Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is a serious issue that affects service members across all branches of the military, including the United States Air Force. The impact of military sexual trauma in the Air Force can be profound and long-lasting, potentially affecting a Veteran’s mental and physical health, work performance, and personal relationships long after their military service has ended.
Our attorneys are familiar with military sexual trauma claims across all branches of the service, making them effective advocates on behalf of Veterans.
Before applying for VA disability benefits, Veterans should understand the unique aspects of military sexual trauma in the Air Force, how these incidents are handled during active duty, and the process for applying for VA disability benefits related to MST.
Military sexual trauma refers to experiences of sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occur during a Veteran’s military service. This term, used by the VA, encompasses a wide range of unwanted sexual experiences, from inappropriate touching and verbal harassment to rape and sexual assault.
MST is not limited to physical contact and can include other acts such as unwanted sexual advances, threatening sexual remarks, or implied career consequences for refusing sexual advances. It is important to understand that MST is an experience, not a clinical diagnosis, and can affect service members of any gender, age, racial/ethnic background, branch of service, and era of service.
The VA recognizes that many instances of MST go unreported due to factors such as shame, fear of retaliation, or concerns about career implications. As a result, the VA has implemented specific policies to assist Veterans in accessing care and benefits related to MST, even in the absence of official documentation of the traumatic event during their service.
The Air Force, like other military branches, presents unique environments where MST can occur. Some situations specific to the Air Force that may increase vulnerability to MST include:
It’s important to note that military sexual trauma in the Air Force can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, rank, or job specialty.
The Air Force has implemented several measures to address MST and support survivors:
Despite these measures, challenges in reporting and addressing MST persist. Some Airmen may fear retaliation, damage to their careers, or disbelief from superiors if they come forward with allegations of MST.
Air Force Veterans who experienced MST during their service can apply for VA disability benefits, even if they did not report the incident while on active duty. The process involves several important steps:
The first step is to collect all relevant documentation. This can include medical records, mental health treatment records, statements from fellow service members or family members, and any documentation of behavioral changes following the trauma. These pieces of evidence help build a comprehensive picture of the impact of MST on the Veteran’s life.
Next, it’s crucial to obtain a diagnosis from a mental health professional. This diagnosis should identify any conditions resulting from the MST, such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety disorders. A formal diagnosis is a key component in establishing the link between the traumatic experience and current mental health issues.
The Veteran must demonstrate that the military sexual trauma in the Air Force occurred during their service and that their current mental health condition is related to that trauma. This step is critical in proving that the disability is service-connected, which is a requirement for VA benefits.
Air Force Veterans should be aware that the VA recognizes the difficulty in documenting MST and allows for a broader range of evidence to support these claims. This can include:
Once the evidence is gathered and the service connection established, the next step is to submit a claim to the VA for disability compensation. Veterans can file this claim online through the VA.gov website, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. Each method has its advantages, and Veterans should choose the one that best suits their situation.
Finally, the VA may schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to assess the severity of the Veteran’s condition and confirm the mental health diagnosis. This exam is conducted by a VA healthcare provider or a VA-contracted provider and plays a crucial role in determining the disability rating. Veterans need to attend this exam and provide honest, detailed information about how their condition affects their daily lives.
Air Force Veterans may face some unique challenges when applying for MST-related VA benefits:
In recent years, the Air Force has implemented several policy changes to address the issue of Military Sexual Trauma more effectively:
The Air Force expanded its expedited transfer policy for sexual assault survivors. Under this change, Airmen who file unrestricted reports of sexual assault have the right to request an expedited transfer from their current assignment or to a different location within their current installation. This policy aims to quickly remove survivors from potentially unsafe environments.
The Air Force extended Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) services to civilian employees. This change allows Air Force civilian employees to file restricted and unrestricted reports and receive SAPR services, which were previously only available to service members.
The Air Force implemented a “Safe to Report” policy, which aims to encourage reporting of sexual assault by removing barriers that may discourage survivors from coming forward. Under this policy, survivors who report sexual assault will not be disciplined for minor collateral misconduct, such as underage drinking or being at an off-limits location, that may have occurred at the time of the assault.
The Air Force initiated a pilot program at seven installations to co-locate response services for sexual assault, domestic violence, and other forms of interpersonal violence. This program aims to provide more comprehensive and accessible support to survivors of military sexual trauma in the Air Force.
The Air Force created a task force to address interpersonal violence, including sexual assault. This task force is charged with identifying areas for improvement in prevention, response, and accountability efforts.
Following the recommendations of the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military, the Air Force, along with other service branches, began implementing changes to improve prevention, climate and culture, and accountability. These changes include professionalizing the prevention workforce and improving the selection process for commanders and senior enlisted leaders.
These policy changes reflect the Air Force’s ongoing commitment to addressing the issue of military sexual trauma and improving support for survivors. The effectiveness of these policies will need to be evaluated over time, and further adjustments may be necessary as the Air Force continues to combat MST.
Military Sexual Trauma in the Air Force is a serious issue that affects many Veterans. While the Air Force has implemented measures to prevent and address MST, many survivors still struggle with its long-term effects. Air Force Veterans must know that help is available, both in terms of mental health support and VA disability benefits.
The process of applying for VA benefits related to MST can be complex, but with proper documentation and support, Air Force Veterans can receive the compensation and care they deserve. It’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength and that no Veteran should have to face the aftermath of MST alone.Berry Law works with Air Force Veterans in all 50 states. Our team is available 24/7. Call our firm at 888-883-2483 for a free confidential consultation or fill out our online contact form.
Our monthly newsletter features about important and up-to-date veterans' law news, keeping you informed about the changes that matter.
