Substance use disorder (SUD) is debilitating. As a disease impacting both physical and mental health, it may worsen over time. That makes it hard to engage in responsibilities, including your job. If you are struggling with complications from substance misuse or addiction and you qualify for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, here’s what you need to know about your right to file for disability and get help for drug addiction.
Does VA Disability Cover Addiction?
VA disability provides financial coverage for those unable to work due to a qualified medical or mental health condition. Addiction is not covered outright by VA disability; however, it can qualify as a service-connected physical or mental health condition.
Substance use disorders may develop in Veterans for many reasons, including the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or other mental health conditions. Some people develop SUDs after suffering injuries that cause chronic pain. All of these conditions may meet the qualifications for VA benefits.
There are numerous steps to getting VA benefits. Ultimately, you must meet the eligibility requirements and have a condition recognized as being service-related and disabling.
Do You Qualify for VA Benefits?
To obtain VA benefits, you must meet the eligibility requirements that include:
- Serving in active duty, active duty training, or inactive duty training
- Having received a disability rating for a condition that relates to the work you did during your service period
You also must be able to show that your illness or injury relates to the time you served in the military or that serving in active duty made a preexisting condition worse. Or, you can show that a condition that developed after you left service was caused by or connected to your service with the military.
If you qualify for VA benefits, you may also qualify for VA disability.
What is Your VA Disability Rating?
The VA assigns Veterans a disability rating based on their condition, including the impact that condition has on their health and mental well-being. This rating is a percentage that expresses the extent to which the condition reduces their health or ability to meet obligations or functions.
To determine your VA rating, you will need to undergo several steps. That starts with evidence of your condition, such as a mental health professional confirming the presence of PTSD. You must then have a compensation and pension exam (in some situations) and answer any questions provided by the VA. The rating then determines if your limitations are severe enough to limit your ability to work.
When Does a Disability Rating Apply to Substance Use Disorder?
A diagnosed SUD does not automatically mean you meet the criteria for obtaining VA disability. Rather, you must demonstrate how that SUD diagnosis causes physical or mental health conditions that are considered VA disabilities. This is called a secondarily service-connected disability. Here are some examples:
- Opioid dependency: You suffered a debilitating injury during your service time in the military. It causes chronic pain, which leads to the need to use prescription opioids. Over time, you developed a dependency on opioids that now makes it challenging for you to work. This could be a valid claim for disability benefits.
- Alcohol dependency: You suffered severe trauma during your time in the military, documented through the missions you were on. This led to alcohol use to minimize the symptoms of PTSD, causing health problems due to the excessive use of alcohol.
Each situation is different. However, knowing that you can get help is most important. If you are suffering from any type of SUD, your VA benefits may provide coverage for mental health support and physical recovery.
How Can Ranch at Dove Tree Help You?
At The Ranch at Dove Tree, we have specialized programs designed specifically to meet the unique needs of Veterans. These include programs for alcohol, opioids, and many other substances, as well as mental health treatment. When you are ready to regain your health and wellness, contact our admissions counselor. We will go to work building a plan to help you achieve the highest level of health possible.
Contact our facility now to speak to our admissions team. We would be happy to answer any questions you have about your VA benefits.
