If alcohol use disorder developed from your service, you may be entitled to DVA-funded mental health treatment and other veteran entitlements. We've already supported over 9,000 veterans in accessing the care, benefits, and support they need to improve their quality of life.
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Expert Assistance With Your Alcohol Abuse Claims
We start with a confidential conversation about your service history, when your alcohol abuse began, and how it affects your daily life. We'll explain whether you're likely to be eligible for compensation, how the claims process works under MRCA, and what evidence you'll need. You will leave with a clear understanding of your options.
Once you decide to proceed, we gather your existing medical records and complete all required DVA documentation. For Alcohol Abuse Claims, we connect you with qualified psychiatrists in your area who understand DVA assessment requirements. A strong, complete claim means fewer delays and better outcomes.
We advocate for your entitlements throughout the assessment process, liaising with DVA and responding to any requests on your behalf while you focus on your treatment and recovery. Our goal is simple: help you access the care, support, and entitlements you deserve for your service-related alcohol use disorder.
Hear from Hundreds of Veterans
Great to deal with, very knowledgeable and helpful every step of the way.

I am absolutley grateful for the team at Veterans First Consulting in their support through my DVA permanent impairment claim. The outcome I received reflected proper preparation and expert advocacy. If you're a veteran considering a DVA claim: don't go it alone. The expertise VFC provides is worth it.

Professional and caring, a great experience with all the members of the Veterans First team from start to finish. Highly recommend making contact.

Was very helpfull, they helped guide me through the confusing paper work and new the proccess well. I couldnt have done it with out them. Thank you to everyone in the VFC team.

Veterans First offered a great advocate experience. Good communication during the entire process and taking the stress and hassle out of arranging appointments.

I put off putting in my claims for a long time intimidated by the process doing it myself. I’m glad I made the decision to go with Veterans first. I have treatment plans for my conditions and a very generous payout thanks to the team.

The best firm to do PI claims specifically for defence members active or inactive.

Veterans First were extremely helpful in putting together my claim and dealt with DVA on my behalf. They kept me in the loop at all times throughout the whole process. Thanks to Fiona, Kim and the team at Veterans First. I highly recommend.

Great service, no fuss from a very professional team. I got all my DVA stuff sorted that I jad been putting off, with a great result.

Was recommend to me from friend, i found Very helpful and very experienced, i would recommend to others.

From the first phone call, they told me: "Personalised DVA claims. Done once. Done right." That stuck with me, and they backed it up the entire way through. They took something that could've been stressful and made it straightforward. And the result was nothing short of life changing. Highly recommended

Great service, great team. Provided good support throughout every step of the process.

VFC made the entire DVA process as simple and as stress free as you could ever want it. The consistent updates and explanation of what things mean took the uncertainty out of the process .They honestly hold clients interests as a priority.

Five stars still isn’t enough for Veterans First, so professional to deal with and made something so daunting and overwhelming a smooth and simple process. The outcome I got I don’t think I would’ve been able to get on my own.

I can’t recommend Veterans First Consulting highly enough. They submitted my claims to DVA and took care of organising all the required appointments. Their team was consistently supportive and made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and manageable.

My experience with Veterans First Consulting has been superb. Had I not made the initial call then I would still be suffering with medical issues. Their knowledge of and experience in dealing with DVA is second to none and without their assistance and guidance I would not be in the position that I am today.

I had the absolute pleasure of dealing with the team at Veteran’s First. They made the whole process a breeze with no stress at all. The team were all extremely helpful, friendly and professional. I’d highly recommend Veterans First to any Veteran thinking about going through with the DVA process.

The only reason I give Veterans First 5 stars is there isn't a higher option. They were incredible. They achieved an outcome I could not have gotten myself.Working with them was the best financial decision I have ever made. You don't need to deal with DVA directly. Well done team. From my family, thank you.

Leaving the ADF is very daunting, especially if it is due to medical matters. Veterans First consulting were there to support me from the very first phone call. I would have never been able to navigate through all the doctor’s appointments and discharge obligations without their help.

