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Military Sexual Trauma Attorneys

Legal Assistance for Anyone Who Has Dealt with Military Sexual Trauma

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is the term the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses to refer to sexual assault or repeated 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, may have been unable to consent, or may have been physically forced into sexual activities. Additionally, MST also includes unwanted sexual touching or grabbing; threatening, and or unwelcome sexual advances, among others.

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    Who Experiences MST?

    More Than 50 Servicemembers Were Sexually Assaulted Every Day. Only 3,192 Incidents were Reported.

    Both women and men can experience MST during their service. All Veterans that seek care at  the VA are asked about MST, because this type of trauma can affect the Veteran’s physical and mental health, even many years later. National data from this program reveal that about 1 in 4 women and 1 on 100 men respond “yes,” that they experienced MST, when screened by their VA provider.

    Where can I seek help?

    The VA has free services to help Veterans to recover from MST. The Veteran does not need to have a VA disability to receive these services and may be able to receiver services even if they are not eligible for other VA care.

    Can I receive disability compensation for conditions related to MST?

    Yes. Although compensation for the traumatic event itself will not be granted, disability compensation for conditions that result from the MST, including mental health, is available.

    What evidence can support a disability claim for conditions related to MST?

    You do not need to have reported the incident(s) when they happened or have other documentation that they occurred. The evidentiary requirements and looks for “markers” that provide some indication that the traumatic event happened, include but are not limited to the following:

    • Records from law enforcement authorities, rape crisis centers, mental health counseling centers, hospitals, or physicians
    • Pregnancy tests or tests for sexually transmitted diseases
    • Statements from family members, roommates, fellow Veterans, clergy members, or counselors
    • Request for transfer to another military duty assignment
    • Deterioration in work performance
    • Substance Abuse
    • Episodes of Depression, panic attacks, or anxiety without an identifiable cause
    • Unexplained economic or social behavioral changes
    • Sexual dysfunction

    Can previously denied claims based on MST, be re-evaluated?

    Yes. Increase awareness on PST issues has resulted in new guidelines at the VA. If your claim was submitted before December 2011 and was denied, you can request a re-evaluation from your local VA regional office.

    If you have any questions regarding your MST claim, or any other VA pending claim, contact Tabak Law for a risk free consultation with an accredited VA Attorney. We know that it is not always easy to get to an attorney, so we offer home and hospital visits for your convenience.

    Why Choose Tabak Attorneys?

    Focused on Disability Law

    Thorough Case Preparation

    Experienced in Appeals and Hearings

    No Upfront Fees

    Our Trusted VA Benefits Attorneys

    • Jim M. Brzezinski

      CEO

    • Monica Irelan Karas

      Partner/Attorney

    • Jamal Anwar

      Veterans’ Benefits Attorney

    • Tyler Hines

      Veterans’ Benefits Attorney

    • Kyle Hough

      Veterans’ Benefits Attorney

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Military Sexual Trauma Claims

    Military Sexual Trauma refers to sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurred during military service. It can affect both men and women and may happen on or off base, during training, or while deployed.

    Yes. Veterans who developed conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders as a result of MST may qualify for VA disability benefits. MST itself is not rated separately, but the mental or physical conditions caused by it can be service-connected.

    Many MST incidents go unreported. The VA understands this and allows alternative forms of evidence, often called “markers,” to support a claim. These may include changes in behavior, performance evaluations, requests for transfer, medical records, or statements from friends or family.

    Common conditions related to MST include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and certain physical health conditions. A medical diagnosis connecting the condition to service is essential for benefits approval.

    Evidence may include medical records, service records, mental health treatment documentation, lay statements, and behavioral changes documented during service. An experienced attorney can help gather and present the strongest possible evidence.

    You have the right to appeal. Many MST-related claims are denied initially due to lack of documentation or failure to properly develop evidence. With proper legal support, these claims can often be strengthened and successfully appealed.

    There is no deadline to file a VA disability claim based on MST. Even if your service occurred decades ago, you may still qualify for benefits.

    Filing a VA disability claim will not change your discharge status or negatively affect existing VA benefits. Your claim is handled confidentially.

    MST claims require careful, sensitive handling and thorough evidence development. Tabak Law works with veterans to gather supporting documentation, obtain medical opinions, and advocate for fair disability ratings. If your claim has been denied, we represent veterans through appeals to secure the benefits they deserve.

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    Victims of Military Sexual Trauma: Contact Tabak Law

    If you served in the Persian Gulf and are experiencing chronic symptoms, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits. If your claim has been denied or undervalued, we can help you pursue an appeal.

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