Military sexual trauma (MST) can change the course of survivors’ lives, potentially making it more difficult for Veterans to secure coveted promotions, obtain civilian jobs, and retain stable relationships with friends and family. However, the impact of military sexual assault isn’t always obvious. Instead, conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder can wreak havoc on the brain and body, causing new problems and exacerbating old ones.
If you’ve suffered abuse in the military, you could be entitled to additional benefits for your MST-related secondary conditions. Read more to learn about the most common MST secondary conditions, or contact Sean Kendall today to schedule your free consultation.
An Overview of Military Sexual Trauma ![VA Benefits for MST Related Secondary Conditions]()
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses the generic term military sexual trauma to describe the impact of any sexual assault or harassment that occurs in the course of military service. Some of the most common forms of MST involve:
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Hazing rituals that involve nudity or unwanted touching
- Being pressured or coerced into performing sexual activities
- Being subjected to inappropriate comments about your body, appearance, or sexual lifestyle
Military sexual trauma is a widespread phenomenon that has long been underreported. According to a series of recent studies, up to 15.7% of all active-duty military personnel and Veterans have experienced some form of military sexual trauma. On average, women face a much greater risk of victimization than men, but anyone—regardless of gender, age, or rank—could be affected.
Obtaining Compensation for Military Sexual Trauma
If you experienced any form of military sexual trauma, and this impacted either your physical or mental health, you could be entitled to disability compensation and other benefits. Disability claims typically fall into one of the following categories:
- Original claims for MST-related diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Increased claims for MST-related diagnoses with worsening symptoms.
- Secondary claims, or secondary service-connected claims, for a disability linked to an existing service-related condition.
Even if you’re currently receiving benefits for a condition like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) you may be able to submit an additional claim or claims if your service-connected condition has caused further complications.
Military Sexual Trauma and Secondary Conditions
MST-related conditions such as PTSD take a profound toll on survivors’ overall health and well-being. Aside from provoking symptoms like general anxiety and flashbacks, they can also change your body’s internal chemistry in subtle ways, triggering unexpected health problems and exacerbating existing issues. Here are some of the most common conditions secondary to an MST-related diagnosis.
Substance Abuse
Substance use disorder is a brain disease that causes the compulsion to use drugs or alcohol to a point where consumption causes problems in your everyday life. Substances include, but aren’t limited to:
- Alcohol
- Cannabis
- Opioids
- Prescription medications
The VA doesn’t rate substance abuse, but it can award benefits for substance abuse-related complications that were caused by a service-connected condition like PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
Obesity
Sexual abuse is a common risk factor for weight gain. Although the VA doesn’t rate obesity, some weight-related symptoms, like back pain and diabetes, can serve as the basis for a secondary claim.
Sleep Apnea
This is a common but underdiagnosed disorder that affects your breathing. Although sleep apnea can be life-threatening, many of its symptoms appear only at night—when you’re sleeping, and unable to tell if anything is wrong. However, some signs may be apparent during the day. They include:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Feelings of fatigue, despite getting a good night’s sleep
- Sensations of choking or breathlessness when waking
- Confusion and brain fog
Sleep apnea often appears alongside other conditions; it can also be aggravated by risk factors such as PTSD-related obesity and substance abuse.
Migraines
Survivors of military sexual trauma appear to have a greater chance of developing severe and recurring migraines than the general population.
Hypertension
This is the clinical name for high blood pressure. Many people with hypertension are genetically predisposed to it, or they have lifestyle habits that make it more difficult to control. However, PTSD can also change your cardiovascular system, making it more difficult for your body to regulate its heart rate and circulation. Substance use disorder can also cause or worsen hypertension.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is often triggered by stress and anxiety. GERD varies significantly in its severity. Mild symptoms often require little more treatment than over-the-counter medication, but more serious cases cause vomiting, rapid weight loss, and internal bleeding. If left untreated, GERD could also increase your long-term risk of throat cancer.
Erectile Dysfunction
PTSD can prompt intense physical and physiological responses, making it much more difficult for men to achieve and maintain erections.
Don’t Take Chances With Your Claim: Our Experienced Veterans Law Attorney Can Help
You shouldn’t have to fight to obtain the benefits the Department of Veterans Affairs is obliged to provide. However, filing a secondary claim can be difficult. Without the right preparation, decisions can lead to unexpected outcomes, including ratings that aren’t as favorable as you’d hoped.
Sean Kendall, Attorney at Law, has spent decades helping Veterans protect their benefits from bureaucracy. We’ll help you by:
- Locating critical evidence and old service records.
- Collaborating with medical providers to obtain nexus letters and witness statements.
- Leveraging your existing ratings and diagnoses to push for a higher rating.
- Appealing denials and reductions.
Send our team a message today to schedule your 100% free consultation and learn how to keep your MST claim from losing ground.