Does the VA Drug Test Veterans? Answering Your Questions
Aside from physical disability care, as many as four in 10 veterans also potentially require mental health care. Many need this for depression and anxiety. However, others also require it for substance use disorder (SUD).
The good news is that the Veterans Affairs (VA) provides healthcare benefits to veterans. So, if you’ve served yourself, you may be eligible for these benefits.
The question you may be now asking is, “Does the VA drug test veterans?” The answer is yes, it does, but only under certain circumstances.
This guide will walk you through the VA drug testing policy and how it can impact your benefits, so read on.
Why Does the VA Drug Test Veterans?
Part of the benefits that the VA provides is drug and alcohol treatment for veterans. The VA drug tests veterans applying for these healthcare benefits, which may include the following:
- Medically supervised detoxification
- In-patient and out-patient programs
- Counseling and therapy
In that case, the VA conducts drug tests to help identify the specific substances a vet may be using. VA healthcare professionals can then use the findings to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Other Situations Wherein the VA May Drug Test Veterans
Drug testing also helps the VA assess if a treatment program a veteran is undergoing is effective. If not, the VA can make the necessary adjustments to improve the care the vet gets.
The VA may also test veterans currently receiving healthcare benefits and are under a medication plan. This lets the agency monitor the patients’ compliance with their prescription medications. This is vital as taking medications as prescribed can help prevent drug abuse and dependency.
Lastly, the VA drug tests veterans who are employees of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs itself. This is part of the agency’s Drug-Free Workplace Program.
When Can a Positive Drug Test Result in Loss of VA Benefits?
Since the VA drug tests veterans to determine their need for treatment, veterans won’t lose their benefits if they test positive. The VA even encourages veterans to speak with their doctors about cannabis or marijuana if it may help with their condition.
However, drug use could still result in the loss of VA benefits if the agency discovers an association between it and a crime.
For example, suppose a veteran is facing charges for distribution or possession of illegal drugs. In this case, the VA may order a drug test. If the vet tests positive, the agency may reduce or terminate the vet’s disability payments and pensions.
Drug Tests: Crucial to Helping Treat Veteran Drug Abuse
If you’ve been wondering, “Does the VA drug test veterans,” now you know it does.
However, the VA drug testing policy doesn’t exist to penalize veterans. Instead, it’s more of a step towards determining which veterans need help and what treatment is best for them. It allows the VA to help vets get the appropriate care they need.
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