Military sexual trauma is often disabling, and survivors may qualify to receive veterans’ disability benefits due to this trauma. A lawyer for military sexual trauma can assist you with all aspects of your case. Contact us now to talk to lawyer Daren Sarphie about your case.
Lawyer for Military Sexual Trauma Benefits
You may receive VA disability benefits for military sexual trauma. Daren Sarphie is a lawyer for military sexual trauma and can represent you in your claim to receive the military benefits you deserve.
What is Military Sexual Trauma (MST)?
Military sexual trauma is sexual assault or harassment that occurs during military service. It may include any non-consensual sexual activity, including the following:
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Non-consensual touching of a sexual nature
- Forced penetration
- Sexual harassment
- Threats or offers in exchange for sexual acts
Military Sexual Trauma may:
- Hurt any gender
- Occur on or off duty
- Occur on or off base
- Involve people of equal levels or superiors and people who report to them
- Happen when you say no or if you are unable to say no
- Occur whether or not the victim is clothed
How can a lawyer assist with MST cases?
A lawyer for MST can assist you in multiple ways:
- Documenting the disabling effects of your military sexual trauma
- Showing that your trauma is service-connected and qualifies for benefits
- Explaining your rights and options
- Gathering witness statements and reports needed for your case
- Filing your case, preparing your application, and knowing the process to file
- Evaluating barriers and how to address difficulties
- Appealing an unfavorable decision
- Providing legal counsel at each stage of the case
- Exploring whether a civil claim is appropriate and what to consider as you determine how to proceed
- Helping you report to the appropriate authorities, if you choose
- Fighting back against retaliation, if it occurs
Attorney Daren Sarphie is a full-service lawyer for military sexual trauma survivors. When you have been harmed in the service to your country, you deserve the benefits you are due under the law. He will handle the entire process on your behalf, providing the professional counsel and compassionate representation you deserve.
How common is military sexual trauma?
When asked, 30% of female veterans and 2% of male veterans report they have experienced military sexual trauma. Sadly, many cases of military sexual trauma go unreported.
What are the effects of MST?
MST may affect a victim for years to come, impacting both their physical and mental health. Effects of MST may include:
- Physical injury
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger, irritability, self-blame, self-doubt
- Trouble regulating emotions, feeling unemotional
- Sleep disturbances
- Problems with cognition, memory, or concentration
- Substance abuse, drug, or alcohol problems
- Triggers and disruptive reminders of sexual trauma
- Difficulty forming healthy relationships
- Weight problems, digestion difficulties
- Abnormal sexual behavior and function
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
Military sexual trauma may be especially damaging when service members are away from home and their family and community support. They may be worried about their military career in reporting what occurred and may not know about available treatment.
There are many factors that may influence the impact of MST on a victim. Other traumatic experiences, how the MST was handled if it was reported, cultural influences, and what happened may all influence how a person responds to MST. This should not stop you from fighting to get the relief you need.
Can you receive VA disability pay for military sexual trauma?
Yes. You may receive VA disability pay if military sexual trauma causes a disability. You may qualify for a disability that results from your MST, which may include PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other injury. A claim may be based on either physical or mental disability.
Legal Representation for Military Sexual Trauma Survivor
The military acknowledges sexual trauma as a cause of disability. While it recognizes resulting disabilities as grounds for disability pay, the VA denies many MST claims.
The information that you present can be critical. It’s not enough to apply – you must present a thorough application that provides the right information. A military sexual trauma lawyer understands what you need to include, prepares the case on your behalf, and represents you. Having the right legal representation may help make your claim a success.
How does the military respond to MST?
The VA health system has coordinators for MST cases and issues. They recognize that sexual trauma often goes unreported, but that trauma can be seriously harmful. Medical care relating to service-connected MST is without charge, including treatment for physical and mental harm resulting from the trauma. Counseling is available in addition to other healthcare services.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a website discussing military sexual trauma, providing examples of military sexual trauma and explaining what it is.
In addition, the VA offers the Beyond MST mobile app. Available for both iOS and Android, the app can be downloaded for free. It has tools to help you cope, manage symptoms, track goals, and improve your quality of life, and also provides educational information. The app is private, and any information you input is not shared with the VA.
Experienced Legal Representation for Military Sexual Trauma Victims
Attorney Daren Sarphie knows that military sexual trauma can be devastating for victims – physically, mentally, and professionally. If your sexual trauma has caused a disability, you may qualify for disability pay.
When you work with attorney Daren Sarphie, you can expect legal representation that is personal, dedicated, and compassionate. Ultimately, his goal is for you to receive the care and benefits you deserve. He will make sure your claim is filed properly, fight a denial, pursue appeals, and help you present your case in full.
Consultation with an MST Lawyer
For a consultation with a military sexual trauma lawyer, contact Daren Sarphie. There is no cost for a consultation. Call or message us now.
