The Veteran was granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD with alcohol dependence prior to July 13, 2023, and the claim for a higher rating from that date was denied. The claims for earlier effective dates for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance were also denied.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms of passive suicidal ideation warranted a 70 percent rating prior to July 13, 2023, but did not rise to the level required for a higher 100 percent rating. The claims for earlier effective dates were denied due to lack of evidence supporting an earlier date.

Claimed conditions

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with alcohol dependence

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

70%

Decision date

January 31, 2025

Citation

A25008882

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