Military sexual trauma (MST) is a pervasive issue affecting many Veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. MST refers to sexual assault, sexual harassment, or any other form of sexual violence experienced during military service. Sadly, the prevalence of MST is higher than many may realize, and it can have lasting psychological effects on survivors, including an increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Veterans who have experienced MST and developed related mental health conditions, such as PTSD, may be eligible for a Massachusetts VA disability benefits lawyer. While MST itself is not recognized by the VA as a distinct disability, the VA recognizes that MST can lead to the development of mental health conditions like PTSD that qualify for disability compensation.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), military sexual trauma refers to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service. Actions that constitute MST include, but are not limited to:
Any type of sexual activity or contact that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient, including:
Any inappropriate sexual behavior that is non consensual, unwanted, or coercive, such as:
These actions are considered MST regardless of the gender, sexual orientation, or relationship between the perpetrator and the survivor. Additionally, MST can occur on or off duty, on or off base, and while the Veteran was on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
According to the Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, the prevalence of sexual assault in the active-duty force declined compared to levels last measured in 2021, marking the first decrease in nearly a decade.
The report found that rates of unwanted sexual contact affecting active-component women decreased from 8.4% to 6.8% between 2021 and 2023, while rates affecting active-component men appeared to decrease from 1.5% to 1.3%, although this change was not statistically significant. In total, the Department of Defense estimates that nearly 7,000 fewer service members experienced sexual assault in 2023 than in 2021.
While it is good to know incidences of MST seem to be declining, thousands of Veterans who survived MST are still struggling to get their lives back. They suffer from a variety of trauma-related illnesses, both physical and mental.
While not every Veteran who experiences MST will develop PTSD, research suggests a strong link between the two. A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that Veterans who reported experiencing MST were more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD compared to those who did not experience MST.
Another study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that among Veterans seeking treatment for PTSD, those with a history of MST had more severe PTSD symptoms and higher rates of comorbid mental health conditions.
The development of PTSD following MST can be influenced by various factors, including the severity and duration of the trauma, the presence of prior traumatic experiences, and the availability of social support and resources. Additionally, the unique challenges associated with reporting and seeking help for MST within the military context, such as concerns about confidentiality, fear of reprisal, and the impact on one’s career, can exacerbate the psychological distress experienced by survivors.
The psychological impact of MST can manifest in various ways, and not every Veteran will experience the same symptoms or reactions. However, some common signs and symptoms associated with MST and PTSD include:
Veterans experiencing these symptoms should seek help from a mental health professional or VA healthcare provider. Proper evaluation and diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment and management of symptoms. It can be a difficult call to make, as many MST survivors struggle with feelings of guilt and shame.
To receive disability benefits, Veterans must file a claim and provide evidence supporting the connection between their current mental health condition and the MST experienced during military service. Evidence may include:
Veterans are encouraged to submit any relevant evidence they may have, even if it is not direct proof of the trauma.
Due to the sensitive nature of MST and the fact that many survivors do not report the trauma when it occurs, the VA has relaxed the evidentiary requirements for MST-related claims compared to other types of PTSD claims. In MST-related claims, the VA looks for markers or indicators that the traumatic event occurred, even if there is no direct evidence such as a police report or medical record. These markers can include:
The presence of these markers can help support the Veteran’s account of the MST and establish a link between the trauma and their current mental health condition. The absence of markers does not necessarily mean that the MST did not occur or that the Veteran’s claim will be denied.
The VA rating system for disability compensation applies to mental health conditions related to MST, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity of the Veteran’s symptoms and their impact on social and occupational functioning. Ratings for mental health conditions range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms and greater impairment in functioning.
The higher the VA disability rating, the more disability compensation the Veteran may receive. In addition to monthly compensation, Veterans with service-connected mental health conditions may also be eligible for VA health care services, including therapy, counseling, and medication management.
Military sexual trauma is a devastating experience that no one should have to endure, yet it affects a significant number of Veterans. The psychological impact of MST can be profound, and many survivors develop mental health conditions such as PTSD.
But Veterans who have experienced MST are not alone. Help is available. Pursuing VA disability benefits for MST-related conditions can provide much-needed financial support and access to ongoing care. With the right support and resources, Veterans can reclaim their lives and move forward with resilience and strength.
Many of the attorneys at Berry Law are Veterans themselves. They are proud to act as Veterans serving Veterans, supporting former service members nationwide, and fighting for the security and welfare of our nation’s bravest. They are dedicated to getting Veterans the disability benefits to which they are entitled. Our law firm represents Veterans in all 50 states and is available 24/7. Call 888-883-2483 or fill out our online contact form for a free confidential consultation.
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