VA Disability Benefits for MST (Military Sexual Trauma)

What Is Military Sexual Trauma (MST)?

The VA defines Military Sexual Trauma (MST) as sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurred during military service. This includes both men and women, and can include incidents that were never formally reported to military authorities.

MST is unfortunately common: VA research suggests approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 100 men who use VA health care report experiencing MST during their service. The VA takes MST seriously and has specific procedures for filing claims and accessing care related to MST.

Free MST Mental Health Care — No Rating Required

One of the most important and underutilized benefits available to MST survivors: the VA provides free mental health care for MST-related conditions regardless of your disability rating, discharge status, or whether you ever filed an MST report.

This means that even veterans who:

• Never reported the MST during service
• Received a less-than-honorable discharge
• Have no current VA disability rating
• Are not enrolled in the regular VA health system

...can still access free MST-related mental health treatment at VA facilities. You can contact any VA medical center's MST Coordinator to access these services.

Filing a VA Disability Claim for MST

What Conditions Can Be Service-Connected?

MST itself is not a ratable medical condition, but the physical and psychological effects of MST are ratable. The most common conditions filed related to MST include:

• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) — most commonly associated with MST; can be rated 0–100%
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic disorder)
• Substance use disorders (secondary to PTSD or depression)
• Sleep disorders
• Eating disorders
• Somatic disorders (physical symptoms with psychological basis)

The Special Rules for MST Claims

Filing an MST-related claim has different — and more flexible — rules than typical disability claims. The VA recognizes that MST is often underreported and that many survivors have limited corroborating evidence. Key differences include:

• Relaxed evidentiary standard: The VA applies a "liberal credibility" standard to MST claims — your own statement (buddy statement or personal statement) carries significant weight, even without a police report or medical record from the time
• Secondary markers accepted: Evidence such as behavioral changes after the incident (leave requests, changes in duty assignment, requests for transfer, performance decline, alcohol use, anxiety symptoms) can support your claim
• No police report required: You do NOT need to have reported the incident during service
• Confidential filing option: You can file an MST claim confidentially if concerned about privacy

How to File an MST-Related PTSD Claim

• Step 1: Request your VA health records — if you've received any MST-related treatment, these records support your claim
• Step 2: Write a detailed personal statement describing the MST and how it has affected your life, work, and mental health
• Step 3: Gather "secondary evidence" — buddy statements from people who knew you before and after the incident, records of behavioral changes
• Step 4: Get a private PTSD assessment from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist, if possible, with a nexus opinion
• Step 5: File VA Form 21-526EZ online at VA.gov or through a VSO
• Step 6: Request your C&P exam be conducted by an examiner with MST training (you have this right)

PTSD Ratings and Monthly Compensation

MST-related PTSD is rated on the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders under 38 CFR § 4.130. The rating levels and approximate monthly compensation for a single veteran in 2025 are:

• 0%: Diagnosed but minimal symptoms — no monthly compensation, but service connection established
• 10%: Mild symptoms, $175.51/month
• 30%: Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency, $537.42/month
• 50%: Reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms, $1,102.04/month
• 70%: Deficiencies in most areas including work, school, judgment, thinking — $1,759.19/month
• 100%: Total occupational and social impairment, $3,831.30/month

Use our VA Disability Calculator to calculate your combined monthly payment with dependents.

Common Reasons MST Claims Are Denied — and How to Fight Back

Nexus Not Established

The VA may deny saying your PTSD or condition isn't connected to the MST. Solution: Get a private medical opinion (nexus letter) from a licensed mental health professional who reviewed your service records and personal statement. The key phrase: "at least as likely as not" the condition is connected to the MST during service.

C&P Exam Was Inadequate

If your C&P examiner seemed rushed, didn't conduct a full mental health evaluation, or the opinion seems inconsistent with your symptoms, you can challenge the exam. Request a Higher-Level Review and provide your own private evaluation. You can also request an MST-trained examiner for any future exams.

Insufficient Evidence

Don't give up. File a Supplemental Claim with additional evidence — buddy statements, additional personal statements, VA treatment records, private mental health records. The VA's liberal credibility standard for MST claims means your personal testimony carries significant weight.

Resources for MST Survivors

• VA MST Coordinators: Every VA medical facility has an MST Coordinator who can connect you with care and claims assistance. Ask to speak with yours.
• Veterans Crisis Line: 988 press 1, text 838255
• DAV MST Program: The Disabled American Veterans offers free claims representation for MST survivors
• Make the Connection: VA's mental health resource portal at maketheconnection.net

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