Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Guide

Treatment, Claims & Your Rights

💜 Every veteran who experienced MST is eligible for FREE VA treatment — regardless of discharge status, service connection, or whether you reported the incident. You are believed.
Section 1

📋 What Is MST?

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service. The VA uses this term specifically for experiences that occurred during service.

🏥 Free treatment for MST-related conditions at any VA
📋 No service connection required for treatment
🔓 Any discharge status qualifies for MST treatment
Section 2

🏥 Free MST Treatment

The VA provides comprehensive mental and physical health treatment related to MST at no cost to the veteran.

Treatment Available

  • Individual and group therapy
  • PTSD treatment (CPT, PE, EMDR)
  • Medication management
  • Substance use disorder treatment
  • Inpatient PTSD programs
  • Sexual health services

No Barriers to Care

  • No VA disability claim required
  • No need to have reported the incident
  • No documentation or proof required
  • Male and female veterans both eligible
  • Can request a same-gender provider

Learn more at our VA Healthcare Guide.

Section 3

⚖️ Special Evidence Rules for MST Claims

The VA recognizes that MST is often unreported. Special evidence rules apply — you do NOT need a police report, military investigation, or any official record of the incident.

📝 Marker evidence — behavioral changes that indicate the trauma occurred
📉 Performance changes — drop in evaluations, disciplinary issues after the incident
💊 Substance use changes — increased alcohol/drug use after the incident
📋 Transfer requests — requesting reassignment after the incident
🏥 Medical visits — unexplained visits to sick call, STI testing, pregnancy testing
👥 Buddy statements — others who witnessed behavioral changes
Section 4

📂 Alternative Evidence Sources

Military Records

  • Performance evaluations (before and after)
  • Reassignment records
  • Disciplinary actions
  • Leave records (unexpected absences)
  • Chaplain or counseling records

Personal Evidence

  • Personal journal or diary entries
  • Letters to family/friends from that time
  • Statements from spouse or family about changes
  • Civilian therapist records
  • Personal statement describing the event
Section 5

📝 How to File an MST Claim

1
Get treatment first. Establishing a current diagnosis (PTSD, depression, anxiety) is critical for your claim.
2
Write a personal statement describing what happened and how it has affected your life. See our Personal Statement Guide.
3
Gather marker evidence — performance records, buddy statements, medical records showing behavioral changes.
4
File VA Form 21-526EZ claiming PTSD (or other conditions) due to MST.
5
Attend the C&P exam. You can request a same-gender examiner. The exam focuses on your current symptoms and their connection to the MST.
MST Coordinators: Every VA medical center has an MST Coordinator who can help connect you with services. Call the VA's MST hotline: 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636) — available to all genders.
Section 6

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

A: No. For treatment, you simply tell the VA you experienced MST. No documentation, police report, or evidence is required. Treatment is free regardless.

A: Absolutely. MST affects veterans of all genders. Male veterans are eligible for the same treatment and disability benefits. Approximately 1 in 100 male veterans report MST to the VA.

A: Yes. The VA understands that most MST goes unreported. That's why special evidence rules exist — marker evidence, behavioral changes, and buddy statements can support your claim without an official report.

A: PTSD is the most common, but you can also claim depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance use disorder, and other mental and physical health conditions caused or worsened by MST.

A: Yes. You have the right to request a same-gender examiner for your C&P exam. Make this request when scheduling the exam or note it on your claim form.