VA test for recent use of alcohol

Question:

I'm a retired 100 percent disabled veteran on a VA drug screen program because I'm taking generic Ritalin for ADHD.
I'm also a recovering alcoholic sober for 26 years. All this is in my VA health record.  In my last test result I noticed a new test called 'ethyl glucuronide' which apparently identifies recent use of alcoholic beverages.  Two questions: What legal authority does the VA have to screen veterans for engaging in a completely legal activity? And what would be the  consequences of a positive result indicating alcohol use by an alcoholic or for any veteran for that matter? I disagree with the testing anyway but understand the rationale for it but testing for alcohol use minus a court order is questionable IMHO. Thank you.

Jim's Reply:

When veterans object to a lab test that might identify illicit substance abuse (a widespread disease in America by any definition) but they have no objection to the test that shows their cholesterol is 10 times the normal limit because they eat fast food every day, I always wonder why? Overeating and having a BMI of 40 isn't illegal either but the doctor will want to test your blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar and so on. Stuffing our faces while taking many substances such as alcohol or tobacco is every bit as legal as drinking alcohol but you object to testing for one and not the other? The EtG test is a common one and is used  as a tool to enforce abstinence much as a finger stick is used to determine blood sugar. to enforce dietary habits. Court orders aren't usually required for lab testing but if you feel strongly, tell your doctor to stop ordering the test.