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Military Sexual Trauma (MST) refers to sexual harassment, sexual assault, or rape that occurs during military service.

MST falls under the broader category of personal trauma, which includes assault, battery, robbery, stalking, and harassment.

Unlike combat-related PTSD, MST is often unreported at the time it occurs, making it more challenging to document.

However, veterans who have suffered MST can still qualify for VA disability benefits if they provide sufficient evidence of the trauma, how it caused PTSD, its severity of symptoms, and negative impacts to your work, life, and social functioning.

Let’s begin!

Summary of Key Points

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and PTSD: MST includes sexual harassment, assault, or rape during military service and falls under personal trauma. While MST itself is not a diagnosis, it can lead to conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety. Veterans do not need to have reported MST at the time for the VA to grant benefits.

Proving Service Connection for PTSD Due to MST: Veterans must provide a current PTSD diagnosis, credible supporting evidence of MST, and behavioral markers that indicate a traumatic event occurred. The VA accepts alternative evidence, including medical records, counseling reports, witness statements, and personal diaries.

VA Disability Ratings for PTSD Due to MST: PTSD ratings range from 0% to 100% based on symptom severity and impact on daily life. 67% of veterans granted service connection for MST-related PTSD receive a rating of 70% or higher. Those unable to work due to PTSD may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

How to File a PTSD MST VA Claim: Veterans must gather evidence, complete VA Form 21-0781, and submit their claim through VA.gov, mail, fax, in-person, or with a VA-accredited representative. Attending a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is critical, as the examiner’s opinion heavily influences the final rating decision.

Key Facts About MST and PTSD

As many as one in every three female veterans and one in every 25 male veterans experienced sexual assault or harassment while serving in the military.

MST is NOT a diagnosis—it is a traumatic event that can lead to conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety, among others.

MST is not limited to a specific sex or background—it affects both men and women.

The perpetrator may or may not be affiliated with the military (e.g., a fellow service member, contractor, or civilian employee on base).

Veterans do not need to have reported MST at the time for the VA to grant benefits.

PTSD is the most commonly recognized condition resulting from MST.

Under 38 CFR 3.304(f)(5), veterans can establish VA service connection for PTSD based on MST.

PTSD is not the only mental health condition that may result—other possible diagnoses include major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, chronic adjustment disorder, and bipolar disorder.

How to Prove Service Connection for PTSD Due to MST

To receive a VA disability rating for PTSD due to MST, veterans must establish the following:

#1. A Current PTSD Diagnosis

A formal diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional (VA or private) is required.

The diagnosis must be based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Pro Tip: If you’re experiencing symptoms but don’t have a diagnosis yet, visit a VA medical center or a private psychologist who specializes in PTSD. The VA will only process your MST claim if there is a diagnosed mental health condition in a medical record.

#2. Credible Supporting Evidence of MST

Unlike combat-related PTSD, where service records often confirm exposure to traumatic events, MST is frequently unreported, making direct service records hard to obtain.

The VA understands this challenge and accepts alternative sources of evidence, including:

Medical records from VA or civilian providers that document symptoms of PTSD, depression, or anxiety.

Reports from rape crisis centers, domestic abuse shelters, or counseling facilities.

Statements from family members, roommates, or fellow service members who noticed behavioral changes.

Civilian police reports if law enforcement was involved.

Medical records from civilian physicians or caregivers who treated you after the assault.

Statements from clergy, chaplains, or other support personnel.

Personal diaries or journals that document the MST experience and emotional impact.

Example: Let’s say you never reported the MST incident, but after the event, you began experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks. You sought counseling from a chaplain and were later prescribed antidepressants by a civilian doctor. These records could serve as alternative evidence to support your claim.

Pro Tip: Even if you lack direct documentation, providing a consistent and detailed account of the MST event and its aftermath can strengthen your case. Writing a personal statement in support of a claim that describes how MST affected your life can be powerful evidence.

#3. Behavioral Markers That Indicate MST

When direct evidence is unavailable, the VA looks for markers—behavioral changes that indicate the MST occurred.

These include, but are not limited to:

Sudden requests for duty reassignments without clear explanation.

Decline in performance evaluations after the event.

Frequent visits to sick call or mental health services without a clear medical diagnosis.

Substance abuse issues (alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication overuse).

Episodes of depression, panic attacks, or anxiety with no known cause.

