Va Service Connected Substance Abuse

For example if veterans use alcoholism to self-medicate their service-connected PTSD or use medical marijuana or heroin to cope with the pain of their service-connected back condition they may be entitled to benefits.

Va service connected substance abuse. Establishing service connection for an alcohol or drug abuse disability on a secondary basis is important because eligibility for several other VA benefits generally called ancillary benefits might follow and could significantly affect the benefits ultimately due to the veteran and his or her dependents. VA has many resources to help Veterans and their loved ones get answers to their questions find support access treatment and recover. Recently a Seattle Times reporter investigated why many veterans are left without health-care and disability benefits after the close of their service. Veterans met the criteria for substance use disorder between 2004 and 2006.

Fortunately there are proven ways to help Veterans recover from alcohol or drug use disorders. In 1990 Congress enacted a law that said that the VA could not pay service connected disability compensation if the injury was the result of the Veterans alcohol and drug abuse specifically willful abuse during service. The VA health care program covers services to treat substance use problems. You also dont need to have reported the MST at the time or have other proof to get care.

To access these services first apply for VA health care. Does not preclude compensation for an alcohol or drug abuse disability secondary to a service-connected disability or use of an alcohol or drug abuse disability as evidence of the increased severity of a service-connected disability. They cannot do so on a direct basis. Prevalence of Substance Abuse Disorder Among Veterans The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA estimates that 71 percent of all US.

The VA responded that substance abuse could NOT be service-connected either as a primary disability or as secondary to mental illness. Your provider can help you get screened for substance use problems and related issues like PTSD or depressionand can offer treatment and support as needed. Establishing Service-Connection for an alcohol or drug abuse disability on a secondary basis is important because eligibility for several other VA Benefits generally called AncillaryBenefits might followand could significantly affect the Benefits ultimately due Veterans and their Dependents. Apply for VA health care.

PTSD and Substance Abuse in Veterans Studies show PTSD and substance use problems are strongly related in people who served in the military and in civilians. Alcohol and drug abuse are substance abuse problems that many of the nations male and female veterans face. The rate of veterans with substance use disorder such as alcoholism is disproportionate among time periods served. To change your substance use you do not have to do it alone.

VA SUD Program Locator. In addition to chronic pain following serious service-related injuries trouble transitioning back into civilian life after serving in war-torn areas abroad are both key reasons for reliance on alcohol and other drugs. If youre a Veteran who has experienced MST you can get help through VA. VA Programs Services Misusing substances such as alcohol drugs or tobacco can increase your risk for injuries accidents and physical and mental health problems.

If you have a VA primary care provider talk to them about your substance use. However veterans can service connect their alcoholism or drug abuse as secondary to other service connected conditions or as an aggravation of that conditions. One reason that he found was that an other-than-honorable discharge barred some veterans from receiving veterans benefits. Some people try to cope with PTSD symptoms by drinking heavily using drugs or smoking too much.

Because alcohol abuse and issues like depression are so closely associated alcoholism can be service-connected in this way in some situations. However the court found that the law. 7 percent of veterans. The Source of the Myth that you cant Service Connect a Veterans Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

You dont need to have a service-connected disability rating and you may be able to get MST-related care even if you arent eligible for other VA services.