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Military Sexual Trauma
Veteran’s guide to VA disability compensation, presumptive eligibility, filing the claim, and finding help.
At-a-glance
Presumptive status:
Presumptive when claimed as PTSD or depressive/anxiety disorder — separate evidentiary rules (lower bar than combat PTSD).
Presumptive when claimed as PTSD or depressive/anxiety disorder — separate evidentiary rules (lower bar than combat PTSD).
Rating tiers:
Rated per the underlying condition (PTSD, depression, anxiety) — 0/10/30/50/70/100%.
Rated per the underlying condition (PTSD, depression, anxiety) — 0/10/30/50/70/100%.
Step-by-step guide
How to access free MST counseling — no docs, no enrollment, OTH-welcome
Read the full guide →How common is MST among veterans?
Approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 100 men report MST during military service. Actual prevalence is almost certainly higher.
What every veteran should know
- MST care at VA is free regardless of discharge status or enrollment — no copay, no eligibility questions.
- Every VA Medical Center has an MST Coordinator. Asking for them protects confidentiality.
- MST claims use an evidentiary standard that permits "markers" (personnel file changes, behavioral shifts, unit transfers) as corroboration.
- You can request a gender-matched VA clinician for MST care.
- Eligibility for MST care does NOT require filing a claim. Care first; claim later if you choose.
What to do next
Check PACT Act eligibility →
Our free matcher checks your service era against 60+ presumptive conditions.
Find a County VSO (free claims help) →
County or state service officers file claims for you at no charge.
Find MST-specific resources →
MST Coordinators at every VA Medical Center — free, confidential, gender-matched clinicians available.
Download VA Form 21-0781a (MST-specific statement in support of claim) →
Official VA form for MST claims. File directly or work through a CVSO.
Other veteran-condition guides
Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderTraumatic Brain InjuryBurn Pit and Airborne Hazards ExposureAgent Orange Herbicide ExposureGulf War Illness (Chronic Multisymptom Illness)Sleep Apnea — VA Disability Rating GuideTinnitus — VA Disability Rating GuideHearing Loss — VA Disability Rating GuideCamp Lejeune Water Contamination — Veterans and FamiliesDepression — VA Disability Rating GuideAnxiety — VA Disability Rating Guide
Informational only — not legal, medical, or clinical advice. Maintained by Wounded Warriors , a Texas 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 86-1336741. Verify our credentials or support our mission.