Veteran Q&A

How do I file an MST (Military Sexual Trauma) claim?

File VA Form 21-0781a (PTSD secondary to personal assault) along with VA Form 21-526EZ. VA uses "markers" as evidence in lieu of formal incident reports.

MST claims use VA Form 21-0781a — a special variant of the PTSD stressor form designed for sexual-assault cases. VA recognizes that MST is often unreported at the time, so it accepts "markers" — medical-record changes, pregnancy tests, transfer requests, behavioral changes — as evidence in lieu of formal incident reports. Vet Centers offer free MST-related counseling regardless of discharge status.

Detail

In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net.

Related pages

VA Form 21-0781a — MST stressor formVA Form 21-526EZ — disability claimMST — full glossary entryFind a Vet Center (free MST counseling)Crisis support — RAINN, Veterans Crisis Line

Other veteran questions

How do I file a VA disability claim?File VA Form 21-526EZ — Application for Disability Compensation.How long does a VA disability claim take?4-6 months on average for an initial decision; longer for complex or appealed claims.What is a DD-214?A DD-214 is the federal Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty issued to every U.S. servicemember leaving active service.What is TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?TDIU is a VA designation that pays at the 100% disability rate when service-connected disabilities prevent you from holding "substantially gainful employment," even if your combined rating is below 100%.Are VA disability payments taxed?No. VA disability compensation is fully tax-free under federal law (38 USC §5301).Is asthma a PACT Act presumptive condition?Yes. Asthma diagnosed after service is a PACT Act burn-pit presumptive for post-9/11 veterans who served in qualifying locations.

About these answers

These plain-English answers are maintained by Wounded Warriors / Warriors Fund (Texas 501(c)(3), EIN 86-1336741). We cite VA's official sources where applicable. Always verify the most current rules at va.gov. Free, machine-queryable under CC-BY 4.0.