You reported the assault to your friend in the barracks, sought counseling off-base, and changed your behavior patterns—but none of it appears in your official military records. Now, years later, you're filing for disability benefits for military sexual trauma (MST), only to discover that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) wants documentation you never created. Sound familiar? You're not alone. This scenario plays out for thousands of veterans whose trauma was never formally reported through military channels.
Military sexual trauma claims present unique challenges because many incidents go unreported within the chain of command. Veterans often fear retaliation, disbelief, or career damage. Fortunately, the VA recognizes this reality and accepts alternative evidence to support MST claims. At the Law Offices of Sean Kendall, our experienced Veterans MST lawyers help U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard Veterans navigate the VA bureaucracy to secure the benefits they deserve in these sensitive cases. Schedule a free consultation with us to take action.
Alternative Evidence for MST Claims
When official military records are missing or incomplete, the VA allows other forms of evidence to support military sexual trauma (MST) claims. Understanding these options significantly impacts your claim's success.
Personal Statements and Buddy Letters
Written statements from fellow service members, friends, or family who observed changes in your behavior or performance strongly support your claim. They don't need to describe the incident itself—just noticeable changes before, during, and after service. For example, a roommate might note that you became withdrawn, had nightmares, or avoided certain places on base.
Medical Records
Records from military or civilian doctors—even if they don't mention MST directly—also demonstrate its impact. Treatment for anxiety, depression, sleep issues, or relationship problems that began during or shortly after service can be relevant. ER visits, counseling notes, or prescriptions for mental health medications support your claim, too.
Law Enforcement Reports
Reports filed with military police, civilian authorities, or base security are valuable, regardless of whether charges were filed. These reports provide crucial contemporaneous evidence. They show that something serious occurred and that you sought help from law enforcement.
Journals and Correspondence
Personal diaries, letters, emails, or even social media posts from the time can reflect your mental state and support your timeline. These documents can demonstrate that trauma occurred, even if you didn't talk about the details.
How Do Behavioral Changes Support Your Military Sexual Trauma Claim?
Behavioral shifts provide indirect but compelling evidence that trauma occurred during your military service. The VA recognizes that MST often leads to noticeable changes in conduct, performance, or relationships, such as:
- Military performance changes. Sudden performance issues, disciplinary actions, or transfer requests can be telling. Article 15s, negative evaluations, or early discharge requests may all support a claim. Changes in attitude toward authority figures or job performance following trauma are often documented in official records.
- Relationships and social changes. MST frequently impacts personal relationships. Statements from family, friends, or partners noting difficulty with trust, intimacy, or maintaining relationships are critical. Documentation of divorces or custody disputes after service may also be relevant.
- Substance misuse. Many MST survivors turn to alcohol or drugs to cope. Records of DUIs, treatment for substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder, or even behavioral addictions like gambling that began during or after service may support your claim.
- Sleep and mood issues. Medical evidence of sleep disorders such as nightmares or insomnia, or mood disturbances like depression, anxiety, and panic attacks from military service onward, can be key indicators of trauma—even if the provider didn't know about the MST.
Strengthening Your Case With Mental Health Treatment
Mental health treatment records—regardless of when or where you received care—serve as valuable evidence for MST claims. These documents demonstrate the psychological impact of trauma and help establish service connection.
- Civilian counseling and therapy. Treatment records from private therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists may support your claim even if you didn't initially disclose the MST. Records showing treatment for trauma-related symptoms such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety help establish the psychological impact of your military experience.
- Crisis or emergency treatment. ER visits, crisis hotline calls, or psychiatric hospitalizations highlight the severity of your symptoms and reinforce the reality of your trauma. These acute episodes often occur when trauma survivors can no longer cope with their symptoms, providing powerful evidence of disability.
- Trauma treatment programs. Participating in PTSD, sexual trauma, or Veteran-specific programs shows that you're addressing a deep-rooted trauma, even without military sexual trauma disclosure. Your participation alone can be meaningful evidence.
- Medication management records. Prescriptions for antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or PTSD-specific treatments show ongoing mental health challenges. Documentation of dosage changes or side effects can illustrate severity and persistence.
Employment and Educational Records Can Give Your MST Claim Added Weight
Your post-military work and education history reveal how military sexual trauma affects your daily life. Job instability, academic struggles, and participation in vocational programs may reflect ongoing issues with focus, authority, or emotional regulation. These patterns help demonstrate the lasting impact of MST and strengthen your disability claim.
Building a strong MST claim without official records takes persistence, care, and professional legal guidance. If you've been denied the benefits you deserve, the Law Offices of Sean Kendall's experienced MST claims attorneys will help identify evidence, gather documentation, and present your claim effectively. Remember, the VA uses a lower burden of proof for MST claims: you only need to show the trauma may have occurred during service.