Will the VA pay for outside treatment?
Veterans Overview VA provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed.
Will the VA pay for addiction treatment?
Veterans, active military personnel, and their families often wonder whether Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits assist with addiction treatment. Fortunately, VA insurance includes treatment for substance abuse, mental health, and other co-occurring disorders.
Is substance use disorder a VA disability?
The VA recognizes substance use disorders as a disability because the use of alcohol, tobacco, street drugs, and prescription drugs is so prevalent among veterans. Without treatment, substance use disorders can cause other health problems—both physical and emotional.
What is the VA Star program?
“In the STAR program, we help Veterans who have substance use issues and other underlying issues. We have a well-rounded team to help them with any mental health issues they may be having. It's basically a one-stop shop.” Within the STAR program, Jarmon's main job is to model recovery for other Veterans.
Is alcoholism a disability under VA?
Due to the high prevalence of alcohol use disorder among veterans, the VA has recognized alcoholism as a secondary service-connected condition, meaning that veterans can claim disability benefits for alcoholism provided that the alcoholism was caused by another service connected condition.
What is the VA disability rating for alcohol abuse?
443. A 100 percent disability rating for PTSD with alcohol dependence is granted from the effective date of service connection, subject to the criteria applicable to the payment of monetary benefits.
Can you claim alcohol abuse on VA disability?
By definition, an alcohol-abuse disability is involuntary if it arises as a direct result of a psychiatric condition. Therefore, the veteran may receive VA disability compensation for the alcohol-abuse disability that arose as a direct result of PTSD.
Does the VA test your blood for drugs?
Much of the testing in both civilian and VA and military settings is done with a standardized 4 drug detection kit. The test of your urine would show the presence of narcotics (Vicodin, Oxycontin, morphine, etc.). marijuana, cocaine (or crack) and amphetamines.
Does drug use disqualify you from VA benefits?
You will not be able to receive VA disability benefits for any alcohol or drug abuse-related injuries that occur as a result of willful misconduct.
Does the VA drug test Veterans?
Veterans who are VA employees are subject to drug testing under the terms of employment.
Does the VA do rehab?
The Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) Alcohol and Drug Dependence Rehabilitation Program provides medical, social, vocational, and rehabilitation therapies to eligible alcohol and drug dependent Veterans. The programs offer various forms of treatment including detoxification, rehabilitation, and psychiatric care.
What Are VA Benefits?
The VA offers a variety of benefits, ranging from healthcare to social support. VA benefits provide opportunities for treatment, growth, and suppor...
Can I Lose VA Benefits for Drug Use?
There are some situations that can disqualify someone from obtaining VA benefits. Veterans who received dishonorable discharge may be ineligible fo...
Do VA Benefits Cover Drug & Alcohol Rehab?
If you’re a veteran struggling with substance abuse, you may be wondering if the VA will pay for some or all of the cost of alcohol or drug rehab....
What Are VA Benefits?
The VA offers a variety of benefits, ranging from healthcare to social support. VA benefits provide opportunities for treatment, growth, and support as veterans readjust to civilian life. Offering access to VA rehab and medical care can make it easy for veterans to address medical and mental health disorders. VA benefits help many veterans: 2, 4
VA Benefits Eligibility
In order for veterans to receive VA benefits, they must meet certain eligibility requirements. VA benefit requirements include: 5, 6
Do VA Benefits Cover Drug & Alcohol Rehab?
If you’re a veteran struggling with substance abuse, you may be wondering if the VA will pay for some or all of the cost of alcohol or drug rehab. VA benefits do cover treatment services for substance use disorders.
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Do I Have to Go to the VA for Substance Abuse Treatment?
Many veterans choose to attend VA alcohol rehab or drug treatment facilities, but those aren’t the only options available. While VA facilities can provide quality treatment for veterans at a low cost, these facilities can have long wait times, or lack specialized treatment tracks.
Is Substance Abuse a VA Disability?
In order to qualify for VA disability benefits, it needs to be shown that the veteran is affected by service-connected disabilities. While the VA approves service-connected conditions related to physical or mental health, substance abuse alone is not considered a VA disability.
Can I Have VA Benefits & Other Forms of Insurance?
It is possible to have VA benefits as well as other types of health insurance. Having another form of health insurance provides additional avenues for treatment.
Is Substance Abuse or Addiction Considered a VA Disability?
If an injury or illness was either incurred or made worse during active service in the military, it is considered to be a service-connected disability. Other conditions must also apply if you are to be considered eligible for disability compensation for substance abuse.
Ways to Get in Contact With Us
If you believe you or someone you love may be struggling with addiction, let us hear your story and help you determine a path to treatment.
VA Disability Eligibility and Requirements
A veteran may be considered eligible for drug addiction disability benefits or alcohol disability benefits if they have a condition that affects their mental or physical health. They must also meet both of the following requirements:
Can You Lose VA Disability Benefits from Substance Abuse?
