MST VA Rating for PTSD Caused by Military Sexual Trauma

Military sexual trauma (MST) can have lasting effects that reach far beyond the moment it occurred. 

For many, the impact appears later as PTSD, anxiety, depression, or changes in daily life. These can make work, relationships, and routines more difficult. 

This post explains how the VA rates MST, defines military sexual trauma, how MST-related PTSD claims are evaluated, and what to expect during the VA disability process. 

If you’re navigating this process, you aren’t alone. Many others have been in your position and understanding what to expect can make the path forward feel more manageable. 

Key Takeaways

• Military sexual trauma is an experience, not a diagnosis or a mental health condition. 

• The VA evaluates the conditions that result from MST rather than the experience itself. 

• A compensation and pension exam, when required, is a VA-ordered evaluation used to determine whether MST-related conditions are service-connected and how they affect your daily life, work, and relationships. 

• As an MST survivor, you may qualify for MST-related care even if you aren’t eligible for other VA services. 

Military Sexual Trauma Definition

The MST definition used by the VA describes it as a form of personal trauma that includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, or rape during military service. 

While MST can lead to lasting physical or mental health conditions, it’s considered an experience rather than a medical diagnosis on its own. 

It can affect service members of any sex or background, and the person responsible may or may not be connected to the military. 

Although PTSD is commonly associated with MST and may be service-connected under 38 CFR § 3.304(f)(5), other mental health conditions can also result from MST. 

Examples of MST include, but aren’t limited to: 

• Being pressured into sexual activities with threats if you refuse, or with promises of better treatment in exchange for sex. 

• Sexual contact or activities without your consent, including when you were asleep or intoxicated. 

• Being overpowered or physically forced to have sex. 

• Being touched or grabbed in a sexual way that made you uncomfortable, including during hazing experiences. 

• Comments about your body or sexual activities that you found threatening. 

• Unwanted sexual advances that you found threatening. 

Can You Get VA Disability for MST?

Yes. While there is no standalone MST VA rating, the VA compensates for the physical or mental health conditions caused by MST. 

PTSD is the most common MST-related condition and is rated under the VA’s General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. 

Your PTSD MST VA rating is based on symptom severity and how your condition affects your work, relationships, and daily functioning. 

>>View Our Main Guide on PTSD VA Rating Criteria 

How the VA Reviews MST Claims

The VA handles MST-related claims differently from most other claims and assigns them to specially trained reviewers to reduce errors.  

These claims may require extra review steps, and MST can be recognized whether it happened during active duty, training, or inactive duty training. 

For PTSD claims tied to MST, the VA allows alternative evidence and behavioral markers to be used.  

For non-PTSD conditions, the VA follows standard service-connection rules while still recognizing MST as the in-service event. 

Establishing Service Connection for an MST VA Rating

To be eligible for an MST VA rating, you must provide the following: 

• A current medical diagnosis (such as PTSD or another condition) 

• Evidence of an in-service event, injury, or illness 

• A medical nexus linking your current diagnosis to the in-service event 

A nexus letter from a licensed medical provider, particularly one experienced with VA disability standards, can clearly link your current diagnosis to your MST experience.  

To meet VA requirements, the opinion should state that your condition is “at least as likely as not” caused or aggravated by events during your military service. 

How to File PTSD for Sexual Trauma Claims

You can file a VA claim online, by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional. 

You can also reach out to a Veterans Benefits Administration MST outreach coordinator at your local VA regional office.  

Note: You can contact an MST outreach coordinator at your local VA regional office and request a male or female coordinator, when available. 

How the VA Evaluates Evidence in an MST Claim

If your service records lack MST documentation, you can use alternative evidence. 

This recognizes the reality that many survivors didn’t report the trauma at the time it occurred. 

Alternative evidence may come from sources outside military records, including rape crisis centers, counseling or health clinics, civilian police or medical reports, chaplains or clergy, fellow service members, family members, roommates, or even personal journals or diaries. 

The VA can’t deny an MST claim just because there is no official report or service record of the assault. 

In addition, courts have made it clear that missing documentation doesn’t mean the trauma didn’t happen. 

The Importance of “Markers” in MST Claims

When neither service records nor alternative evidence clearly establish that the trauma occurred, the VA looks for behavioral changes, often referred to as “markers.” 

