Military Sexual Trauma: PSTD, Sexual Dysfunction, and more | Lawyer

The VA reports that 1 out of 5 five female veterans and 1 out of every 100 male veterans respond affirmatively when asked if they were subjected to MST. The damage left by MST can range from physical injuries, such as sexual dysfunction, to mental trauma, such as PTSD. Disability compensation appeals involving MST can be difficult to prove because MST more often than not goes unreported.

PTSD RESULTING FROM MST OR OTHER PERSONAL ASSAULT

Recognizing that sexual and personal assaults usually go unreported, the VA now permits alternative evidence to prove a PTSD stressor based on a sexual or personal assault. Examples of such evidence includes, but is not limited to:

• Police records, rape crisis centers records, mental health counseling centers records
• Statements from family members, roommates, fellow service members, or clergy
• Rrequest for assignment transfer
• Deterioration in work performance
• Substance abuse
• Diagnosis of a mental disorder without an identifiable cause
• Unexplained economic or social behavior changes

HOW I CAN HELP

Claims involving MST or personal assault add a layer of difficulty to the process. The veteran is forced to discuss and relive the traumatic experience over and over, so I focus on getting your claim granted as quickly as possible with minimal effort on your part.

MY FEE

I work on a contingency fee basis which means you pay no up-front fees for my representation. You only pay my fee if I successfully resolve your appeal. My fee is a reasonable percentage of your backpay award, and does not impact your future benefits.

In addition, I advance all costs of your appeal including the cost of obtaining independent medical examinations (when appropriate). You are only responsible for repayment of expenses upon successful resolution of your appeal, or if you terminate my representation before final conclusion of your appeal.

WHY ME

I handle every aspect of your case from initial intake to resolution, and as a disabled veteran myself, I understand what you are going through. I don’t use support staff, so you are always dealing with me and I pride myself on responding to my clients in a timely manner.

Our Firm’s Military Experience & Education

Each team member at After Service LLC has a personal connection to the military. Two of our attorneys have served in the armed forces, bringing firsthand experience and understanding to the challenges faced by service members and their families. Our lead attorney, Gregory M. Rada, received his A.A.S. degree in Aviation Operations at the Community College of the Air Force. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in information technology while serving in the Air Force. With our collective military background, we are truly a firm of veterans, for veterans.

FAQs on How a Lawyer Can Help with Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Cases

Your military sexual trauma (MST) lawyer knows that military sexual trauma is a grave issue affecting veterans and active-duty service members. Victims of MST often face emotional, physical, and psychological challenges. Legal representation can be crucial for those seeking justice and compensation. For help, reach out to Greg at Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law when you need a case evaluation.

What is Military Sexual Trauma (MST)?

MST refers to sexual harassment or assault experienced by military service members during their time in the armed forces. It can occur both in the United States and overseas. MST can have severe and lasting effects on the victim’s mental and emotional well-being.

How can a lawyer assist with MST cases?

Lawyers specializing in MST cases can provide several essential services:

• Legal Guidance: They can educate survivors on their rights and options, ensuring they understand the legal process and potential outcomes.
• Evidence Gathering: Lawyers can help collect evidence, such as medical records, counseling reports, and witness statements, to support the survivor’s case.
• Filing VA Claims: MST survivors can file claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for disability compensation and healthcare related to MST. A lawyer can assist with the application process.
• Appeals: If a survivor’s claim is denied, attorneys can assist with the appeals process, including gathering additional evidence and representing the survivor’s case before the VA.

Can a lawyer help MST survivors obtain VA benefits?

Yes, lawyers can play a vital role in helping MST survivors secure VA benefits. The VA recognizes MST as a valid basis for service-connected disability compensation. Lawyers can assist survivors in documenting their MST-related disabilities, which may include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

What if the MST survivor wants to pursue a legal case against the perpetrator?

Pursuing legal action against the perpetrator of MST within the military justice system can be challenging. Lawyers experienced in MST cases can help survivors explore their options. A military sexual trauma (MST) lawyer can provide guidance on reporting the incident through the military’s chain of command and navigating the court-martial process.

