Will I lose my VA disability if I fail a drug test?
The VA doesn't really care all that much about veterans and substance abuse. No matter what people say, we don't lose any benefits we earned for abusing or using illicit substances. That doesn't hold true when we fail the drug tests that VA is conducting on every veteran these days.
What happens if you test positive for drugs at the VA?
VA will initiate termination of VA appointment and/or dismissal from VA rotation proceedings against any trainee who is found to use illegal drugs on the basis of a verified positive drug test. Termination and/or dismissal from VA rotation proceedings will be initiated against any trainee who refuses to be tested.
Does the VA test blood for drugs?
You may be referencing routine lab work (blood tests and urinalysis) during physicals that may note high blood sugars as well as high cholesterol and many other abnormalities. You may at that time be checked for illegal drugs. That is almost accidental because sometimes VA does check you for legal drugs.
Does VA have medical weed?
Several improvements went into effect on July 1, 2020, making Virginia the 34th state with an effective medical cannabis program. Patients are now formally protected from arrest and prosecution for possessing their medicine — they no longer merely have an affirmative defense.
Is drug Addiction a VA disability?
The VA recognizes substance use disorders as a disability because the use of alcohol, tobacco, street drugs, and prescription drugs is so prevalent among veterans. Without treatment, substance use disorders can cause other health problems—both physical and emotional.
Does drug use disqualify you from VA benefits?
You will not be able to receive VA disability benefits for any alcohol or drug abuse-related injuries that occur as a result of willful misconduct.
What does the VA test your blood for?
A representative of the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System (GCVHCS), the health agency's regional provider, said the VA — like other medical practitioners — may order a test of a veteran's urine, saliva and blood because the agency is required to monitor veterans' prescriptions of controlled substances such as ...
How often does VA drug test?
A Drug Program Coordinator (DPC) at each Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility is responsible for scheduling drug tests each month for randomly selected employees. VA randomly selects 285 employees each month for drug testing—for an annual total of 3,420 employees.
Will I lose my VA benefits if I smoke weed?
Veterans will not be denied VA benefits because of marijuana use. Veterans are encouraged to discuss marijuana use with their VA providers.
How much weed can you have in VA with a medical card?
How much medical cannabis can I get? A "90-day supply." This is ultimately determined by the pharmacist in consultation with the patient. 4 ounces of botanical cannabis (flower) per 30 days.
Can you lose your VA disability benefits?
Even if you have been receiving service-connected benefits for less than ten years, it is still quite rare for the VA to terminate these benefits. In any case, the VA cannot terminate your benefits unless you first receive a notice from the VA telling you about your right to have a hearing.