ptsd Alcohol Use And Benefits

[MikeS]

Hi all:

I remember years ago that the va would deny benefits for ptsd if a vetern was drinking.

Is that still true?

Mike

[Pete53]

Nope they finally recognized that PTSD coping often involves alsohol or drugs. I still think they make you clean up though.

[olenavygoat]

If you can't stop drinking on your own they will first enroll you for a clean-out period, then start you on meds to make you get violently ill if you start back. You would probably be strongly encouraged to particiapte in AA meetings and a PTSD support group.

[Philip Rogers]

Hi all:

I remember years ago that the va would deny benefits for ptsd if a vetern was drinking.

Is that still true?

Mike

Alcohol consumption has nothing to do with benefits. Substance abuse often co-exists with PTSD and in many cases is secondary to the PTSD - called self-medicating. If a claimant plans on attending an in-patient PTSD program, part that program requires that the patient be clean & sober during the program. As for your statement I don't believe the VA ever did that. jmo