MST Disability Claims

Recent data shows that 38% of female and 4% of male military service members and veterans report experiencing military sexual trauma, including unwanted sexual contact, being threatened or pressured into sexual activities, and other forms of sexual violence.

However, most MST incidents go unreported. The military environment often emphasizes strength and resilience, inadvertently discouraging reporting. Many service members fear potential ostracism and negative repercussions on their careers. A lack of resources and information about MST also deters individuals from coming forward.

Military sexual trauma has a profound impact on veterans’ mental and physical health, leading to debilitating conditions like PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, substance abuse, chronic pain, insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, and other health issues.

Recognizing the impact of MST, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers veterans MST disability ratings as high as 70% and 100%, including Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

However, securing an MST VA rating can be challenging, particularly when no military service records of the incident exist.

The primary reasons VA denies MST claims are (1) failure to obtain a qualifying diagnosis and (2) failure to prove that the MST is service-connected.

Securing an MST VA rating requires a VA-approved diagnosis of an MST-linked health condition, such as PTSD. In addition, the VA is looking for documentation showing the presence of MST incidents, symptoms, or treatment during military service. Since most veterans do not have such documentation, MST VA ratings often require a medical nexus letter supporting service connection.

Our free eBook, MST Disability Claims: An Essential Guide for U.S. Veterans, offers easy instruction on preparing MST disability claims, including the MST diagnosis process and evidence gathering.