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OVER 100 MILLION IN BACKPAY COLLECTED FOR VETERANS

Sexual & Physical Assault

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and other In-Service Assaults

PTSD claims based upon Military Sexual Trauma or other types of in-service assaults, present unique problems of corroboration. Because of the sensitive nature of sexual assaults, many victims do not report them. As such, there will rarely be documentation or other written memorial of the assault within service records, or even within contemporaneous medical records. Because of this problem, the VA has relaxed the evidentiary requirements for corroborating this type of in-service stressor.

If a post-traumatic stress disorder claim is based on Military Sexual Trauma or other in-service personal assault, evidence from sources other than the veteran’s service records may corroborate the veteran’s account of the stressor incident. Examples of such evidence include, but are not limited to, records from law enforcement authorities, rape crisis centers, mental health counseling centers, hospitals, or physicians; pregnancy tests or tests for sexually transmitted diseases; and statements from family members, roommates, fellow service members, or clergy. Evidence of behavior changes following the claimed assault is one type of relevant evidence that may be found in these sources.

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Need Help With Your Disability Appeal?

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  • We represent cases at all levels on appeal
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  • We’ll arrange for Vocational Rehab experts to assist, when needed
  • Free Consultation
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