How to File a VA Disability Claim for Alcoholism

If, however, your alcoholism is secondary to a service-connected condition, you might be eligible for benefits.

For example, if you suffered a serious physical injury during active duty that caused you pain, a change in your normal routine, or an inability to work, you might develop depression and drink excessively to relieve the pain and help dull the reality of the changes and adjustments you’ve made in your life.

If you develop a dependence on alcohol, or alcohol use disorder (AUD) due to a physical condition that occurred during service, you may be able to service-connect your substance abuse.  

If you want to service-connect AUD, you must prove that it’s secondary to some other medical condition that took place in the military.

Because the process for obtaining benefits for alcoholism can be difficult, it’s beneficial to provide an independent medical assessment. If a doctor offers a medical opinion that shows a link between your alcohol abuse and events that took place while you were on active duty, the VA is more likely to agree that your alcoholism is service-connected.