Any gender
Women and men both experience MST. According to the VA, about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men tell their VA provider they experienced it, and many more never say.
MST VA Claim Attorney · Serving Veterans Nationwide
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) VA Claims
If you're in crisis or need to talk with someone right now, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7: dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255.
You Don't Have to Have Reported It
As an MST VA claim attorney, Malory Windham helps veterans whose military sexual trauma claims were denied or rated too low. Many of them never reported what happened. Some told no one for years. That silence is common, and the VA's own rules account for it.
An MST claim isn't won by proving the event happened beyond doubt. It's won by showing the VA how your service, the trauma and your health today connect, using evidence many veterans don't realize counts.
Malory is also a licensed clinical social worker and former psychotherapist. She knows how to build that case with care, so you aren't asked to relive the worst moments of your life at every step.
The VA's Definition
What Counts as Military Sexual Trauma?
The VA defines MST as sexual assault, sexual battery or sexual harassment that happened during military service. It covers a wide range of experiences, and it doesn't matter who was responsible or where it happened. (That definition comes from 38 U.S.C. § 1720D, the law that gives MST survivors free VA health care. The rule for disability claims is a different one, covered below.)
Assault or harassment
MST includes unwanted sexual contact and also threatening sexual harassment. It isn't limited to physical assault.
On or off base
What matters is that it happened during your service. The person responsible could have been a fellow service member, a superior or a civilian.
Years later still counts
Many veterans don't connect their symptoms to MST until long after they leave the service. There is no deadline for linking a condition to MST.
When There's No Report
Evidence the VA Has to Consider
For PTSD based on MST, VA rules (38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f)(5)) allow evidence from outside your service records. These are often called "markers." Before denying a claim, the VA is required to tell you that this kind of evidence can be submitted.
Want the full breakdown? Read MST Claims, Explained: Why the Evidence Rules Are Different.
Records from outside the military
Counseling or crisis center records, hospital or doctor visits, and police reports.
Medical tests
Tests for pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections around the time of the event.
Statements from people who knew you
Family, friends, roommates, fellow service members or clergy who noticed a change in you.
Changes in performance
A drop in evaluations, new disciplinary problems, or a sudden request for a transfer.
Changes in behavior or health
Depression, panic attacks or anxiety without a clear cause, or new alcohol or drug use.
Changes in daily life
Unexplained shifts in money habits, relationships or social behavior after the event.
After a Denial
How to Win an MST VA Claim
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1
Find out exactly why the VA said no. The decision letter and your claims file show what evidence the VA considered and what it says is missing.
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2
Gather the markers. Records, statements and changes in your service history that point to what happened, even with no report on file.
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3
Connect it to your health today. A current diagnosis and a medical opinion linking it to the MST are often what turn a denial into a grant.
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4
Choose the right appeal path. A Supplemental Claim, a Higher-Level Review or a Board Appeal. Each fits a different situation, and acting within one year of the decision protects your back pay. Compare your appeal options.
Related Conditions
MST and PTSD
MST itself isn't a diagnosis, so the VA compensates the conditions it causes. PTSD is the most common, but depression, anxiety, sleep problems and physical conditions can all be connected to MST too.
Many veterans are dealing with more than one. We look at the full picture, so every condition linked to the trauma is part of the claim. Learn more about our PTSD and MST claims work.
Why Windham Law
An MST VA Claim Attorney Who Understands Trauma
A clinician's understanding
Malory treated veterans as a psychotherapist before becoming their attorney. She knows how trauma shows up in records and in daily life.
Your privacy, protected
Everything you share is confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.
From home
Your case can be handled by phone and online, so you never have to sit in an office to tell your story.
No fee unless we win
Every case is handled on contingency. There is no upfront cost to you.
Common Questions
What Veterans Often Ask About MST Claims
Do I need to have reported the MST while I was in the military?
No. The VA recognizes that most military sexual trauma was never reported. For PTSD based on MST, the VA must consider evidence from outside your service records, such as counseling or medical records, statements from people who knew you, and changes in your behavior or performance after the event.
Can men file MST claims?
Yes. MST can happen to veterans of any gender, and the VA's definition does not depend on gender. Men are often less likely to come forward, which is one more reason the VA looks beyond official reports.
Will I have to describe what happened in detail?
We keep that to what the claim actually needs. Because Attorney Malory Windham is also a licensed clinical social worker, she builds the case around the evidence and your current symptoms rather than asking you to retell the experience at every step.
The VA already denied my MST claim. Is it too late?
Usually not. You can challenge a VA decision with a Supplemental Claim, a Higher-Level Review, or a Board Appeal. Acting within one year of the decision protects your effective date, which affects back pay. A free case review will show which option fits your situation.
How much does it cost to work with an MST VA claim attorney?
Nothing upfront. Windham Law handles cases on contingency, so there is no fee unless we win and your benefits are secured.
NOTE:
Never Filed For VA Disability Compensation Before? Windham Law does not file FIRST VA disability claims. We work with veterans who have already filed and received a decision. If you haven't filed yet, click here for instructions on how to file your first claim.
You deserve to be believed.
Every case starts with a free, confidential review — protected by attorney-client privilege.
Start Your Free Case ReviewAll client and case information is confidential and protected under attorney-client privilege. Individual case results do not guarantee future outcomes for any other client. While we work diligently to increase ratings and awards, there are no guarantees of increased awards, service connection, or other favorable outcome.