Alcohol Use Disorder
Cannot be directly service-connected (willful misconduct rule), BUT conditions secondary to alcohol use can be SC if alcoholism is secondary to a SC mental health condition (e.g., PTSD).
Pro tips
Often claimed secondary to
If you're already service-connected for any of these, Alcohol Use Disorder is often a viable secondary claim.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Mental health condition from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Stressor verification required (except combat-related, which is presumed if consistent with circumstances of service).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Persistent, excessive worry across multiple domains. Rated identically to PTSD under §4.130.
Major Depressive Disorder
Persistent depressed mood, loss of interest, and associated symptoms. Common secondary to chronic pain.
Filing this claim
For most veterans this is filed as a secondary claim. You need a nexus letter linking it to a service-connected primary condition. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Get a nexus letter — magic phrase: "at least as likely as not."
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.130. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.