Military Sexual Trauma (MST): ... To win your 100 percent VA disability rating for PTSD, you will need to submit evidence that backs up your VA claims. This article provides advice for veterans filing or appealing an MST-related disability compensation claim, including suggestions on how to best prepare for the PTSD exam (C&P exam). The proof requirements for an MST claim are the same as for all VA mental disorder claims. If you are Homeless, or have serious financial difficulty you must explain this. If you didn’t report the incident, did you tell someone about the event when or after it happened? Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 A diagnosis of PTSD, Anxiety and/or Depression, from your Provider. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. If you are living with the repercussions of this trauma, do not hesitate to file a claim. 2. https://www.hillandponton.com/tips-on-proving-your-mst-claim TO WIN A VA CLAIM FOR MST. For example: If you did have one of these markers, then state specifically. Women are disproportionately likely to have experienced sexual harassment and/or assault during their military service. I say don’t take it personally. Advice on how to file , how to word your claim or appeal, laws and regulations, and how to appeal. Your donation to OARS helps us to continue our work supporting women veterans in their desire to make the transition to civilian life a positive and productive one. Mail Everything in to the VARO RETURN RECEIPT We have groups on yahoo and facebook for survivors of Military Sexual Trauma, both for men, and for women. This trauma, referred to by VA as military sexual trauma (MST), can result in conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as a cascading impact on all aspects of life. Being awarded service-connection for an unreported MST can be difficult, but with the right evidence, it is definitely possible to win your MST claim. For any VA disability compensation … If you do not know who it was, state that.So, “On or about July 12, 1986 (very important here – if the actual date was was July 11th, you could lose your case) I was assaulted by John Doe, a corporal who was assigned to HOC 733rd MI Bn, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii – the same unit I was assigned to… How Can I Prove an MST Claim? Military Sexual Trauma. Re-evaluations for pre-Dec. 2011 MST-related claims. File a fully developed claim to get a faster decision on your VA disability compensation claim. Send in as many lay … Do not be surprised if this has been sanitized from your military records) or Alternative Evidence VA form #21=0781a. While we still have our home base in Florida, The wait is already more than a year, unless you are homeless. - Diagnosis, Nexus and Evidence will win your VA claim. (Bhagwati, Park, Goldberg, Mammel, & Shah, 2013). When you submit an application for disability compensation and one of the disabilities you claim is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you will typically receive a letter from the VA acknowledging receipt of your application and asking you to write a “stressor statement.” A stressor statement is a description of the stressful experiences you had in the military that led … • An MST claims primer, including how to use “markers” to establish that an unreported MST occurred • Advanced advocacy advice, including how to use recent legal developments to win MST claims • Advice for choosing the appeal/review option when the VA denies an MST claim Promote safety of American military troops, and Homeland Security troops (Coast Guard) by educating government officials and representatives on dynamics of Military … Since that time, we have provided compassionate Review the documents and information you'll need before you get started. Someone who knew you before and after service – parents, siblings, childhood friends – can report how you were before service and how your behaviors have changed following service. To be eligible for veteran disability benefits for depression you must show that your condition is connected to your military … The VA defines sexual harassment as repeated and unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a sexual and threatening nature. About MST. Has the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denied your benefits claim based on a diagnosis of sleep apnea? According to the VA, MST includes any sexual activity where a service member is involved against his or her own will. MST can occur irrelevant of location or the identity of the perpetrator involved. Any other documentation (e.g. People come to me and ask all manner of questions about VA things. A diagnosis of PTSD, Anxiety and/or Depression, from your Provider. Because of the severity and complexities involved with MST, the VA addresses them slightly differently than normal claims. We hope this information is helpful. After obtaining an A.S. degree in Paralegal Studies, Katelyn Bourque began working at Hill and Ponton in May 2017 as a Claims Advocate. Will the VA Compensate Veterans for MST (Military Sexual Trauma)? Elements of Your Claim Military sexual trauma [6] (MST) is sexual harassment that is threatening or physical assault of a sexual nature. Instead, I think the VA should establish a presumption that female service members were raped or sexually assaulted in service. The VA does grant them on a regular basis. SECRET #11: If the