Should I Get Alcoholism Service-Connected to PTSD?

A No-Nonsense Guide to VA Disability for Alcoholism, VA Ratings, and Alcohol Use Disorder Claims

If you’re a veteran who struggles with drinking and lives with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you’ve probably asked hard questions:

• *“Should I get alcoholism service connected to PTSD?”

• *“How does VA disability for alcoholism even work?”

• *“Is there a VA rating for alcoholism or alcohol use disorder?”

This article gives straight answers—minus the fluff—so you can decide whether filing, re-filing, or appealing is worth your time. We’ll cover:

1. Why the VA rarely grants a stand-alone rating for alcoholism

2. How to claim alcohol use disorder (AUD) as secondary to PTSD

3. What “VA rating for alcoholism” really means in practice

4. Evidence that moves the needle

5. Common pitfalls that tank otherwise solid claims

Alcoholism vs. Alcohol Use Disorder: How the VA Sees It

• No diagnostic code for “alcoholism”: The VA rating schedule (38 C.F.R. § 4.130) lists mental-health codes (e.g., 9411 for PTSD), but not a stand-alone alcoholism code.

• Secondary service connection: If your alcohol use began because of a service-connected condition—most commonly PTSD, chronic pain, or major depression—you can claim AUD secondary to that primary disability.

• Aggravation counts: Even if you drank before service, you can still win if military trauma made the problem measurably worse.

Bottom line: You don’t pursue a “VA disability for alcoholism” in a vacuum. You attach it to something the VA already recognized—or should have recognized—as service-connected.

Should I Get Alcoholism Service Connected to PTSD?

Ask yourself: Will documented evidence show my PTSD directly triggered or aggravated alcohol use? If yes, move forward. If no, fix the evidence gap first.

The Myth of a “VA Rating for Alcoholism”

Google is packed with posts promising a VA rating for alcoholism. Reality:

• The VA does not pay compensation for alcohol or drug abuse per se.

• It does pay when alcohol abuse is symptom or consequence of a service-connected condition.

• Your rating still falls under the primary mental-health code—often 9411 (PTSD) or 9434 (Major Depressive Disorder).

How the Rating Is Calculated

The VA uses the same General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders:

• 0 % – Diagnosed, symptoms not severe enough for occupational/social impairment.

• 10 %–30 % – Mild to moderate impairment.

• 50 % – Reduced reliability/productivity (e.g., missed work, conflicts).

• 70 % – Deficiencies in most areas (family, mood, employment).

• 100 % – Total occupational and social impairment (hospitalizations, inability to work).

If PTSD + AUD combine to create 70 % occupational impairment, you’re 70 %—regardless of whether the drinking or nightmares caused the missed workdays.

Alcohol Use Disorder VA Rating: Evidence That Moves Claims

1. Nexus Letters
A licensed psychiatrist or psychologist must say, in plain English, “It is at least as likely as not that the veteran’s PTSD caused or aggravated his alcohol use disorder.”

2. Consistent Treatment Records
SOAP notes showing you drink to dampen intrusive memories carry more weight than one-off statements.

3. Lay Statements
Spouse letters documenting blackouts after panic attacks help. Buddy statements from unit members can connect combat trauma to later drinking patterns.

4. Employment History
Write-ups, demotions, or terminations citing absences after binge episodes underscore functional loss—crucial for ratings above 50 %.

How to File (or Appeal)

1. File VA Form 21-526EZ for a new secondary claim or VA Form 20-0995 for a Supplemental Claim (if previously denied).

2. Upload nexus opinion and treatment records when e-filing in eBenefits/VA.gov—don’t wait for C&P.

3. Anticipate a mental-health C&P exam within 2–4 months. Bring a spouse or friend for collateral info if allowed.

4. Request the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) back from the examiner—errors catch early.

5. If denied, consider an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) to counter any “willful misconduct” argument, then file a Higher-Level Review or Board Appeal.

Common Pitfalls

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can the VA lower my PTSD rating if I admit to heavy drinking?

Unlikely. Ratings drop only if your overall functional impairment improves. Document how treatment for both PTSD and AUD reduces impairment to prevent future reductions.

Q2: Will I get back pay?

Yes—back to your intent-to-file date if the claim is approved.

Q3: Does inpatient rehab count as evidence?

Absolutely. Discharge summaries outline symptom severity and treatment compliance—both help ratings.

Q4: What if I’m already 100 % P&T for PTSD?

You can still file secondary claims (e.g., cirrhosis) for special monthly compensation or health-care purposes, but additional compensation may be capped.

8. Action Checklist

• Gather VA and private treatment records showing PTSD-driven drinking.

• Secure a nexus letter linking PTSD and AUD.

• File Form 21-526EZ (new) or 20-0995 (supplemental).

• Prep for C&P: bring symptom diary and witness.

• Review decision; appeal within one year if denied.

Conclusion

Getting alcohol use disorder VA rating numbers on paper isn’t about scoring pity points—it’s about documenting real occupational and social loss tied to service trauma. If your PTSD feeds your alcohol use, then yes—you should get alcoholism service-connected to PTSD. Just build the claim with clinical precision, own your history without excuses, and let the regulations work in your favor.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, trauma, or navigating recovery options, we’re here to help. Contact Solace Health Group for a confidential consultation and expert guidance tailored to your situation.

References

VA case law on alcoholism secondary to PTSD (e.g., VAOPGCPREC 2-97). va.govva.gov

Woods & Woods. “Getting a PTSD with Alcohol Use Disorder VA Rating.” Published June 2025. woodslawyers.com

Disability Denials. “Can I Get VA Benefits for PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder?” 2024 update. disabilitydenials.com

Berry Law. “VA Disability for Alcoholism and Drug Addiction.” 2023 resource guide. ptsdlawyers.com

American Addiction Centers. “VA Disability and Drug Use.” 2025 overview. americanaddictioncenters.org