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Substance use conditions linked to your service may qualify for DVA entitlements under MRCA, and you don't have to face the claims process alone. We've supported over 9,000 veterans with DVA claims, including many managing substance use conditions.
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Expert Assistance With Your Substance Abuse Claim
We start with a straightforward conversation about your situation, your service history and how your substance use condition affects your daily life. We'll explain whether you're likely eligible, how the claims process works under MRCA and what kind of evidence you'll need. You'll walk away with a clear picture of your options.
We gather your existing medical records, complete all required documentation and prepare a thorough claim. For substance abuse claims, we connect you with psychiatrists who understand DVA assessment requirements, because only a psychiatrist can assess mental health and substance use conditions for permanent impairment purposes. Your claim is lodged with the required documentation so DVA has the information it needs to begin its assessment.
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.
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 Substance Abuse Claims
Many veterans don't realise that substance use disorders can be claimed as a service-related condition under MRCA, particularly when they develop alongside PTSD, anxiety, depression or chronic pain. Our team is familiar with how DVA assesses these claims and what evidence you need to connect your substance use to your service
Substance use disorders are assessed using impairment points and lifestyle ratings under the GARP M framework, just like other accepted conditions. What many veterans don’t know is that, in some circumstances, DVA may grant interim permanent impairment entitlements while your condition is still stabilising, if you meet the required impairment threshold. We help prepare the documentation required for DVA to assess your condition and entitlements.
Dealing with a substance use condition while trying to handle complex DVA paperwork is the last thing you need. We take care of the entire process — from gathering medical evidence and connecting you with qualified specialists, to lodging your claim and liaising with DVA on your behalf.
Have other questions?
Contact us so we can help.
Yes. Substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorder and other substance use conditions, can be claimed under MRCA if they're connected to your service. This includes conditions that developed as a result of other accepted conditions like PTSD, anxiety or chronic pain. DVA recognises substance use disorders as mental health conditions that may be accepted under MRCA, which can open access to treatment and entitlements. Read more in our DVA Alcohol Use Disorder guide.
You need to demonstrate a link between your substance use and your military service. This often involves showing that your substance use developed secondary to another accepted condition, for example, using alcohol to manage PTSD symptoms or relying on prescription medication after a service injury. Medical evidence from a treating psychiatrist plays a key role. View more in our DVA Mental Health Claim guide.
Substance use disorders are assessed under the GARP M framework using impairment points and lifestyle ratings. The number of points depends on the severity of your condition and its impact on your daily functioning, relationships and ability to work. You need a minimum of 10 impairment points across all accepted conditions to qualify for permanent impairment entitlements. Learn more in our DVA Impairment Points Table guide.
If you've completed at least one day of continuous full-time service in the ADF, you can access fully funded treatment for substance use disorders through DVA's Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) program. This covers treatment for all mental health conditions, including substance use, without needing to prove your condition is service-related. Discover more in our DVA Non-Liability Health Cover guide.
Absolutely. In fact, substance use disorders rarely exist in isolation. Many Australian veterans experience co-occurring conditions including PTSD, depression, anxiety and chronic pain. Claiming related conditions together allows DVA to assess the overall impact of your health conditions under the relevant impairment framework. See more in our What Can I Claim From the DVA? guide.
The entire permanent impairment claims process often takes around 18–24 months from initial claim lodgement through to final decision, depending on the complexity of your conditions, available medical evidence and DVA processing times. One of the most common delays is the initial assignment of a DVA delegate, which can take up to four months before your claim is actively worked on. We help you submit complete and clearly documented information to minimise avoidable delays in the assessment process. Read more in our DVA claims timeframe guide
Yes. If you've already had a condition accepted by DVA and you've since developed a substance use disorder linked to that condition or your service, you can lodge an additional claim. You may also be eligible for a reclassification of your permanent impairment if your overall situation has worsened. Find out more in our DVA Permanent Impairment guide.
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.
Join thousands of veterans in getting the support they deserve. Leave us a note and our experts will be in touch shortly to discuss your new claim or claim reassessment.
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