Alcohol Use Disorder

This guide covers what DVA looks for when assessing this condition, including the relevant Statement of Principles factors, the evidence you should gather, and common preparation tips. Expand each section for more detail.

You are reviewing the condition-specific guidance to understand what evidence and preparation DVA expects.

Mental Health EligibleVETS Act 2026

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterised by difficulty controlling alcohol use despite negative consequences. It is recognised as a diagnosable condition, not a personal failing. The SoP requires a clinical diagnosis meeting DSM-5 criteria for alcohol use disorder (not just heavy drinking). The clinical threshold distinguishes between alcohol use disorder and social drinking patterns. Many veterans develop AUD as a way of coping with service-related stress, trauma, or other mental health conditions. DVA generally considers AUD in the context of other service-related conditions such as PTSD or depression. Where AUD is related to another accepted condition, it may be claimed as a secondary condition. Depending on your circumstances, your advocate or DVA may advise on how to structure multiple related claims. These thresholds are from current SoP instruments. Always verify the current instrument at rma.gov.au.

Non-Liability Health Care ()As a mental health condition, AUD qualifies for NLHC. Apply using form D9213 (mental health) through MyService, by phone, by email, or in person.

DVA uses Statements of Principles () from the Repatriation Medical Authority to determine whether a condition can be linked to service. For Alcohol Use Disorder, DVA generally considers the following factors:

Experiencing a category 1A or 1B stressor within five years before the clinical onset
Having a psychiatric disorder linked to service (e.g. PTSD, depression, anxiety) that contributed to the alcohol use disorder — DVA generally considers this a well-established pathway
Experiencing a severe psychosocial stressor within five years before clinical onset
Using alcohol for the management of pain from a service-related condition
Having a traumatic brain injury from service within five years before clinical onset

Reference: SoP No. 76 of 2014 (Reasonable Hypothesis) / SoP No. 77 of 2014 (Balance of Probabilities). RH applies to operational/warlike service; BoP applies to peacetime service. Verify at rma.gov.au.Source: rma.gov.au — verify this directly with DVA for your circumstances.

DVA uses two different standards of proof depending on your type of service. Understanding which applies to you can help you prepare your evidence.

Reasonable Hypothesis (RH)Applies to: operational, warlike, or non-warlike serviceUnder the Reasonable Hypothesis standard (operational/warlike/non-warlike service), DVA generally considers that having a service-related mental health condition (such as PTSD) that contributed to alcohol use disorder, or experiencing a relevant stressor during service, with clinical onset within a relevant period is sufficient to raise a reasonable hypothesis.

Balance of Probabilities (BoP)Applies to: peacetime serviceUnder the Balance of Probabilities standard (peacetime service), DVA generally considers that the veteran must show it is more likely than not that the alcohol use disorder was caused or materially contributed to by service or a service-related condition.

In plain EnglishIf you had operational or warlike service, the Reasonable Hypothesis (RH) standard applies — this is a lower threshold. If your service was peacetime only, the stricter Balance of Probabilities (BoP) standard applies. AUD is frequently claimed as secondary to PTSD or depression. SoP instruments are updated periodically by the RMA. Always verify the current instrument at rma.gov.au/sops.

Benefit of the doubt: DVA is legally required to give you the benefit of the doubt if evidence is evenly balanced (s119 , s335 ). Learn more

DVA generally considers the standard of proof based on your service type. Verify this directly with DVA or a qualified advocate.

Required

Diagnosis from a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or GPA formal diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder meeting DSM-5 criteria. The diagnosis should specify severity (mild, moderate, severe).How to get it: See your GP or a specialist in addiction medicine. Ask them to provide a formal diagnosis and written report.Estimated time: 2-6 weeks

Medical nexus report linking AUD to service or accepted conditionA report explaining how your alcohol use disorder developed as a result of your service or another accepted condition.How to get it: Ask your treating specialist to write a report. If claiming as secondary to PTSD/depression, they should explain how the primary condition led to alcohol use as a coping mechanism.Estimated time: 2-4 weeks

DVA acceptance letter for primary condition (if claiming as secondary)If your AUD is secondary to PTSD, depression, or another accepted condition, you need evidence that the primary condition has been accepted.How to get it: Use your existing DVA acceptance letter. If the primary condition has not yet been claimed, consider speaking with DVA or an advocate about your options.Estimated time: N/A if already accepted

AUD is frequently claimed as a secondary condition related to PTSD, depression, or anxiety — consider discussing the relationship between these conditions with DVA or an advocate
There is no judgement in a DVA claim — AUD is treated as a medical condition. Be honest in your statements
DVA generally considers the link between mental health conditions and alcohol use to be well-established in medical literature
Treatment records (even unsuccessful treatment attempts) help demonstrate the severity and persistence of the condition
If you are currently receiving treatment, this is a positive indicator — DVA supports veterans in recovery

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A medical opinion explaining how your alcohol use disorder developed because of your service or an accepted service-related condition.

What to ask your doctor

I am making a DVA claim for Alcohol Use Disorder secondary to my accepted PTSD. Could you write a report explaining how my PTSD contributed to my drinking?
My drinking increased significantly after my deployment. I need a nexus report for DVA linking my AUD to my service experiences.

Personal statement (your own words)

Describe your drinking patterns before, during, and after service. Explain what changed and why. Be specific about how alcohol use affected your life. Include any treatment attempts.

Suggested structure

When your drinking increased and what was happening at the time
The connection between your service experiences and your alcohol use
How alcohol use has affected your health, relationships, work, and daily life
Any treatment you have sought (detox, rehabilitation, counselling, medications)
How your drinking relates to your other conditions (PTSD, depression)

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Minimising the problem — be honest about the severity
✗Not connecting AUD to service or another accepted condition
✗Not mentioning treatment attempts — even unsuccessful ones are relevant
✗Leaving out the impact on family and relationships

Mistakes veterans commonly make when claiming for Alcohol Use Disorder, and how to avoid them.

Not considering the relationship between AUD and other service-related conditionsIf you have other service-related mental health conditions, discuss with DVA or an advocate how these may relate to your AUD claim.

Being dishonest or minimising alcohol use in statementsBe honest about the extent and duration of your alcohol use. DVA assessors understand the nature of the condition.

Not seeking formal diagnosis before claimingGet a formal DSM-5 diagnosis from a qualified professional before lodging.

Treatments DVA may cover

Addiction medicine specialist appointments
Rehabilitation and detox programs
Medications for alcohol dependence (e.g. naltrexone, acamprosate)
Counselling (individual and group therapy)
Open Arms support programs

Next steps to consider

Continue with your treatment program
Consider a Permanent Impairment claim once your condition has stabilised
Ensure your related conditions (PTSD, depression) are also being treated
Check eligibility for Incapacity Payments if AUD affects your work capacity

Actual entitlements depend on individual DVA assessment. This is indicative only.

Ready to take the next step?

You do not need to have everything ready before you start. Use these tools to work through the process at your own pace.

Check My Eligibility Build Evidence Checklist View Forms How to Lodge

Official + GuidanceVerified March 2026

This page combines official DVA information with platform-authored guidance. Official sources are cited where applicable.

SoP factors sourced from RMA. Guidance text explains official processes in plain language.

RMA — Statements of Principles

This is a guide onlyThis information is a free guide. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or financial advice. Always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.

When you are readyBuild your evidence checklist

Alcohol Use Disorder

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