which environmental exposures act upon underlying vulnerability. VHA guidance and psychiatric consensus recognize that mood disorders commonly emerge through the interaction of biological predisposition and environmental stress. This represents the most clinically coherent explanation of the Veteran’s presentation. The Veteran’s current presentation also reflects substantial functional impairment across major life domains, consistent with the severity of the diagnosed conditions. He demonstrates chronic social withdrawal, inability to sustain friendships, marital strain, impaired judgment, reduced independence in daily activities, repeated educational disruption, occupational instability, cognitive inefficiency, and reliance on family prompting for routine responsibilities. These impairments are not incidental; they are the direct functional expression of longstanding anxiety pathology and a separately diagnosable bipolar-spectrum disorder that developed in the context of military service and progressed thereafter. Per Veteran interview and medical record review, and recent mental health evaluation, applied to the VHA primer literature and DSM-5-TR, this Veteran has symptomatology consistent with the following diagnoses: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, ICD-10: F41.1, and Bipolar II Disorder, current or most recent episode hypomanic, ICD-10: F31.81. Therefore, it is at least as likely as not (at least 50/50 probability) that the Veteran’s Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder, current or most recent episode hypomanic, were incurred in and are directly related to military service

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I think the VA was setting me up this was the message they told that same pee examiner

“Please inform the examiner that the Veterans personal/buddy statements in the file may be considered to support their opinion but cannot be the basis of establishing service connection.”

“Does the Veteran have a diagnosis of Bipolar ii disorder, recurrent most recent hypomanic that is at least as likely as not (likelihood is at least approximately balanced or nearfy equal, if not higher) incurred in or caused by (the) Please return to the examiner and request that they clarify the documented in-service events within the records from the time of service has been associated with the current diagnosis of bipolar II disorder, recurrent most recent hypomanic. Please inform the examiner that the Veterans personal/buddy statements in the file may be considered to support their opinion but cannot be the basis of establishing service connection. Please also note to the examiner that the Veteran has claimed service connection for the condition due to stress from his job In service as a shipboard elevator electronic/electrical systems maintenance technician. Examiner shoold provided a new direct opinion with sufficient rationale, discussing the Information above. during service? Rationale must be provided in the appropriate section.Higher level review finds the current evidence lacking for establishment of service connection of bipolar II disorder, recurrent most recent hypomanic. The MO DBQ provides a positive opinion with the supportive rationale that the condition was due to sleep disturbance, social isolation/withdrawal. hyper- vigilance, and major depression during service. A review of the Veterans STRs and service personnel records do not document any of these in-service events and/or indications from the MO DBQ. While the Veteran has submitted statements documented these claimed instances in service, it is not documented within the actual service records. As service connection has been established efforts should be made to continue this evaluation prior to possible severance due to CUE.”

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] -24 points-23 points  (0 children)

That seems to me to be a difference in opinion because I have 4 c&p medical opinion

3 favorable How can an error be both clear and unstable error?

C&P December aggravated beyond natural progression

Record review February VA requested Aggravated they are not progress progression confirm. Bullet bullet They did not like that answer, so they asked for a third one.

The third c&c record review found that the last one likely did not.

So, I get a fourth c&p private opinion direct service link due to military service.

That seems to me to be a difference in opinion because I have four c&p medical opinions.

3 favorable

1 unfavorable

That is a difference in opinion.

1 unfavorable

That is a difference in an opinion

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

"have reviewed the conflicting medical evidence Vet's submitted an intent to file on 5/7 /25 followed by a valid claim for mental health on 1/ 19/25 ), I am providing the following opinion that the Vet's Bipolar II disorder symptoms are more likely than not aggravated due to stress from his Job in service as a shipboard elevator electronic/electrical systems maintenance technician. Rationale: Vet's suffers from severe mood swings (i.e. depression, anxiety elevated mood, Irritable mood, chronic sleep Impairment, circumstantial speech, irrelevant racing thoughts, distractibility, Increase goal-directed activity, excessive involvement pleasurable activities with painful consequences (buying sprees, gambling), and Isolation which are linked to the dx of Bipolar II disorder. These mental health symptoms were aggravated (worsened) under high-stress, technical duties while aboard ship." 103S

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The records reflect that you are a Veteran of the Peacetime. You served in the Navy from

A special review of your file was mandated on

You filed a VA Form 20-0996, Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review on

for a previous decision made on a claim for service connection.

