Did You Know Substance Abuse Can Now Be Included in Your Disability Rating

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several programs and services to veterans struggling with substance abuse. These programs can help veterans get the treatment they need to overcome addiction and live healthy and productive lives. Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently updated its policy on substance abuse disability ratings. Under the new policy, veterans who have a service-connected disability and who also have a substance abuse disorder can now have their substance abuse disorder included in their overall disability rating. In addition, the VA can assign a new disability rating to veterans with a substance abuse disorder if it relates to their military service. This means that the disorder was caused by or made worse by the veteran's service.

According to the va.org website, "Almost 1 out of every 3 Veterans seeking treatment for SUD also has PTSD."

What is a VA disability rating?

A VA Disability Rating is a percentage the VA assigns to a veteran's service-connected conditions and reflects the severity of those conditions. The higher the rating percentage, the more monthly compensation the veteran receives for the condition. VA disability ratings range from 10 to 100 percent, in increments of 10. The higher the rating, the more severe the condition. The VA can also assign a 0 percent rating which is not a denial of a condition.

If you need help with your VA claim, please reach out to The VA Claims Lawyer, we are experienced in veterans' benefits, and our nationwide practice is here to help you. We will review your case for free and help you get the monthly compensation you deserve. Feel free to call us at 877 VET FILE.

How can Veterans be eligible for an increase in their disability rating for substance abuse?

To be eligible for an increased disability rating for substance abuse, veterans must meet the following criteria:

• Must have a service-connected disability.

• Veterans must have a diagnosed substance abuse disorder.

• The substance abuse disorder must be at least moderate severity.

• The substance abuse disorder must be directly related to their service-connected disability.

Veterans must also provide evidence that their substance abuse is related to their service. This evidence can include medical records, military records, and personal statements.

The VA may award a disability rating for any of the following substance abuse disorders:

• Alcohol use disorder

• Drug use disorder

• Opioid use disorder

• Stimulant use disorder

• Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder

• Hallucinogen use disorder

• Cannabis use disorder

• Other substance use disorder

The VA will assess each case individually to determine the appropriate disability rating. An assessment will include the following; 

• The VA will consider various factors when deciding whether to grant a disability rating for substance abuse, including the veteran's military service, the nature of their substance abuse disorder, and how the disorder has affected their lives.

• The VA will assign a disability rating based on the severity of the veteran's substance abuse disorder. The higher the rating, the more benefits the veteran is eligible for.

• Veterans with a disability rating for substance abuse may be eligible for various benefits, including monthly payments, medical care, and vocational rehabilitation.

How a VA attorney can help Veterans get the benefits they deserve.

If you are a veteran who meets these criteria, you may be able to increase your disability rating by filing a claim with the VA. To file a claim, you will need to provide the VA with documentation of your service-connected disability, your substance abuse disorder, and the relationship between the two. Consider working with a veterans' advocate and attorney who can help you file your claim and navigate the VA's bureaucracy.

An experienced VA attorney can;

• Assist you in gathering evidence and documents to prove your claim. This evidence includes documents from family, friends, colleagues, and anyone close to you. 

• Gather medical evidence from healthcare providers, like therapists, doctors, and others. Medical evidence can help the VA understand that it needs to provide you with access to treatment services as well as increase your disability rating. 

• An experienced VA attorney will be your advocate from start to finish. A VA attorney will review your case, answer all your questions, and ensure you have completed the correct documents and submitted all necessary evidence. 

If you are a veteran struggling with substance abuse, please know you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you get the treatment you need. The VA offers a variety of substance abuse treatment programs, and many private treatment providers specialize in working with veterans. With the right help, you can overcome substance abuse and live a healthy and productive life.

Are you looking for an experienced VA attorney?

If you need immediate assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch with The VA Claims Lawyer, we are experienced in veterans' benefits, and our nationwide practice is here to help you. We will review your case for free and help you get the monthly compensation you deserve. Feel free to call us at 877 VET FILE.