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.