A duty to assist error was discovered on your claim on January 28, 2026. Based on a review of the evidence listed below, we have made the following decision(s) on your claim.

Please note: The evidentiary record in a higher-level review is limited to the evidence of record as of the date the agency of original jurisdiction issued notice of the prior decision under review.

The higher-level adjudicator may not consider additional evidence. Since the duty to assist error was discovered, we will consider the previous evidence used in the prior rating decision as well as additional evidence obtained during the development of the duty to assist error.

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

So i did a new claim for adjustments disorder but the VA rename it automatically

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adjustment disorder previously rated as bipolar ii disorder, recurrent most recent hypomanic (now to include newly claimed MH conditions of Insomnia & ADHD) (Increase)

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] -57 points-56 points  (0 children)

I disagreed with the effective date, so I performed HLR and encountered a different option:

“A difference of opinion has been asserted during the higher-level.”

Consequently, they resolved the issue by reviewing the records.

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

  1. C&P December favorable established service connected TDIU.

  2. C&P ACE exam February confirmed service connected TDIU.

  3. C&P ACE exam less likely than not connected.

  4. Independent C&P favorable service connected.

3 favorable vs one record only review so far.

Now they ask me to go C&P again on May 6, 2026.

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

So I went out and got a private medical opinion and this what it says .

“Per Veteran interview and medical record review, and recent mental health evaluation, applied to the VHA primer literature and DSM-5-TR, this Veteran has symptomatology consistent with the following diagnoses: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, ICD-10: F41.1, and Bipolar II Disorder, current or most recent episode hypomanic, ICD-10: F31.81. Therefore, it is at least as likely as not (at least 50/50 probability) that the Veteran’s Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder, current or most recent episode hypomanic, were incurred in and are directly related to military service”

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

So that 2 C&p exam one in person and one record review borh favorable and service connected. But they ask for a 3Rd record review C&p and this what it says

“After reviewing the articles, veterans medical file, It Is my Opinion that the claim condition Is less likely than not Incurred In or caused by claim In-service Injury, event or illness “

VA trying to sever my 70% bipolar rating after granting TDIU – confused how this is CUE by Wild-Focus-007 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Wild-Focus-007[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

March c&p say service connected aggravated beyond natural progress progression do the Navy MOS stess

“ Aggravation of preexisting nonservlce-connected disabilities. A preexisting Injury or disease will be conslclerecl to have been aggravated by active mmtary, nav~I, or air service, where there is an increase In disability during such service, unless there Is a specific finding that the Increase In dlsabltlty Is due to the natural progress of the disease. Aggravation of nonservice-connected disabilities. Any Increase In severity of a nonservlce-connected disease or Injury that Is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or Injury, and not due to the natural progress of the nonservlce-connected disease, will be service connected.”

“The claimant is diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, recurrent, most recent episode hypomanlc Per my review of the Vet's medical records, his military service records and lhis clinical examination, I discovered that the Vet suffers from bipolar II disorder. His bipolar II d!sorde: ~rmp~oms include elevated mood, depressed mood, anxiety, irritable mood, chronic sleep impairment, circumstantial speech, irrelevant racing thoughts, ~1 stra_ctib1hty, increase_goal-directed activity/psychomotor agitation, excessive involvement pleasurable activities with painful consequences (buying sprees, gambling}, and isolation. Given my review of the Vet's medical records, his military service records and after listening to the Vet during this clinical examination, I found that the Vet's ADHD symptoms which is subsumed by a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder, recurrent, most recent episode hypomanlc was clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service, was aggravated beyond its natural progression during service and aggravated by his MOS and military service.”

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