PTSD due to Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is one of the most significant causes of PTSD among Veterans.
While many associate PTSD with combat, survivors of MST can experience mental health symptoms just as severe and long-lasting. PTSD following MST may impact relationships, employment, physical health, sleep, concentration, and emotional well-being for years after military service. Many survivors never reported what happened while they were in the military, often because of fear of retaliation, concerns about career consequences, shame, or the belief that they would not be believed.
The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes that many incidents of Military Sexual Trauma were never formally documented and as a result have expanded the type of evidence they will accept. Veterans can still receive service connection for PTSD related to MST even when no official report exists.
What is MST?
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs during military service. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), MST encompasses psychological trauma resulting from sexual assault, sexual battery, or threatening sexual harassment experienced while serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. Rather than describing a diagnosis, Military Sexual Trauma refers to the traumatic experience itself, which can have lasting psychological, emotional, and physical effects.
MST can occur at any point during military service and is not limited to a particular setting, assignment, or stage of a service member’s career. Incidents may occur during basic training, while deployed, on military installations, during reserve or National Guard service, or in any other military environment. MST affects service members across every branch of the military, regardless of rank, occupational specialty, or years of service.
Importantly, Military Sexual Trauma can affect anyone. Although women experience MST at higher rates, men also experience sexual assault and sexual harassment during military service, and many male veterans live with the long-term effects of these traumatic experiences. Military Sexual Trauma affects officers and enlisted personnel alike, as well as service members of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Trauma does not discriminate, and the psychological impact of MST can be profound regardless of who experienced it.
For many survivors, the effects of Military Sexual Trauma extend far beyond the traumatic event itself. MST is associated with an increased risk of developing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, chronic sleep disturbances, and difficulties with trust, intimacy, and relationships. Recognizing what Military Sexual Trauma is—and understanding that it can happen to any service member—is an important first step toward seeking support, treatment, and, when appropriate, pursuing VA disability benefits.
Is Military Sexual Trauma a Diagnosis?
No. MST is an experience rather than a mental health diagnosis. However, following an MST, an individual may develop:
- PTSD
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Persistent Depressive Disorder
- Substance Use Disorders
- Chronic insomnia
- Sexual dysfunction
- Other trauma-related disorders
Many veterans experience more than one mental health condition simultaneously.
How PTSD Develops After Military Sexual Trauma
PTSD develops when the brain continues responding to a traumatic event long after the danger has passed. Rather than storing the memory as something that happened in the past, the nervous system continues reacting as though the threat remains present. For many MST survivors, this heightened state of alertness may result in persistent fear, emotional numbing, avoidance, intrusive memories, hypervigilance, sleep disturbances and difficulties trusting others
Unlike many other traumatic experiences, Military Sexual Trauma frequently involves betrayal by fellow service members, leaders, or trusted individuals, which can profoundly affect beliefs about safety, trust, and self-worth.
Symptoms of PTSD After MST
The effects of PTSD after Military Sexual Trauma can be far-reaching. Survivors may experience intrusive memories or flashbacks, recurrent nightmares, emotional distress when reminded of the trauma, and a strong desire to avoid people, places, or situations associated with the event. Many also experience negative changes in mood and thinking, including feelings of detachment, persistent self-blame, emotional numbness, or a diminished interest in activities they once enjoyed. Others remain in a constant state of hyperarousal, feeling easily startled, irritable, unable to relax, or chronically on guard for potential danger. Sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and problems maintaining healthy relationships are also common.
Because Military Sexual Trauma often occurs within the unique culture of military service, many survivors face additional barriers to recovery. Some delayed reporting the assault because they feared retaliation, damage to their military career, or disbelief from peers or leadership. Others chose not to report the incident at all. The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes that delayed or absent reporting is common among survivors of MST, and a lack of an official report does not, by itself, prevent a veteran from establishing service connection for PTSD.
Although PTSD due to Military Sexual Trauma can be debilitating, recovery is possible. With appropriate treatment and support, many veterans experience meaningful improvement in their symptoms and regain a sense of safety, control, and hope for the future.
Can You Receive VA Disability for PTSD Due to MST?
Yes. The VA recognizes PTSD related to MST as a potentially service-connected disability.
Importantly, the VA understands that many incidents of MST were never officially reported. A lack of a formal report does not automatically prevent service connection. In fact, as a result of this, the VA has expanded what they will consider as evidence the MST even occurred.
What Evidence Does the VA Consider?
One of the most important concepts in MST claims is the presence of behavioral markers.
Markers are indirect signs that a traumatic event may have occurred.
Examples include:
- sudden decline in work performance
- disciplinary problems or Article 15
- requests for transfer
- substance abuse or engagement in substance abuse or alcohol treatment programs
- relationship changes
- divorce
- depression
- panic attacks
- anxiety treatment
- unexplained physical complaints
- pregnancy tests
- STI testing
- statements from family or fellow service members
- chaplain records
- counseling records
The VA evaluates these behavioral changes alongside psychological evaluations and medical evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have PTSD from Military Sexual Trauma without reporting it?
Yes. Many survivors never reported the assault during military service. The VA recognizes that delayed reporting is common and evaluates other evidence, including behavioral markers.
Can men experience Military Sexual Trauma?
Yes. Military Sexual Trauma affects service members of all genders.
Can PTSD develop years after Military Sexual Trauma?
Symptoms sometimes begin immediately, while others emerge months or even years after the traumatic event, particularly when triggered by later life events or additional stressors.
Is a private psychological evaluation accepted by the VA?
Private psychological evaluations may be submitted as evidence in support of a VA disability claim. The VA considers all competent medical evidence when evaluating claims.
Call Now
If you are seeking a comprehensive psychological evaluation for PTSD related to Military Sexual Trauma, The Racho Group provides independent evaluations for veterans pursuing VA disability benefits. Evaluations are conducted by a licensed psychologist with experience performing VA Compensation & Pension examinations and comprehensive PTSD assessments. Our goal is to provide thorough, objective, and evidence-based evaluations that accurately reflect each veteran’s history, symptoms, and level of functioning.
Contact us today at (719) 726-0094 for a free consultation.