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Military Sexual Trauma (MST) can leave lasting emotional and psychological scars that affect a veteran long after their service has ended. One of the most common conditions linked to MST is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unfortunately, many veterans struggle to prove to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that their PTSD is connected to sexual trauma they experienced during service. Understanding what evidence the VA looks for, and how an attorney can help you build a strong claim, is the key to getting the compensation and recognition you deserve.
The term “Military Sexual Trauma” refers to any sexual harassment, assault, or unwanted sexual contact experienced by a service member during their time in the military. MST can happen to anyone, male or female, regardless of rank or branch of service. The effects of MST can be long-lasting, often leading to anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
For many veterans, the emotional trauma caused by MST can make daily life difficult. PTSD from MST may cause symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, difficulty sleeping, and problems maintaining relationships. The VA recognizes that these symptoms can severely impact a veteran’s ability to work and live a normal life, which is why compensation is available for MST-related PTSD claims.
Unlike other service-connected conditions, proving PTSD related to MST can be challenging because incidents of sexual trauma are often not reported at the time they occur. Many survivors feel afraid, ashamed, or uncertain about how to report the assault. As a result, there may be no official documentation or record of the event in a veteran’s service file.
This lack of documentation does not mean that your claim will be denied, but it does mean that additional evidence, often referred to as “markers,” is needed to support your case. These markers can demonstrate that something significant happened during your service that led to a noticeable change in your behavior, performance, or mental health.
The VA understands that MST claims often lack direct documentation, so it allows a wide range of evidence to be used when establishing a service connection for PTSD. Examples of potential evidence include:
Veterans should also seek an evaluation from a licensed mental health professional. A medical diagnosis of PTSD linked to MST is essential for the VA to consider your claim. In many cases, an independent medical opinion can help strengthen your case by clearly connecting your PTSD symptoms to the trauma you experienced during service.
The VA handles MST-related PTSD claims differently than other claims because of the sensitive nature of these cases. When a veteran files an MST claim, the VA assigns a trained coordinator who specializes in handling MST and PTSD claims with care and confidentiality. The process typically includes:
During the C&P exam, it is important to be honest and thorough about your experiences and symptoms. This can be an emotionally difficult process, but providing complete information helps ensure that your claim is accurately evaluated. Having an attorney guide you through the process can help you prepare for this step and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claim.
Working with an experienced military sexual trauma attorney can make a major difference in your case. Many veterans are unaware of the types of evidence that can be used to support their claim or how to present that evidence effectively. An attorney can help you gather supporting documentation, prepare personal statements, and obtain expert opinions that link your PTSD to your MST experience.
At Sarphie Law, our legal team has extensive experience helping veterans across the country secure VA disability benefits for MST-related PTSD and other service-connected conditions. We understand how sensitive and personal these cases are, and we treat every client with compassion, respect, and confidentiality. Our goal is to ensure that your story is heard and that you receive the benefits you deserve for the sacrifices you made.
Sadly, many veterans’ initial MST-related PTSD claims are denied due to lack of evidence or misinterpretation of the records. If your claim has been denied, you have the right to appeal. A knowledgeable attorney can review your file, identify errors in the VA’s decision, and help gather additional evidence to strengthen your appeal.
At Sarphie Law, we handle both initial claims and appeals. We work closely with our clients to ensure their cases are presented with the strongest possible evidence, from expert medical opinions to detailed personal statements that establish the connection between your PTSD and your time in service.
If you are a veteran struggling with PTSD caused by Military Sexual Trauma, you are not alone and you do not have to face the VA’s complex claims process on your own. The team at Sarphie Law is here to help you gather evidence, prepare your claim, and fight for the benefits you have earned through your service and sacrifice.
We know how difficult it can be to talk about what happened, and we approach every case with compassion and respect. To speak confidentially with an experienced MST attorney and learn more about how we can help, contact us today. We are committed to standing with veterans nationwide and ensuring that every survivor of Military Sexual Trauma receives the justice and support they deserve.
