For ALL Veterans – No Judgment, Just Support
Fellow Veterans,
Let’s talk about something that affects both men and women in our military community – something that’s been whispered about in shadows for too long – Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
First, let me be crystal clear: At Boots 2 Benefits, there is NO JUDGMENT. Whether you’re male or female, officer or enlisted, combat arms or support – your trauma is valid, your pain is real, and your claim matters.
The Hard Truth About MST
Military Sexual Trauma affects:
- Female veterans at documented high rates
- Male veterans who often suffer in additional silence due to stigma
- Veterans of all ranks, branches, and military occupational specialties
- Combat and non-combat veterans alike
MST doesn’t discriminate. Neither do we.
Real Talk from Sarge
I’m going to share something personal because silence perpetuates shame, and shame prevents healing.
I experienced MST during my military service. Like many of you, I didn’t report it to my command. The military culture of the late 80s and 90s made reporting feel impossible – career suicide, victim blaming, and the “suck it up” mentality we all knew too well.
I didn’t even tell my spouse.
For decades, I carried this with only my Battle Buddy knowing. When I decided to stop “compartmentalizing” it, it took me 2.5 years of therapy to be “ready” to file my claim – and this was for an incident that happened 34 years earlier. During the first 6 months, I’d have an hour long therapy session on Saturday, and it would take me into Monday or Tuesday to recover.
I finally filed my MST claim – 23 years after leaving the military.
The result? My claim was accepted the first time.
But let me be honest about what that journey required – and what it cost.
Before We Go Further: The Critical Question
Are you ready?
Filing an MST claim isn’t just paperwork. It’s:
- Reliving trauma through detailed statements
- Medical examinations that can be triggering
- Potential family discussions about experiences you’ve kept private
- Emotional upheaval that can affect your daily life
This isn’t meant to scare you away – it’s meant to ensure you have proper support systems in place before you begin.
Why MST Claims Are Different
No “Proof” Required
Unlike other VA claims, MST doesn’t require documentation of the incident. The VA recognizes that most MST goes unreported during service.
What the VA Looks For:
- Behavioral changes during or after service (Counseling statements, Article 15, AWOL, etc.)
- Medical records showing related mental health treatment (Going to sick call more often for lots of little things.)
- Buddy statements from those who witnessed changes in you
- Personal statements describing the trauma and its effects
Common Connected Conditions:
- PTSD – most common MST-related disability
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Substance abuse issues
- Sleep disorders
- Sexual dysfunction
- Trust and relationship difficulties
- Obesity or Anorexia
The Claims Process: What to Expect
Step 1: Mental Health Preparation
Before filing, ensure you have:
- Therapist or counselor familiar with military trauma
- Support system of family/friends who know your plan
- Coping strategies for difficult days during the process
- Time and space to process emotions that surface
Step 2: Documentation Strategy
The Nexus Letter from your physician is critical. This medical opinion connects your current mental health conditions to the MST incident.
Here’s what I recommend: Write down your experience in detail. Keep a notebook or document where you can add details as they “pop” into your mind. Trauma memories often surface unexpectedly, and you want to capture every piece that might be relevant to your claim.
Gather evidence of behavioral changes: (Ask Mom, sister, friend, chaplain – did you notice a change in me?)
- Military records showing performance decline, disciplinary issues, or medical visits
- Post-service medical records for mental health treatment
- Buddy statements from those who witnessed changes
- Personal timeline of how MST affected your life and career
Step 3: The C&P Examination
What to expect:
- Mental health professional trained in trauma
- Detailed questions about the incident and its effects
- Assessment of current mental health status
- Connection between MST and current conditions
Remember: The examiner’s job is to help establish your claim, not judge your experience.
For Male Veterans: You Are Not Alone
Men, listen carefully: MST affects male veterans at significant rates, but shame and stigma often prevent you from seeking help.
Your experience is valid.
Your trauma matters.
Your claim deserves approval.
I have personally assisted a male veteran with his MST claim – it was accepted the first time. The VA recognizes male MST, and with proper preparation, these claims can be successful.
Don’t let outdated stereotypes prevent you from getting the care and compensation you’ve earned.
For Female Veterans: Your Voice Matters
Women, you’ve already shown incredible courage by serving in a male-dominated environment. Filing an MST claim takes that same courage.
You are believed.
You deserve support.
Your service and sacrifice matter.
The Support Network You Need
Professional Support:
- MST-trained therapists – VA provides specialized counseling
- Veterans Service Organizations with MST experience
- Legal advocates familiar with MST claims
Peer Support:
- MST survivor groups – both online and in-person
- Trusted battle buddies who can provide statements
- Family members who can offer emotional support
Crisis Resources:
- Veterans Crisis Line: 988, Press 1
- MST Coordinator at your local VA Medical Center
- Military Sexual Trauma Support Team – confidential help
What Success Looks Like
My MST claim approval didn’t erase the trauma – but it provided:
- Validation that my experience mattered
- Financial compensation for ongoing effects
- Access to specialized treatment through VA
- Peace of mind about future mental health care
Most importantly, it helped me reclaim my power from an experience that had controlled me for decades.
The Boots 2 Benefits Approach
We understand MST claims require:
- Extra sensitivity and confidentiality
- Trauma-informed guidance throughout the process
- Patience with the emotional ups and downs
- Specialized knowledge of MST claim requirements
Our promise: No judgment, complete confidentiality, and unwavering support for ALL veterans – male and female – seeking justice for MST.
⚠️ If Your Claim Gets Denied
Listen to me carefully: If your MST claim gets denied, it does NOT mean it didn’t happen to you.
It does NOT mean I don’t believe you.
It does NOT mean you’re lying or exaggerating.
Claim denials often happen because:
- Insufficient medical evidence connecting current conditions to MST
- Missing nexus letter from qualified physician
- Incomplete personal statement or documentation
- Examiner unfamiliar with MST presentations
A denial is NOT the end of your story. It’s information about what additional evidence we need to build a stronger case.
Appeal. Fight. Win.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Ask yourself honestly:
- Do I have mental health support in place?
- Am I prepared for the emotional challenges?
- Do I have people I can talk to during difficult moments?
- Am I ready to reclaim my power from this trauma?
If the answer is yes, we’re here to help.
If the answer is no, that’s okay too. Get the support you need first. We’ll be here when you’re ready.
Contact Information
For confidential MST claim consultation:
📞 (443) 924-6809
📧 sarge@boots2benefits.com
🌐 www.Boots2Benefits.com
Available Tuesday – Sunday | Closed Mondays & Federal Holidays
All MST consultations handled with complete confidentiality and specialized care.
Final Words
Your trauma doesn’t define you, but your courage to seek help honors every part of your service.
To my fellow MST survivors: You are not broken. You are not alone. You are warriors who deserve every benefit you’ve earned through service and sacrifice.
IGY6 – No Veteran Left Behind
🎖️Sarge
Boots 2 Benefits, LLC
MST Survivor & Advocate