To test the hypothesis that veterans counseled around managing their benefits will work more and have a better quality of life than those receiving non-specific counseling.

The aim is to develop and test the efficacy of Benefits Counseling to improve quality of life among veterans who apply for VA benefits. Benefits Counseling involves providing claimants information about rehabilitation and work-related activities, benefits determination and management, and available substance abuse treatment . Benefits Counseling is designed to increase motivation to be active and promote engagement in substance abuse treatment. After enrolling 15 participants in an open-label pilot phase, 300 veterans who are not receiving benefits and are applying to VBA for disability benefits will be randomly assigned to Benefits Counseling or the control condition, VA Orientation, and both groups will be followed for one year.

The primary outcome measures will be observer-rated and self-rated quality of life. Secondary outcome measures will include substance use and treatment utilization.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Applying for VA service connection and not currently receiving VBA benefits.
2. Veterans who have been rated 0% service-connected but do not receive financial benefits are eligible to participate.
3. Able to provide valid consent
4. Age 18-65
5. Expresses willingness to discuss benefits with a counselor
6. Anticipates difficulty working

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Already receiving VA payments
2. Already receiving SSI or SSDI
3. Has a conservator