A veteran can lose disability benefits is if they’re found to be involved in willful misconduct, meaning they are intentionally engaging in prohibited conduct, without caring about the consequences. 8
Other Ways You Can Lose VA Disability Benefits
A veteran can lose VA disability benefits if the VA severs a service-related connection to the disability. The VA can sever a service-related connection in either of the following situations: 9
VA Disability Ratings
The VA takes special care in determining the benefit amount a veteran receives. After eligibility for benefits is confirmed, the process involves assigning a disability rating to each vet applicant.
Will Substance Abuse Affect Other Disability or Benefit Claims?
Typically, substance abuse will not affect other disability or benefit claims. This is in contrast to Social Security disability claims. The VA is more willing to understand individual cases that veterans may be struggling with; mental health and substance abuse are common.
What is an addiction issue for veterans?
Another addiction issue is if a veteran is being treated for pain and becomes addicted to medication used to treat the pain. If the treatment is from the VA, this is also subject to compensation and the veteran should file a claim for compensation based on service connection for injuries caused by VA healthcare.
What is VA C&P evaluation?
First, a medical evaluation can be conducted to determine the extent and primary diagnosis. An independent medical exam can often be utilized if a VA C&P examiner decides that the veteran’s substance use disorder precipitates their mental health disorder.
What are the most misunderstood disorders veterans suffer from?
Co-occurring disorders involving substance and alcohol use are among the most misunderstood and stigmatized disorders veterans suffer from. If you know a veteran who is suffering from these, please ask them to get help.
What is the primary diagnosis of a veteran?
Many psychiatrists and psychologists will diagnose a veteran with a mental health and a substance use or abuse disorder, including alcohol, under what is known as an Axis I. Axes are different diagnoses levels: Axis I is for clinical disorders such as mental health and substances. Axis II is personality disorders.
Does PTSD have a substance use disorder?
The VA has shown that there is a strong correlation between mental health and substance and alcohol use disorders: More than two of ten veterans with PTSD also have a substance use disorder; War veterans with PTSD and alcohol problems tend to binge drink in response to bad memories of combat trauma;
Should veterans review symptoms with a mental health provider?
Veterans should review symptoms with a mental health provider and check with family members to find out when they first started exhibiting symptoms and compare it to when they first started using alcohol or substances to ensure the timeline is accurate.
Can a veteran use alcohol?
The substance or alcohol use disorder is often a coping mechanism for the mental health problem ,and when the mental health condition continues to be untreated, the veteran will continue to use alcohol or substances to treat the condition on their own.
Does VA Insurance Cover Mental Health and Co-Occurring Disorders?
As a veteran, you are entitled to a variety of benefits, including your VA health insurance. VA health benefits include standard health benefits, like coverage for visiting a primary care physician or a hospital visit.
How Do I Get Addiction Treatment Through VA Insurance?
The first step in getting addiction treatment through your VA benefits is applying for VA healthcare. Click here to apply for VA healthcare—the process is straightforward and shouldn’t take too long.
Addiction Treatment Designed for Veterans
Those who have served our country deserve the best treatment they can find when they need help. Whether you’re struggling with addiction, mental illness, and/or co-occurring disorder. Rehabs.com will help you find an affordable treatment center near you.
Checking Coverage
We know that checking insurance coverage can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Use this form to quickly check your VA benefits and health coverage. Click here to complete the form now.
What is service connecting addiction?
Service Connecting Substance Abuse. Addiction was once thought of as a sign of mental weakness or behavior caused by a lack of willpower. Medical research now supports the idea that addiction is a chronic illness that often begins when people turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate the symptoms of other mental illnesses. ...
Can veterans get disability for mental health?
Veterans applying for disability benefits for mental health disorders often face an uphill battle, but access to quality legal representation can make a real difference in the outcome of the case. For example, we were able to help Clarence, a navy Veteran, get compensation for PTSD, substance abuse, and major depression after his conditions made it ...
Can substance abuse be related to other conditions?
However, substance abuse could also be related to a number of other conditions . For example, a Veteran prescribed opioids after surgery for a service-related injury could make a case for secondary service connection if he later became addicted to the medication.
Can I get a service connection for drug abuse?
While substance abuse can’t receive a direct service connection, addiction can be a secondary service-connected disability that is eligible for benefits.
How to access VA mental health services?
To access free VA mental health services right away: Call or walk in to any VA medical center —anytime, day or night. Find your nearest VA health facility. Call or walk in to any Vet Center during clinic hours. Find your nearest Vet Center. Call us at 877-222-8387.
How to contact the VA about homelessness?
Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A trained VA counselor will offer information about VA homelessness programs, health care, and other services in your area. The call is free and confidential.
How many hours a day does the VA provide mental health care?
This includes: Emergency mental health care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through VA medical centers and some local, non-VA hospitals. The Veterans Crisis Line, which offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for Veterans in crisis and their families and friends. Learn more about VA mental health services.
What is the VA mental health number?
We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 800-877-8339. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care to get care. Learn more about accessing VA mental health services. To connect with other resources for Veterans and transitioning service members: