Alcohol use disorder and alcohol dependence are claimable through DVA when caused or aggravated by service-related conditions or service stressors. Alcohol dependence is frequently claimed as a sequela of PTSD, depression, or chronic pain, and is often the condition veterans are most reluctant to raise.
DVA does not penalise veterans for claiming alcohol-related conditions. The Statement of Principles recognises that alcohol dependence commonly develops as a coping mechanism for service-related mental health conditions and chronic pain. Raising it is the responsible thing to do.
Why Alcohol Dependence is common in the ADF
Drinking culture within the ADF, combined with the psychological burden of operational service and the challenges of transition, creates significant risk factors for alcohol dependence. Veterans with PTSD, depression, or chronic pain are at elevated risk. Many do not seek treatment until years after discharge.
Medical access
Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT)
Alcohol Dependence is not currently on the PAMT list. However, if your Alcohol Dependence is related to a mental health condition, you may be eligible for Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) — which provides funded mental health treatment without a liability determination. Speak to your GP about a DVA mental health referral.
Statement of Principles — in plain English
DVA assesses your claim against a Statement of Principles (SoP). Here are the key factors that most commonly apply to Alcohol Dependence claims, translated from the legal language.
Having PTSD, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, or another accepted mental health condition that contributed to alcohol dependence
Accepted mental health condition within the relevant temporal period before onset or worsening of alcohol dependence
Experiencing severe psychosocial stressors during service
Qualifying stressor within 2 years before onset of alcohol dependence
Conditions that commonly develop alongside
Veterans with Alcohol Dependence often develop related conditions that may also be claimable. These are worth assessing at the same time as your primary claim.
What to expect for impairment points
Alcohol dependence is assessed for impairment under GARP M based on severity of dependence and functional impairment. Impairment points reflect the current clinical state and how the condition affects daily functioning. As with other mental health conditions, the assessment is conducted by a psychiatrist or appropriately qualified clinician.
Use the DVA PI Points CalculatorWhat a strong Alcohol Dependence claim looks like
Clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist or GP with specialist involvement
Records establishing the connection between alcohol dependence and service-related mental health conditions or stressors
Treatment history including any rehabilitation or specialist programs
DVA currently takes 3–6 months to decide most initial liability claims. Complex or multi-condition claims can take longer. Lodging a complete, decision-ready claim upfront reduces back-and-forth.
Processing times guideCommon questions about Alcohol Dependence claims
Ready to claim Alcohol Dependence?
Book a free consultation and we'll walk you through whether your condition meets the SoP factors, what evidence you need, and how to build a decision-ready claim.
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