Increased disregard for military authority (e.g., disciplinary actions, Article 15s, AWOL incidents).

Obsessive behaviors such as overeating or undereating.

Unexplained financial difficulties or social withdrawal.

Example: A service member who was once highly disciplined begins receiving multiple disciplinary actions for being late to formation, fails a PT test, and eventually requests an early discharge. These behaviors could be considered markers of MST.

Pro Tip: If you have witnesses who noticed your behavioral changes, ask them to write buddy statements describing what they saw. These statements can be submitted as supporting evidence.

VA Disability Ratings for PTSD Due to MST

VA ratings for PTSD MST range from 0% to 100% with breaks at 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70% based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on occupational and social functioning:

0% PTSD MST Rating

PTSD MST symptoms are present but do not interfere significantly with social or occupational functioning. There may be mild symptoms or a full remission of symptoms.

A veteran may have occasional nightmares or mild anxiety but is otherwise able to function normally in daily life and work.

10% PTSD MST Rating

PTSD MST symptoms cause mild impairment in social or occupational functioning. Symptoms may not always be noticeable or disruptive.

The veteran experiences occasional sleep disturbances, mild anxiety, or mild hypervigilance but can generally maintain relationships and employment.

30% PTSD MST Rating

PTSD MST symptoms cause occasional decreases in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, though generally functioning satisfactorily with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation.

The veteran has occasional panic attacks, chronic sleep impairment, or mild memory loss.

They may struggle with work-related stress or find social interactions somewhat challenging but are generally able to cope.

50% PTSD MST Rating

PTSD MST symptoms cause reduced reliability and productivity due to disturbances such as flattened affect, frequent panic attacks, impaired judgment, difficulty in understanding complex commands, impaired short- and long-term memory, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.

The veteran has frequent panic attacks, experiences mood swings, and has difficulty maintaining work performance or social relationships.

They might struggle with tasks that require concentration and may avoid social interactions.

70% PTSD MST Rating

PTSD MST symptoms cause deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to symptoms like suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals interfering with routine activities, speech intermittently illogical, obscure, or irrelevant, near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively, impaired impulse control, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

The veteran experiences near-continuous panic or depression and has significant difficulty in social and work settings and may exhibit neglect of personal hygiene.

They might also have severe issues with anger management or find it impossible to maintain stable relationships.

The 70% rating is the most common rating among veterans with service-connected PTSD.

100% PTSD MST Rating

PTSD MST symptoms result in total occupational and social impairment, due to symptoms such as gross impairment in thought processes or communication, persistent delusions or hallucinations, grossly inappropriate behavior, persistent danger of hurting self or others, intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living, disorientation to time or place, memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name.

The veteran is unable to work or maintain any social relationships.

They may have severe memory loss, experience hallucinations, or exhibit dangerous behavior.

They might also be disoriented or unable to perform basic daily activities.

Pro Tip: If your PTSD symptoms prevent you from working, you may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which pays at the 100% disability rate even if your PTSD is rated below 100%.

Steps to File a PTSD MST VA Claim

#1. Gather Evidence

Collect medical records, buddy statements, alternative sources of evidence, and personal statements describing the impact of MST on your life.

Medical evidence is mission critical!

#2. Complete VA Form 21-0781

Effective July 2024, there’s a brand-new VA Form 21-0781, statement in support of a claim for mental health conditions due to an in-service traumatic event.

This form is a crucial tool for veterans seeking to support their claims for mental health disorders, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more, due to traumatic events experienced during military service.

Click here to learn how to complete the new VA Form 21-0781.

#3. Submit Your Claim

There are five ways to file a VA disability claim.

Option #1: Online at VA.gov

According to VA disability expert Brian Reese, the best way to file a VA claim is to do a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) online at VA.gov.

By filing online, veterans automatically open an Intent to File, and can maintain visibility and control over the VA claims process from submission to decision.

The online system also allows veterans to upload important evidence, such as their DD 214, medical records, Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), Nexus Letters, and lay evidence in support of their VA disability claim.

Veterans can also use one of these other four options to file a VA claim (if you don’t want to do it yourself online).

Option #2: By Mail

File your claim by mail (paper copy) using an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ).

Print the form, fill it out, and mail it to this address:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444

Option #3: In-Person

Bring your paper copy application to a VA regional office near you.

>> Find a VA regional office closest to you

Option #4: By Fax

If you’re in the U.S., fax your paper VA claim application to 844-531-7818.