Markers are indirect signs that a traumatic event may have taken place, even if the event itself is not documented. 

Examples of markers include, but aren’t limited to: 

• Sudden changes in work performance 

• Substance use 

• Unexplained anxiety or depression 

• Requests for duty reassignment 

• Increased medical visits without clear diagnoses 

• Relationship problems 

• Changes in medication use 

These behavioral shifts may occur during service or even years after separation if they connect back to the in-service trauma. 

The Role of Medical Opinions

If there are signs of trauma but not enough proof by themselves, the VA may ask a medical professional to review the evidence and explain whether the behavior changes match what is typically seen after personal trauma. 

A clear medical opinion stating that the evidence fits the claimed trauma can be used to establish service connection.  

While it isn’t the only factor the VA considers, medical opinions often play a significant role in MST-related PTSD claims. 

PTSD MST C&P Exam

The VA may contact you to schedule your MST-related PTSD compensation and pension (C&P) exam, and it’s important that you attend.  

While this can be a difficult step, missing the exam may result in your claim being denied. 

At the start of the exam, the examiner will confirm which conditions are being evaluated. You’ll be asked to discuss how the traumatic event affected you and how it continues to impact your daily life. 

While talking about military sexual trauma can be difficult, the C&P exam is a critical step in determining service connection and your VA disability rating.  

It’s best to be honest, explain your symptoms clearly, and describe any changes in your work, relationships, or ability to function since the trauma. 

Bringing brief notes can keep the discussion focused and ensure all relevant details are addressed. 

>> Learn More: How Much Does a C&P Exam Have? 

VA MST Screening Questions

The following MST screening questions will likely be part of your confidential VA MST screening. 

While you were in the military:  

1. Did you receive uninvited and unwanted sexual attention, such as touching, cornering, pressure for sexual favors, or verbal remarks? 

2. Did someone ever use force or threat of force to have sexual contact with you against your will? 

Note: A “yes” or otherwise affirmative response to either screening question is considered a positive MST screen, but it doesn’t indicate a current diagnosis, distress, or a need for treatment.  

VA health care providers are encouraged to ask every veteran about MST, because individuals may not disclose these experiences unless asked directly. 

>> View Our Main Guide for VA MST Screening Questions 

Benefits and Services for MST Survivors

The VA is committed to ensuring MST survivors can access care, with MST Coordinators available at every VA healthcare system to connect veterans to appropriate services.  

MST-related physical and mental health care is available at no cost, doesn’t require a disability rating or prior reporting, and is offered through: 

• VA medical centers 

• Vet Centers 

• Specialized inpatient or residential programs  

Benefits and services are designed to meet veterans at various stages of recovery. 

How Telemedica Supports with MST Claims

When you’re ready to explore medical documentation for an MST-related condition, Telemedica is available as a clinical resource focused on VA disability evaluations. 

You can schedule a 20-minute consultation to get answers for your service-connected disability and start on your path to well-being.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MST PSTD VA rating?

An MST PTSD VA rating reflects the severity of PTSD caused by military sexual trauma and determines the level of VA disability compensation based on the severity of symptoms and the occupational and social impairment they cause. VA ratings for PTSD range from 0% to 100%, with breaks at 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70%. 

What is the average disability rating for MST?

The average disability rating for MST is 70%. 

How common is military sexual trauma (MST)?

VA screening data show that about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men report experiencing military sexual trauma. 

Do men file MST-related VA claims?

Yes. MST claims are not gender-specific, and the VA recognizes that MST affects service members of all genders. 

Can I receive VA care for MST without filing a claim?

Yes. The VA offers MST related healthcare even if you don’t file a disability claim or qualify for other VA benefits. 

Can I file an MST claim years after leaving the military?

Yes. There is no time limit for filing an MST-related VA disability claim. 

Do I need a nexus letter for an MST claim?

No, a nexus letter isn’t required for every MST-related claim. However, if service records or alternative evidence don’t clearly link your condition to military service, a medical nexus opinion may strengthen your claim. 

Why are MST claims denied?

MST claims are often denied due to missing documentation, missed C&P exams, or a lack of a clear medical nexus linking the condition to service.  

In many cases, the VA has acknowledged that claims were denied because alternative evidence, known as “markers,” such as behavioral changes or lay statements, was overlooked. 

Learn How to File a VA Appeal