regional office or the BVA denies your claim, file an appeal. JAG, MP, DAILY ROSTER, ETC.) However, the OIG found that in 28% of the claims that were denied, “evidence was sufficient to request a medical examination and opinion, but staff did not request one.” VA may only deny a MST claim … He or she may have been: Other experiences that fall into the category of MST include: National data revealed that about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 100 men respond “yes,” that they experienced MST when screened by their VA provider. Whether you are looking for answers to starting a new career, finding housing or health care, or if you are needing assistance in recovering from military-induced trauma. This examination is being conducted to assist with determining whether the Veteran experienced an in-service personal assault stressor related to military sexual trauma (MST) that has resulted in a current PTSD diagnosis. 5. The VA will look for these when you file your claim. Copyright 2016 Outreach And Resource Services | All Rights Reserved, Margaret Corbin – Distinguished Woman Veteran, Trauma & Recovery Services for Women Veterans. 1. Well, there's always an answer to any good VA question that might turn a few heads so I'll give you a few… Get Legal Help with VA Benefits for Military Sexual Trauma. For MST-related claims, you can use any of the items listed below to support your disability claim related to MST. Are Disability Benefits Available for Military Sexual Trauma? To win an MST claim you will need the following: Completed VA Form 21-526 Diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety, or depression from your healthcare provider. But if the claim is for psychiatric, then it is more likely to be successful. To win a VA disability claim … Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Military sexual trauma (MST) involves an incident in service in which a servicemember is physically assaulted, or is a victim of battery of a sexual nature, or experiences sexual harassment. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 On Jan. 1, 2017 you hired a lawyer and signed a contract for a 20 percent contingency fee. Are you a victim of Military Sexual Trauma (MST)? Recent statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicate that one in every five…. Filing a VA MST Claim can be difficult but it is possible to be successful. In a previous post on One Sick Vet, the blogger “Die Fledermaus” showed us a good example of how to prepare for a VA disability claim while still on active duty: going to the military healthcare providers and getting … we represent clients nationwide. To win an MST claim you will need the following: … MST may cause disabling conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and sexual arousal disorder. 2. Copy this text: 3. I know: at the moment that doesn’t make you feel any better, but give me a chance to explain. However, the VA has created a complicated system to win a PTSD claim and puts a great deal of pressure on the veteran to prove it. Once you file a … Contact Us. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 A witness to that changed behavior can be key to winning your claim. Remember, Military Sexual Trauma is nothing to be ashamed of. If you’re seeking VA disability compensation for post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you may need to submit a “stressor statement”—a written account of the stressful events you … Filing for you MST claim can help in your healing process. A Nexus, or link to … Military sexual trauma, or MST, is defined by the VA as “psychological trauma, which in the judgment of a VA mental health professional, resulted from a physical assault of a … Without the TDIU form in your file the DRO or rating officer will outright deny your claim, regardless of the evidence in your claims file. OPINION: MST PTSD. Melbourne, FL: 100 Rialto Place, Suite 700 Melbourne, FL 32901 If you are struggling with your claim for MST-related PTSD, call on the experienced attorneys at Bosley & Bratch. It is the VA’s job to get any paperwork and they can get it much more quickly than you can  (the DoD most likely will not give it to you if you request it yourself for privacy reasons). If you did not report the event or tell anyone about the event, do you know anyone that can attest to your changed behavior? While assisting veterans with their VA claims, she simultaneously acquired a Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a focus in Mental Health. Just fill in Description of the Incident as “sexual assault” or “personal assault” by a known person – STATE THEIR NAME, THEIR UNIT INFORMATION and if they were punished and how. Your claim for VA Disability Compensation (“VA benefits”) must identify at least one “disabling condition.” The VA addresses MST differently than other issues because of its severity and complexity. Evidence Filing Your Claim. PTSD is one of the common results of an MST. Military sexual trauma (MST) often causes posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A GAF score (Global Assessment of Functioning) can be assigned by your provider at each appointment you go to. By the way – here’s something you may not know: MST is not the medical condition you will request to get service connected for. Keep in mind that if your current claim involves an ankle or knee problem, then it would be tough to win. If your knee disability claim has been denied, or you disagree with the VA’s rating decision, the team at Hill & Ponton is available to help. Elements of Your Claim. Over the years, as veterans disability lawyers, we have been successful in obtaining service connection for veterans with other-than-honorable discharges. Let’s start with the basics. This is used as “Alternative Evidence” and you need to explain each one of the “markers” they have on Page 3. The VA makes veterans corroborate Military Sexual Trauma (MST) if they claim PTSD related to a sexual assault or rape in service. It is important to file your claim … What does it take to win a VA disability claim for depression? .”