They walked me through the whole initial liability process and all conditions were accepted. During the permanent impairment stage, the Veterans First team were easy to talk to and I received maximum compensation. I was particularly impressed that when I asked to speak to the Director he called me within a few hours.
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Couldn’t recommend them enough. Any veterans out there that need to put claims in without dealing with dva direct this is the place to go.

Veterans First Consulting were very helpful, supportive and professional making the process very smooth.

Veteran First provided outstanding service. The team was professional, friendly, and always willing to help. Communication was clear and timely, and I felt respected and supported throughout. I highly recommend them to any veteran looking for reliable and genuine support.

Very happy dealing with VFC. They took the dramas out of the DVA paperwork and booked all required medical appointments. Had my own gp out of his depth with DVA paperwork and when he left the practice I changed to VFC and was very happy with the communication and outcome.

These guys are life savers, couldn't have done it without them. Top tier service

The team made the whole process super simple and hassle free. I got a geat result and it was very much worth the fee.

Great to deal with, very knowledgeable and helpful every step of the way.

I am absolutley grateful for the team at Veterans First Consulting in their support through my DVA permanent impairment claim. The outcome I received reflected proper preparation and expert advocacy. If you're a veteran considering a DVA claim: don't go it alone. The expertise VFC provides is worth it.

Professional and caring, a great experience with all the members of the Veterans First team from start to finish. Highly recommend making contact.

Was very helpfull, they helped guide me through the confusing paper work and new the proccess well. I couldnt have done it with out them. Thank you to everyone in the VFC team.

Veterans First offered a great advocate experience. Good communication during the entire process and taking the stress and hassle out of arranging appointments.

I put off putting in my claims for a long time intimidated by the process doing it myself. I’m glad I made the decision to go with Veterans first. I have treatment plans for my conditions and a very generous payout thanks to the team.

The best firm to do PI claims specifically for defence members active or inactive.

Veterans First were extremely helpful in putting together my claim and dealt with DVA on my behalf. They kept me in the loop at all times throughout the whole process. Thanks to Fiona, Kim and the team at Veterans First. I highly recommend.

Great service, no fuss from a very professional team. I got all my DVA stuff sorted that I jad been putting off, with a great result.

Was recommend to me from friend, i found Very helpful and very experienced, i would recommend to others.

From the first phone call, they told me: "Personalised DVA claims. Done once. Done right." That stuck with me, and they backed it up the entire way through. They took something that could've been stressful and made it straightforward. And the result was nothing short of life changing. Highly recommended

Great service, great team. Provided good support throughout every step of the process.

VFC made the entire DVA process as simple and as stress free as you could ever want it. The consistent updates and explanation of what things mean took the uncertainty out of the process .They honestly hold clients interests as a priority.

Five stars still isn’t enough for Veterans First, so professional to deal with and made something so daunting and overwhelming a smooth and simple process. The outcome I got I don’t think I would’ve been able to get on my own.

I can’t recommend Veterans First Consulting highly enough. They submitted my claims to DVA and took care of organising all the required appointments. Their team was consistently supportive and made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and manageable.

My experience with Veterans First Consulting has been superb. Had I not made the initial call then I would still be suffering with medical issues. Their knowledge of and experience in dealing with DVA is second to none and without their assistance and guidance I would not be in the position that I am today.

I had the absolute pleasure of dealing with the team at Veteran’s First. They made the whole process a breeze with no stress at all. The team were all extremely helpful, friendly and professional. I’d highly recommend Veterans First to any Veteran thinking about going through with the DVA process.

The only reason I give Veterans First 5 stars is there isn't a higher option. They were incredible. They achieved an outcome I could not have gotten myself.Working with them was the best financial decision I have ever made. You don't need to deal with DVA directly. Well done team. From my family, thank you.

Leaving the ADF is very daunting, especially if it is due to medical matters. Veterans First consulting were there to support me from the very first phone call. I would have never been able to navigate through all the doctor’s appointments and discharge obligations without their help.