Survivors may also choose to pursue civil legal action outside the military justice system. In such cases, lawyers can help with filing lawsuits against the perpetrator in civil court.

How can a lawyer support MST survivors emotionally and legally?

Lawyers handling MST cases understand the unique emotional challenges survivors face. They can provide emotional support by creating a safe and empathetic environment, actively listening to survivors’ stories, and offering guidance on accessing mental health services.

Legally, attorneys can ensure that survivors receive fair compensation and support from the VA or, if applicable, through legal action against the perpetrator. They can also help protect survivors from retaliation and ensure their rights are upheld throughout the legal process.

Find Legal Help Now

Lawyers play a crucial role in assisting MST survivors in seeking justice, compensation, and emotional support. They can guide survivors through the complex legal processes involved in filing VA claims, pursuing legal action against perpetrators, and appealing denied claims. MST survivors should consider seeking legal representation from a military sexual trauma (MST) lawyer to ensure their rights are protected and their voices are heard, so you should reach out to Greg at Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law for help.

Common Causes of Military Sexual Trauma

Military sexual trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault or repeated sexual harassment experienced during military service. At Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law, we are committed to representing veterans nationwide and helping those affected by MST obtain the disability benefits they deserve. With proven results, direct communication, and a no fees unless you win policy, we provide personalized support through every step of the VA disability claims process.

Below are some common causes of military sexual trauma and how they may affect your disability claim:

Power Imbalance And Hierarchical Structure

The military’s strict chain of command creates a power dynamic where victims may feel powerless to report abuse by higher-ranking personnel. This imbalance often leads to underreporting or delayed reporting, which can complicate VA claims. When claims involve MST, having evidence of official reports or medical documentation can be challenging, but our firm assists veterans in gathering alternative supporting evidence to establish service connection despite these barriers.

Close Living And Working Quarters

Service members frequently share barracks, ships, or confined deployment spaces where privacy is limited. This environment increases the risk of unwanted contact or harassment and can contribute to ongoing trauma. For VA claims, veterans need to demonstrate how these conditions directly relate to their military sexual trauma and resulting disabilities. We help clients document their experiences and symptoms, strengthening claims by connecting their service environment to their current disabilities.

Inadequate Reporting Systems

Many victims face obstacles such as fear of retaliation, lack of confidentiality, or mistrust in military reporting channels. Because of these factors, MST claims often lack formal reports filed during service. This absence can pose challenges during VA claims, where proof of in-service occurrence is vital. Our VA-accredited lawyer assists veterans in compiling alternative evidence such as buddy statements, medical records, and psychological evaluations to build a strong claim even when formal reports are missing.

Cultural Attitudes And Stigma

Military culture often emphasizes resilience, which can lead victims to fear being perceived as weak or unreliable. This stigma can delay treatment or discourage veterans from seeking help, complicating the establishment of a direct connection between MST and current disabilities. Our legal team guides veterans through the claims process, so that their medical and mental health conditions related to MST are properly documented and presented to the VA without bias.

Deployment Stress And Mental Health Struggles

The high-stress environment of deployments and combat zones can increase vulnerability to MST. Moreover, preexisting or resulting mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety may worsen the effects of MST. When filing a disability claim, it is imperative to show how MST contributed to these mental health conditions. We work closely with medical professionals to gather comprehensive psychological evaluations and expert opinions to support these claims.

Lack Of Training And Awareness

Inadequate training on sexual harassment prevention and insufficient response protocols may allow MST incidents to persist. For veterans filing claims, showing that MST was part of a broader systemic failure can sometimes strengthen the argument for service connection. We help veterans articulate these contexts clearly in their claims and appeals to enhance their likelihood of approval.

Seeking Compensation For Military Sexual Trauma

Military sexual trauma is a deeply personal and complicated issue requiring compassionate and knowledgeable assistance. At Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law, we are committed to upholding the rights of veterans. If you or a loved one has experienced MST, contact us for a free consultation. Let us help you pursue the VA disability benefits and justice you deserve.