If you’re outside the U.S., fax your paper VA claim application to 248-524-4260.

Option #5: VA-Accredited Representative

You can also choose to work with an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney who can help you prepare and file your VA claim as well as represent you before the VA.

>> Find a VA-Accredited Representative

#4. Attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam

At your C&P exam for PTSD, a mental health professional will evaluate your PTSD and determine its connection to MST.

Pro Tip: Be honest, detailed, uncomfortably vulnerable, and focus on the functional impact of PTSD on your daily life. The C&P examiner’s opinion carries significant weight in determining your disability rating.

How Long Does a VA MST Claim Take?

The processing time for VA MST claims varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the evidence provided.

Generally, MST claims take around 120 to 150 calendar days from start to finish.

However, these claims can sometimes take longer due to their sensitive nature and the need for thorough evidence gathering.

The VA’s Continued Commitment to MST Survivors

The VA has improved its MST claims processing significantly:

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, the VA processed a record 57,000 MST-related claims, marking an 18% increase from the previous FY.

The approval rate for MST-related PTSD claims has risen to ~63%, up from ~41% in 2011.

~67% of veterans granted service connection for MST-related PTSD receive a rating of 70% or higher.

Additionally, the VA cannot deny an MST claim solely because there is no report in service records (See AZ & AY v. Shinseki, 731 F.3d 1303 (Fed. Cir. 2013).

Conclusion & Wrap-Up

Applying for VA benefits due to MST-related PTSD can be emotionally challenging, but you deserve compensation for the trauma you endured.

Remember this fellow veterans:

MST is NOT your fault.

You are not alone!

You deserve VA disability benefits because of the trauma you experienced while serving in the military!

VA Claims Insider can help you fight and win your VA claim!

If you need expert help navigating the VA claims process, our team of VA claim coaches is ready to educate and empower you to victory!

✅ If you’re sick and tired of waiting and want expert guidance to get the VA rating and compensation you deserve faster, CALL US RIGHT NOW at 737-295-2226 for a no-obligation VA claim consultation!

PTSD MST Claims: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is personal trauma in the context of VA disability compensation claims?

Personal trauma, as defined by the VA, refers to stressor events that involve harm inflicted by another person who is not part of an enemy force. This includes but is not limited to assault, battery, robbery, mugging, stalking, and harassment. Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is a subset of personal trauma, encompassing sexual harassment, assault, or rape that occurs during military service. While MST itself is not considered a disability, it can lead to conditions such as PTSD, which may qualify for VA disability compensation under 38 CFR 3.304(f)(5).

Evidence plays a critical role in establishing a service connection for PTSD due to personal trauma. Since these incidents are often not reported at the time they occur, the VA allows alternative sources of evidence to corroborate the veteran’s account. The VA must review all available records, including behavioral markers and third-party statements, before making a determination. Additionally, the absence of a documented report in service records cannot be used as evidence that the traumatic event did not occur, per the ruling in AZ and AY v. Shinseki, 731 F.3d 1303 (Fed. Cir. 2013).

3. What are some alternative sources of evidence for in-service personal trauma?

When service records do not document a personal trauma event, the VA accepts alternative sources of evidence to support the claim. These may include:

Reports from rape crisis centers or domestic abuse facilities
Medical records from civilian or military healthcare providers
Counseling records from mental health professionals
Statements from family members, roommates, or fellow service members
Police reports or legal documentation from civilian or military authorities
Chaplain or clergy reports
Personal diaries or journals documenting the event or its aftermath

These sources can help substantiate the occurrence of the trauma when official records are lacking.

4. What is considered a “marker” of personal trauma?

A marker is an indicator of behavioral changes that suggest the occurrence of a traumatic event. These behavioral changes can be seen in a veteran’s personal, social, or professional life. Markers include:

Unexplained changes in work performance
Increased medical visits without a clear diagnosis
Increased use of medications, alcohol, or drugs
Requests for military occupational specialty (MOS) changes
Sudden social withdrawal or relationship breakdowns
Panic attacks, anxiety, or depression without an identifiable cause
Use of pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease (STD) tests around the time of the claimed event

Markers serve as circumstantial evidence that may support the veteran’s claim.

