MST VA rating and how VA looks at military sexual trauma claims
If you experienced military sexual trauma, you are not alone, and you have options for care and for compensation. An MST VA rating is not a rating for the experience itself. MST is something that happened to you, and VA rates the conditions that came from it, such as PTSD, depression or anxiety. This guide explains how VA looks at these claims, why the evidence rules are different, and where you can get support at your own pace.
Important note
This guide is general information about 38 CFR 3.304(f)(5) and 38 CFR 4.130 and is not medical or legal advice. MilitaryMedicine is an independent service and is not affiliated with the VA or the Department of Defense. If you are in crisis or need to talk now, call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
What military sexual trauma means for VA
VA uses the term military sexual trauma for sexual assault or sexual harassment that happened during military service. It does not matter where it happened, who was involved, or whether you reported it at the time. Many survivors never told anyone in service, and VA knows that. You do not need a police report or a unit report to file a claim.
VA rates the condition, not the experience
VA compensation is paid for disabilities. When you file a claim related to MST, you claim the condition you live with today, for example PTSD, major depressive disorder, an anxiety disorder or a physical condition. Mental health conditions are rated with the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders in 38 CFR 4.130, at 0, 10, 30, 50, 70 or 100 percent. The rating depends on how much your symptoms affect your work and your social life. Our va rating for ptsd guide explains each level.
- A current diagnosis from a qualified provider
- Evidence that the MST happened in service
- A medical link between the MST and your condition
The special evidence rule for MST
Because assaults are often not reported, VA has a special rule for PTSD claims based on personal assault in 38 CFR 3.304(f)(5). Evidence from sources other than your service records can help show that the event happened. VA calls these markers. A marker is a sign, close in time to the event, that something changed.
- Requests for a transfer to another unit or duty assignment
- A drop in work performance or new disciplinary problems
- Changes in behavior, such as new substance use, withdrawal or anger
- Visits to a medical clinic, a chaplain or counseling without a clear reason
- Pregnancy tests, tests for sexually transmitted infections or emergency care
- Statements from family members, friends, roommates, clergy or fellow service members
- Letters, journals or diaries from that time
VA must tell you about this kind of evidence and give you a chance to send it before it denies an MST related PTSD claim. VA can also ask a medical examiner whether the markers point to an assault.
How to request your records
Your service personnel records and service treatment records can show markers such as transfers, performance reviews or clinic visits. You can request your military records through the public records request process on VA.gov and the National Archives. If you file a claim, VA also requests records it knows about. Gathering your own copies helps you see what is there and what is missing.
- Service treatment records from your time in service
- Personnel records with evaluations, transfers and discipline
- Records from civilian doctors, counselors or clinics after service
- Any reports you made, even informal ones
Care at VA, at no cost
Every VA medical center has an MST coordinator who can help you find care and services. MST related care for mental and physical health conditions is available at no cost, and you do not need a disability rating or a service connection to receive it. You also do not need to have reported the MST at the time. Many Vet Centers offer counseling as well. For current details and eligibility, check VA.gov or call your local VA medical center.
The C&P exam for an MST claim
VA usually schedules a compensation and pension exam. For PTSD, the examiner uses the PTSD Disability Benefits Questionnaire and asks about your symptoms and how they affect your life. You can ask for an examiner of a specific gender, and you can bring notes. It is fine to take a break. Our va c&p exam guide explains what to expect.
How your rating fits into your combined rating
If you have more than one service-connected condition, VA combines the ratings with the whole person method in 38 CFR 4.25 instead of adding them. Our va math guide shows each step, and the va combined rating calculator does it for you.
Getting help with an MST claim
You do not have to go through this alone. Accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) help with claims at no cost. Accredited attorneys and claims agents generally may not charge you before VA issues an initial decision on a claim (38 CFR 14.636). An accredited va claims agent or attorney can help gather markers and request records, at a pace that feels right for you.