Military Sexual Trauma (MST) leaves lasting wounds—physically, mentally, and emotionally. For many Veterans, the trauma doesn’t end with service, but sometimes the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) makes it difficult to secure benefits tied to MST. We understand how overwhelming and frustrating the claims process can be, especially when your service-connected injuries are not visible.
At our firm in Parkersburg, we’ve worked with countless Veterans dealing with the long-term impact of military sexual trauma. We know what it takes to build a strong case and secure the compensation you deserve, so reach out to our Veterans disability claims lawyers as soon as possible.
Military sexual trauma consists of sexual harassment or sexual assault that occurred during military service. This can include unwanted sexual advances, pressure for sexual favors, or any non-consensual sexual contact. MST can happen on or off base, to anyone—regardless of gender or rank—and often goes unreported at the time due to fear of retaliation, stigma, or a lack of trust in leadership.
The lasting effects of MST are often psychological. Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety stemming from the incident can follow a Veteran for years after discharge. These are real, disabling conditions that can qualify as service-connected injuries.
The VA does not recognize Military Sexual Trauma itself as a disability. Instead, they award benefits for mental or physical conditions resulting from MST—such as PTSD, chronic anxiety, or depression. To be approved, a Veteran must establish a clear “nexus” between the trauma and the current disability.
The challenge is that these events often weren’t reported when they happened, and there may be no official record. Many Veterans believe they have no proof, which leads to a denial. However, documentation isn’t the only form of evidence the VA will accept.
Even without official documentation, your claim can still succeed. A powerful form of evidence is a Lay Statement. This is a written statement from someone who knew you before, during, or after your service. He or she can describe changes in your behavior, emotional state, or social patterns that support your account. Other forms of evidence might include:
An experienced VA-accredited attorney can help you gather this evidence and connect the dots for the VA.
If your military sexual trauma claim in Parkersburg has already been denied, you’re not out of options. You can pursue one of three appeal lanes:
Each route has its own timeline and requirements. We’ll help you choose the best path based on your situation.
Our firm is proud to be the largest Veterans law firm in the country. We have deep experience handling military sexual trauma claims, and we understand the sensitivity these cases require. You won’t be judged, rushed, or dismissed here.
Having a skilled advocate on your side matters. Whether you’re filing for the first time or appealing a denial, we can guide you through every step. If you are a Veteran looking to file military sexual trauma claims in Parkersburg, contact us today. You don’t have to do this alone: let us help you get the benefits you deserve for your service-connected injuries.
