October 1, 2026, 2:00-3:30 PM ET: Overcoming Common Obstacles in MST Claims

Sadly, many service members experience sexual assault and harassment while serving our country. These appalling acts aren’t just traumatic when they occur, but often have long-lasting effects on the survivor. Military sexual trauma (MST) may cause mental disabilities, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as physical disabilities.

In fiscal year 2024, veterans filed over 57,000 claims for VA benefits for disabilities associated with MST—an 18% increase from the previous year. Unfortunately, because most instances of MST go unreported, veterans frequently have difficultly proving their claims. It is therefore important for veterans advocates to know the evidentiary and development rules that apply to claims for VA benefits for disabilities associated with MST. It is also critical that veterans advocates understand the special level of care that should be used when working with survivors of MST in order to effectively represent them.

In this webinar, we will cover the following and more:

• The various acts that are considered MST
• How to obtain service connection for disabilities associated with MST, including the different rules for PSTD claims and non-PTSD claims
• Non-traditional sources of evidence of MST and MST markers
• How to obtain an adequate supporting medical opinion for claims involving MST
• Tips for effectively working with survivors of MST