Military Sexual Trauma Cases

Military sexual trauma (MST) is the term that the Department of Veterans Affairs uses to refer to sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurred while the Veteran was in the military. It includes any sexual activity in which one is involved against one’s will – he or she may have been pressured into sexual activities (for example, with threats of negative consequences for refusing to be sexually cooperative or with implied faster promotions or better treatment in exchange for sex), may have been unable to consent to sexual activities (for example, when intoxicated), or may have been physically forced into sexual activities. Other experiences that fall into the category of MST include unwanted sexual touching or grabbing; threatening, offensive remarks about a person’s body or sexual activities; and/or threatening or unwelcome sexual advances.

MST is often difficult to win benefits on since victims frequently fail to come forward until many years later. Thus, the VA has developed some factors to consider in developing a MST case. These factors look at such circumstantial evidence including behavior before and after the events, supporting documents, further treatments, etc. To learn more about MST and VA disability benefits contact the Vet Defender. You can schedule an appointment to talk with Vet Defender by clicking this link: Schedule an Appointment.