5. How does the VA interpret behavioral changes as markers of personal trauma?

Behavioral changes require clinical interpretation by a qualified medical professional to determine whether they are consistent with a person’s expected response to personal trauma. If the available evidence is insufficient to establish the in-service traumatic event, the VA may request a medical opinion. If the examiner provides a credible, unequivocal, and nonspeculative assessment that the veteran’s behavioral changes are consistent with trauma, that opinion can serve as credible supporting evidence. However, if the opinion is speculative or contradictory, it must be returned for clarification.

6. Can the absence of a documented report in military records disqualify a PTSD claim?

No. The VA cannot deny a PTSD claim solely because there is no official military record of the personal trauma event. The Federal Circuit case AZ and AY v. Shinseki ruled that VA adjudicators may not use the absence of a report as evidence that an event did not happen. Many victims of personal trauma do not report incidents at the time due to fear, stigma, or retaliation. Therefore, alternative sources of evidence and behavioral markers are critical in these cases.

PTSD claims related to MST follow the same evidentiary standards as other personal trauma claims. Veterans do not need a service record of MST to qualify for benefits. Alternative sources of evidence are acceptable, and medical opinions interpreting behavioral changes are often necessary. Additionally, claims involving MST must be handled by specialized MST claims processors who have completed VA-mandated MST training.

8. Can PTSD from MST be service-connected if it occurred during Inactive Duty Training (IADT)?

Yes. The VA recognizes PTSD claims based on MST that occurred during Inactive Duty Training (IADT). The VA General Counsel’s VAOPGCPREC 8-2001 opinion clarified that PTSD resulting from sexual assault during IADT may be considered a disability resulting from an injury. Veterans must provide credible supporting evidence to establish the trauma occurred during their IADT period.

To ensure accurate and sensitive handling of MST-related claims:

Only VA claims processors with specialized MST training can evaluate these claims.
MST-related claims require two signatures from trained personnel until the reviewer demonstrates an accuracy rate of 90% or higher on at least 10 MST cases.
The Personal Trauma Development Checklist and Personal Trauma Incident/Marker Worksheet must be completed and added to the claims folder.

These measures ensure consistency and fairness in MST-related claim decisions.

If a PTSD claim related to personal trauma is denied, the veteran should:

Review the denial letter to understand why the claim was denied.
Gather additional evidence, such as alternative sources or behavioral markers.
Obtain a private independent medical opinion (nexus letter) supporting the link between the trauma and current PTSD diagnosis.
File a Higher Level Review (no new evidence, but you want a second opinion) or Supplemental Claim (you have new and relevant evidence not previously considered).
Consider requesting a Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) hearing for a more detailed review.

11. How does the VA distinguish between PTSD and other mental health conditions resulting from personal trauma?

PTSD is the most commonly associated diagnosis with personal trauma, but it is not the only possible condition. Personal trauma can also lead to:

Depression
Anxiety disorders
Adjustment disorders
Panic disorders
Substance use disorders

Veterans should ensure their claim includes all diagnosed mental health conditions, not just PTSD, to maximize potential benefits.

12. What role does a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam play in a PTSD personal trauma VA claim?

A C&P exam evaluates whether a veteran meets the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and whether the condition is linked to personal trauma in service. The examiner will review:

Behavioral markers
Alternative sources of evidence
Consistency of symptoms with PTSD criteria (DSM-5)

A strong medical nexus opinion connecting PTSD to in-service trauma significantly strengthens the claim.

13. Can statements from family and friends support a PTSD personal trauma claim?

Yes. Lay statements from family members, friends, or fellow service members can help establish behavioral changes and corroborate the veteran’s account. These statements should describe:

The veteran’s behavior before and after the traumatic event
Notable emotional or psychological symptoms
Any signs of distress or difficulty coping

While lay statements are not definitive proof, they contribute valuable supporting evidence.

14. How does the VA determine disability ratings for PTSD from personal trauma?

The VA rates PTSD under 38 CFR 4.130, Diagnostic Code 9411, with disability ratings at:

0% – PTSD is diagnosed but has no significant impairment.
10%–30% – Mild to moderate symptoms impacting work and relationships.
50%–70% – Severe symptoms limiting daily functioning.
100% – Total occupational and social impairment.

Ratings depend on symptom severity, frequency, and impact on your work, life, and social functioning.

Yes. Veterans with PTSD due to personal trauma who cannot maintain substantially gainful employment may qualify for TDIU benefits, even if their rating is below 100%. Strong medical evidence linking PTSD symptoms to occupational impairment is essential.

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About the Author

Brian Reese

Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.

A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.

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