They walked me through the whole initial liability process and all conditions were accepted. During the permanent impairment stage, the Veterans First team were easy to talk to and I received maximum compensation. I was particularly impressed that when I asked to speak to the Director he called me within a few hours.
.png)
Couldn’t recommend them enough. Any veterans out there that need to put claims in without dealing with dva direct this is the place to go.

Veterans First Consulting were very helpful, supportive and professional making the process very smooth.

Veteran First provided outstanding service. The team was professional, friendly, and always willing to help. Communication was clear and timely, and I felt respected and supported throughout. I highly recommend them to any veteran looking for reliable and genuine support.

Very happy dealing with VFC. They took the dramas out of the DVA paperwork and booked all required medical appointments. Had my own gp out of his depth with DVA paperwork and when he left the practice I changed to VFC and was very happy with the communication and outcome.

These guys are life savers, couldn't have done it without them. Top tier service

The team made the whole process super simple and hassle free. I got a geat result and it was very much worth the fee.

Why Veterans Choose Us for an Alcohol Abuse Claim
The DVA requires a clear link between your service and your condition for Alcohol Abuse Claims. Whether your alcohol use developed from operational stress, PTSD, or your service environment, our team knows how to establish that connection and ensure your claim is clearly documented and well-supported from the start.
Many veterans don't realise alcohol use disorder can affect eligibility for a range of DVA benefits, particularly when combined with depression, anxiety, or PTSD. We understand how DVA assesses these claims and how lifestyle ratings may influence your entitlements, ensuring you receive every benefit you're owed.
Managing alcohol use disorder is hard enough without the added burden of DVA paperwork. We handle everything from gathering evidence and completing forms to liaising with DVA and coordinating with specialists so you can focus on your health and recovery.
Have other questions?
Contact us so we can help.
Yes. Alcohol Use Disorder is a recognised mental health condition under MRCA. If your condition is linked to your service, either directly or as a secondary condition to something like PTSD, you may be entitled to compensation and fully funded treatment. Learn more in our guide to DVA alcohol use disorder.
Absolutely. Many veterans with alcohol use disorder also have PTSD, depression, or anxiety. Claiming multiple related conditions together can change your total impairment points and may broaden the range of DVA entitlements and supports you can access. We help you identify all conditions that should be included in your claim. Our overview of veterans' mental health services covers the support available.
Yes. Under the Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) program, eligible veterans can access fully funded treatment for mental health conditions, including alcohol use disorder, even if DVA hasn't accepted the condition as service-related or a claim hasn't been lodged.In most cases, you qualify if you're a current or former full-time ADF member, or a reservist with at least one day of continuous full-time or other qualifying service. Treatment is usually accessed through a Veteran White Card, which covers mental health care provided by a GP or mental health professional who accepts DVA payment. Learn more about NLHC and free mental health treatment.
You'll need evidence showing when your alcohol abuse began or worsened in relation to your service. This might include service records, medical history, and statements about your experiences. Secondary claims, where alcohol use developed from an already accepted condition like PTSD or anxiety, can also be established. Our guide on DVA mental health claims explains the evidence requirements.
Only a psychiatrist can assess mental health conditions for DVA permanent impairment purposes. Clinical psychologists cannot conduct these assessments. We connect our clients with suitable psychiatrists in their area who understand DVA requirements and assessment criteria.
Timeframes vary by complexity, but for most veterans, the full journey from lodgement through initial liability and permanent impairment now takes around 18–24 months. Initial delegate assignment alone can take up to 6 months. Working with an experienced advocate like Veterans First Consulting helps avoid delays caused by incomplete documentation. Read about DVA claims timeframes for more details.
Impairment points reflect the extent to which your condition affects daily living, work capacity and relationships and a psychiatrist rates them against DVA's criteria. Where alcohol use disorder is accepted alongside other mental health conditions, the combined impact can affect the level of DVA support and care available to you. Read more about DVA impairment points and how they're calculated.
We don't charge any upfront fees for our initial consultation, and we clearly explain our fee structure before you decide to proceed. Our focus is on providing specialist DVA claims support, and all costs are discussed and agreed with you in advance.
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