Unfortunately, sexual assault does occur in the military, and according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), sexual assault is classified as military sexual traumas (MST). Furthermore, according to Title 38 U.S. Code 1720D, MST is a “psychological trauma, which in the judgment of a VA mental health professional, resulted from a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment which occurred while the Veteran was serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.”
National data suggests that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 100 men experience sexual trauma while serving in the military, and although PTSD is commonly associated with military sexual trauma (MST), it is not the only diagnosis that can result from MST. As such, if you are a U.S. Veteran living in Houston or the Houston area, and you want to receive your rightfully owned VA disability benefits due to MST or PTSD, then it’s critical to contact a Houston VA disability benefits attorney as soon as possible.
At Herren Law in Houston, we’ve helped numerous Veterans with their VA applications, appeals, and other issues regarding disability benefits. For representation with one of the leading VA benefits attorneys in Houston, make sure to call Herren Law today at (800) 529-7707. We work on a contingency basis, and initial consultations are always free.
Overview of Military Sexual Trauma and PTSD
First of all, it’s essential to note that military sexual trauma is not a medical diagnosis. Because MST is a traumatic event, there are multiple reactions that a person can have. PTSD may be the most common diagnosis associated with MST, but other diagnoses often include depression, mood disorders, and substance abuse disorders.
Keep in mind that not every individual will have the same reaction. Some reactions to military sexual trauma can include:
- Strong emotions, including depression, sudden and emotional responses to things, and feeling angry or irritated all of the time
- Numb feelings, where you feel emotionally flat or have difficulties experiencing emotions such as happiness or love
- Trouble falling asleep
- Difficulties with attention, memory, and concentration
- Problems with alcohol or drugs
- Difficulties with things that may remind the Veteran of the traumatic sexual experience
- Difficulties with relationships, such as feeling disconnected or isolated from others
- Physical health problems
Military Sexual Trauma and the VA
Military sexual trauma is a very serious issue, and, fortunately, the VA has responded to MST claims and every VA health care facility has a designated MST Coordinator. The MST Coordinator often acts as the contact person for any MST-related issues, and the Coordinator can help you find and access various VA services and programs. Additionally, because MST is massively underreported (due to stigma and other reasons), VA health care providers often must ask a Veteran if he/she experienced military sexual trauma. For more information on MST Coordinators, and finding these individuals near, please refer to the VA’s official list of Military Sexual Trauma Coordinators.
When applying for disability compensation with the VA, you won’t receive compensation for MST itself, but for the conditions that resulted from the MST.
Evidence to Support a Military Sexual Trauma Claim
No matter the severity of your traumatizing event, the VA still requires documentation and evidence to validate your claim and provide regular VA disability benefits. Some common and effective pieces of evidence come from the Department of Defense forms used to report incidents of sexual assault or harassment, as well as investigative reports, while you were in the military. However, because sexual trauma isn’t often reported, the VA has “relaxed the evidentiary requirements and looks for ‘markers’ (i.e., signs, events, or circumstances) that provide some indication that the traumatic event happened.”
This evidence can include:
- Records from law enforcement agencies, rape crisis centers, hospitals, mental health counseling centers, and others
- Pregnancy tests or test results for STDs
- Statements from family members, fellow Servicemembers and Veterans, counselors, clergy members, and others
- Requests for transfer while the Veteran was in the military (reasonably attributed to the sexual trauma, assault, or harassment)
- Deterioration in work performance
- Substance abuse
- Unexplained economic or social behavior
- Relationship issues
- Sexual dysfunction
Due to the evidentiary requirements, it’s absolutely critical to document as much as you can. Furthermore, it’s important to note that increases in MST awareness led the VA to offer special training for all VA regional office personnel who process MST-related claims and the mental health clinicians conducting the examinations related to these claims. This occurred in 2011, and if your past MST claim with the VA was denied before this date, you can request a re-evaluation from your local VA regional office.
For a Free Consultation, Call Herren Law in Houston Today
Military sexual trauma is a very serious incident that can have lifelong consequences for the victim. As such, if you were the victim of MST, sexual assault, or sexual harassment while you were in active service with the military, and you are continuing to suffer, make sure to not hesitate any longer and call Houston VA disability attorney William Herren today. We work on a contingency basis, meaning that you won’t pay a cent unless we win your case. Initial consultations are also free, so call Herren Law in Houston at (800) 529-7707 or (713) 682-8194 today.
