MST and VA Benefits: What You Are Entitled To

If you experienced military sexual trauma (MST) during your service, you have specific rights to VA health care and benefits. The VA makes these services available without requiring you to prove the incident occurred or to provide documentation of a report at the time.

This article explains in plain English what VA benefits are available for MST-related conditions and the simple steps to access them.

VA health care for MST-related conditions You can receive free VA health care for any physical or mental health condition connected to MST. This includes counseling, therapy, medication, inpatient care, and other treatments. No proof of the MST is required. The VA uses a “markers” system in your records to note the MST-related care so that appropriate services are provided.

You do not need to describe what happened to receive care. What happened was not your fault. Help is available now.

Disability compensation for MST-related conditions If you have a diagnosed condition linked to MST, you can file a claim for VA disability compensation. The VA will evaluate the claim based on your current symptoms and how they affect your life. Many veterans receive service connection for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, or physical injuries related to the experience.

Other supports available

• An MST Coordinator at every VA medical center who can help you navigate services. Contact can be made within seven days of request in most cases.
• Special consideration for veterans with other-than-honorable discharges who experienced MST (you may still qualify for health care and benefits).
• Access to the full range of VA mental health and readjustment services.

How to get started

1. Contact your local VA medical center and ask for the MST Coordinator.
2. Schedule an appointment for care. You can simply say you are seeking services related to MST.
3. File a claim for disability compensation if you have a diagnosed condition.
4. A Veterans Service Officer can assist you at no cost. All steps can be completed without describing the details of what happened.

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Ready to take action?

MST Resources and Benefits Guide can help you analyze your situation and generate ready-to-send letters in minutes.

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Bill Advantage is a document literacy tool. Nothing in this article constitutes legal or medical advice.