Personal Trauma and Military Sexual Trauma (MST) cases are often among the most challenging to navigate within the VA system for service connection. However, while these cases can be difficult due to their sensitive nature and often lack of immediate, direct evidence, they are not impossible to win.
Understanding the Difference: MST as an In-Service Event
Before diving into the types of evidence required for a successful claim, it’s essential to clarify a common misconception: when applying for benefits, you’re not applying directly for MST or any personal trauma as a stand-alone issue. Rather, you’re applying for the disability that results from such an event. This is typically a psychological condition like PTSD, although it can also manifest as other health issues. Properly categorizing your application by focusing on the resultant condition rather than the traumatic event itself is crucial for the processing of your claim.