. Military Sexual Trauma (MST) happens to service members at alarming rates. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 2. Sometimes claims are appealed and remanded several times, which can cause a claim to drag on for years. To file a disability claim with the Veterans Administration (VA), you will need to submit a special application, VBA-21-0781a, and VA Form 21-526EZ, Veterans Application for Compensation. A copy of anything showing you had problems in the military, such as being AWOL, ARTICLE 15 or a letter from someone who knew you at the time or before and after you served in the military and can attest to the major behavior changes you have shown. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys specialize in social security and veterans disability law, helping former military service members obtain appropriate compensation for their injuries and illnesses. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 You will need to sign a Release of Information for the VA to get these. For example, say you filed a disability claim on Jan. 1, 2016 but were denied. Three … Military Sexual Trauma (“MST”) cases are some of the most difficult, yet rewarding, cases that I work on. You ask for service connection for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to MST (Military … This scenario occurs often in the case of military … Try to keep it simple. Now see if their questions make sense. You do not need to find your Military paperwork (medical records and personnel files). Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave, Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98104. You may have started isolating yourself, becoming more angry or irritable, etc. To win an MST claim you will need the following: Completed VA Form 21-526 [7] Diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety, or depression from your healthcare provider. A Completed VA Form 21-526 … Last year alone, the investigation found the agency wrongly denied as many as 1,300 claims due to insufficient training and oversight. Hello fellow Veterans, DP Veteran Master Coach with Team Champions and today along with fellow Veteran Coach Amy and Jen a licensed trauma therapist and we will be discussing Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and discussing the tolls it takes on veterans and how you can claim a VA disability claim for MST. A diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety and/or depression from your Provider (filing for “MST” will not work). Please feel free to share this information with survivors of MST, providers to veterans and veterans service officers. 1.6K likes. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 Now, you realize you are having hearing issues that may be related to your military service. When you’re preparing to submit your evidence for the claim, you will want to fill out VA Form 21-0781a. In a MST claim, you are going to have to pound the VA – literally overwhelm them – with a variety of lay evidence. Even with the extensive medical research and statistically significant correlations between sleep apnea and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), weight gain, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, it can be difficult to get VA approval for sleep apnea claims. You MUST have all of the above to win a claim if you do not have a police report, hospital report, or other documentation. Social Security Disability Claim Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is a psychological trauma resulting from sexual harassment, assault, or battery. At the present time, Katelyn is attending grad school to obtain a degree in Counseling Psychology. But remember the ultimate goal – to win your VA disability compensation claim. This form is specifically for those who are filling a claim based on … Just fill in Description of the Incident as “sexual assault” or “personal assault” by a known person – STATE THEIR NAME, THEIR UNIT INFORMATION and if they were punished and how. Consider helping three other veterans when you are ready to. Winning any VA disability claim can be a daunting task. Military sexual trauma (MST) is sexual harassment that is threatening or physical assault of a sexual nature.Both men and women serving in the military can suffer … Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. To win an MST claim you will need the following: Completed VA Form 21-526; Diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety, or depression from your healthcare provider. For example: Writing about your horrific rape situation is not required, so if anyone asks, it is likely that they do not know the legal requirements for winning an MST claim. Unfortunately, it is more common than you think. An Introduction to MST. • An event, injury, or illness that happened while you were serving in the military; and • A link between your current disability and the event, injury, or disease that happened during your military service. If you did not have one of these markers, then state it specifically: “I did not use over the counter medications, because I had prescription medications for anxiety.” If you did have one of these markers, then state specifically: “I broke up with my boyfriend of 7 years after the assault.”, 4. We can help you navigate the VA benefits you are entitled to. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices According to the VA rules, you are considered homeless if you do not have a rental agreement, mortgage or lease (if you are couch surfing, you are homeless). Charleston, SC: 4000 S. Faber Place Drive, Suite 300, Charleston, SC, 29405 Some disabilities … Military sexual trauma, or MST, is the term used by the VA to describe experiences of sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that a veteran experienced during his or her military service. Learn how to file a VA disability claim for a service-connected disability. I get a bang out of Vets who ask if they should dress "up" instead of wearing their usual attire. Unfortunately sexual assaults do occur in the military, and unfortunately it’s nothing new. If you do not know who it was, state that. Evidence (a police report, hospital exam, etc. ... Continue Reading Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Center Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 If there is a Veteran problem or a question, please know that it is probably stored on Hadit.com. If you’re interested in contributing at The-Military-Guide.com, please see our posting guidelines.] Social Security Disability Benefits Guide, 5 Important Things to Remember about your Social Security Claim, Individual Unemployability Rating Calculator, The State of Veteran Health Benefits in the US, The Physical and Mental Health of Veterans, Military Sexual Trauma (MST) & Your VA Disability Claim. Do not include another incident unless you are willing to wait for a very long time. So, “On or about  July 12, 1986 (very important here – if the actual date was was July 11th, you could lose your case) I was assaulted by John Doe, a corporal who was assigned to HOC 733rd MI Bn, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii – the same unit I was assigned to.”, NOTE:  If you cannot remember the date, narrow it down to a three month time frame – a season, holiday, or event like the Presidential Elections. In this case, you just have to file a new disability claim with the VA. • An MST claims primer, including how to use “markers” to establish that an unreported MST occurred • Advanced advocacy advice, including how to use recent legal developments to win MST claims • Advice for choosing the appeal/review option when the VA denies an MST claim Leave page two with a line through it, and write “N/A” (Not Applicable). You MUST have all of the above to win a claim IF you do not have a police report, hospital report, or other documentation - so any statement about court martial or punishment will be added insurance for your … Your claim for VA Disability Compensation (“VA benefits”) must identify at least one “disabling condition.” The VA addresses MST differently than other issues because of its severity and complexity. A Nexus which needs to be written by your provider as a letter or (in your medical chart) as a note. Women veterans face a myriad of challenges after completing military service. The Archives are so important to our Veterans as they search to find much needed documents , personal stories that can help win the Veterans VA Claims. If not, say you did not do this. Nexus Letter (see … So any statement about court martial or punishment will be added insurance for your win. Everything should state “I swear this is accurate and true to the best of my ability.”. Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim File a disability claim online, by mail, in person, or with the help of a professional. MST is a qualifying stressor that can establish service connection for a PTSD claim. MST is an experience, not a diagnosis. The Top 5 Ways to Win your TDIU claim are: Make sure you have VA Form 21-8940 (Application for Increase based on Individual Unemployability) submitted. To choose which incident to file for (if there is more than one) pick the one that has been documented in military/medical records, no matter how small. Chicago, IL: 55 E. Monroe Street, Suite 3800, Chicago, IL, 60603 Keep it simple. Upon sufficient proof, an MST claim can be accepted by the VA and disability payments awarded in the same manner as other types of mental disorder claims. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 Information to Win a VA Claim First, there is no grand conspiracy at the VA to deny PTSD claims. They can be a witness to the trauma you experienced and how it has negatively impacted you. Nevertheless, the VA often fails to recognize the signs of Military Sexual Trauma … Military sexual trauma, such as physical assaults, sexual harassment, or sexual coercion can result in long-lasting physical and mental symptoms for years to come. Now, you realize you are having hearing issues that may be related to your military service.
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