Va Claim Ptsd Alcoholism

1 The first category is PRIMARY alcoholism or drug abusedisability that develops during service.

Va claim ptsd alcoholism. When an alcohol or drug abuse disability is determined to be secondary to that is caused by or aggravated by a service-connected disability under 38 CFR. It seems somewhat unlikely that a veteran with PTSD would see a separate disability rating for alcoholism as symptoms are likely to overlap greatly with PTSD symptoms and the VA would probably rate the conditions as one. According to VA getting PTSD increases the risk that veterans will develop a drinking or drug problem. To read a list of my TOP 10 VA Disability Claims click HERE.

In fact 131 of all veterans who have been granted a VA disability claim for PTSD have received a 100 rating. Between six and eight of every ten or 60 to 80 of Vietnam Veterans seeking PTSD treatment have alcohol use problems. It can often be difficult to separate symptoms you are experiencing due to an underlying mental health condition form symptoms you are experiencing due to an alcohol or drug abuse disorder. 143 In Allen v.

Getting VA Disability for Alcoholism Isnt Easy. 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. Some people try to cope with PTSD symptoms by drinking heavily using drugs or smoking too much. Alcoholism can arise due to many factors including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD.

3310 secondary service connection may be granted and disability compensation may be paid for the alcohol or drug abuse disability. It is in the top 3 of the granted claims. Download VA Form 21-0781a PDF Note. A Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Secondary to Personal Assault VA Form 21-0781a.

For VA claims purposes there are 3 possible categories of disabilities involving alcohol or drug abuse. However veterans can service connect their alcoholism or drug abuse as secondary to other service connected conditions or as an aggravation of that conditions. However VA may be willing to recognize claims for alcohol abuse issues that are secondary to a service connected condition. This is much higher than most other disability claims.

This is the ultimate guide to improving your VA PTSD claim in 2020. Therefore a veteran could theoretically be service connected for alcoholism that is secondary to PTSD if PTSD is a service connected condition. They cannot do so on a direct basis. Despite the irrefutable evidence that substance abuse problems arise from mental health issues the VA does not always provide assistance for veterans with alcohol abuse problems.

Veterans often encounter psychological stress or physiological ailments as a result of their time in service. Binge drinking is when a person drinks a lot of alcohol 4-5 drinks in a short period of time 1-2 hours. War Veterans with PTSD and alcohol problems tend to be binge drinkers. 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.

In our screening process well focus on getting a full understanding of your PTSD to help determine your eligibility for disability benefits. You MUST be able to explain HOW your PTSD is negatively affecting your work life relationships and social functioning. However not every mental disorder is immediately recognized by the VA. All VA claims for PTSD depend upon the Frequency Severity and Duration of your mental health symptoms over time and more specifically your current level of Occupational and Social Impairment.

Pay particular attention to the difference between PRIMARY and SECONDARY DISABILITES. As a result a good number of veterans dont deal with conditions like PTSD or other mental health illnesses until well-after their self-medication with drugs and alcohol has become a dangerous addiction abuse disorder or in human speak an uncontrolled and uncontrollable addiction. Mental disorders are one of the most common complaints of veterans seeking medical assistance in the 21st century. Youll see the date we think well complete our review and view evidence youve filed online and any additional evidence weve requested from you.

Check your VA claim status or VA appeal status online to find out where your claim or appeal is in our review process.