Free Veteran Resource
MST Claims — You're Not Alone, and You Have Rights
Many veterans who experienced Military Sexual Trauma during service never reported it at the time. The VA's special MST claim rules exist exactly for that reason — you don't have to prove what happened to qualify. This page explains your rights, the evidence VA accepts, and how to connect with free help when you're ready.
What VA Says About MST
- VA defines MST as sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurred during military service
- MST affects veterans of all genders and all service eras — from Vietnam through today
- VA has special rules for MST claims under 38 CFR § 3.304(f)(5) — separate from standard PTSD rules
- Service connection can be established through "markers" — circumstantial evidence — when the assault wasn't reported at the time
- You do not have to share details you're not ready to share
What VA Looks for as Evidence
VA understands that MST is rarely reported at the time it occurs. Instead of requiring direct evidence, VA looks for "markers" in your records that are consistent with trauma. These are informational — not a checklist for you to score yourself against.
- Sudden requests for transfer or early discharge around a specific timeframe
- Changes in performance evaluations after a certain point in service
- Mental or physical health visits with unexplained or vague symptoms
- Pregnancy or STD testing documented in service treatment records
- Statements made at the time to friends, family, chaplains, or crisis lines
- Substance use or behavioral changes documented in service
- Personal letters, journals, or social media from that period
- Witness statements from people you served with
- Current mental health symptoms (PTSD, depression, anxiety) consistent with the trauma
You don't need all of these. Even one or two markers, combined with current symptoms, can support a VA claim under MST rules.
What VA Cannot Do
- Deny your claim solely because you didn't report the assault at the time
- Require a criminal conviction or military police report
- Ignore circumstantial markers — VA must consider them as evidence
- Overlook the benefit-of-the-doubt standard required by 38 USC § 5107(b)
- If your claim was previously denied, you may file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence — VA Form 20-0995. Prior denials are not final.
Steps That Help (When You're Ready)
There is no deadline on healing. These steps are here when you feel ready — not before.
- Get a copy of your military records (DD-214, OMPF, Service Treatment Records) — via vetrecs.archives.gov or Form SF-180
- Write down what you can remember, on your own timeline — no rush, no pressure
- Consider an MST-experienced therapist or accredited claims agent for support
- File VA Form 21-0781a — Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for PTSD Secondary to Personal Assault
- Consider an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) from an MST-experienced provider — these are often the strongest evidence in MST claims
- If you've been denied, an attorney review costs you nothing — VA-accredited attorneys take MST claims on contingency
When You're Ready, We'll Connect You to Free Help
Fill out this form when you decide. No pressure, no follow-up unless you check the boxes below. Your information stays private and is never sold.
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Thank you for reaching out.
- If you asked for attorney help: a VA-accredited attorney from our network will reach out within 7 days (free, no obligation)
- If you asked for IMO help: we'll send you info on getting a nexus letter from an MST-experienced provider
- If you just wanted resources: you'll get a single email, no other follow-up
Take your time. Be gentle with yourself.