This accredited VA Attorney used to investigate Military Sexual Trauma allegations in the military.

The month of April has been designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the United States. The goal is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate everyone on how to prevent sexual violence.

The military population has its bad apples just like any sizable organization.

While order and discipline might give this subset population an edge over a similar-sized civilian organization, human beings will still commit horrendous acts at times - no matter their chosen profession.

Sexual assault occurs in the military.

Our nation’s political leaders have made military sexual assault prevention, punishment, and treatment an even higher priority recently and this has generated a lot of news coverage.

How my Military Experience Will Benefits Veterans in their MST VA Claims.

For a few years, I was a Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (“OSI”). This is the Air Force’s version of NCIS (Navy), CID (Army), etc. In this role, I investigated major crimes that touched Air Force interests — including rape and sexual assault.

I have had experience investigating claims of sexual assault in the military.

I will use those investigative skills when helping those Veterans we represent prepare their claims for injuries resulting from Military Sexual Trauma.

VA Benefits for Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma.

The VA recognizes that Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is an important issue and applies special rules to Veterans who have been a victim.

The Survivor does not, however, file a claim for "Military Sexual Trauma"; instead, the survivor files a claim for the medical problems that result from Military Sexual Trauma (MST), including (but certainly NOT limited to):

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Upper back, neck, and jaw injuries (these rapes are often very, very violent)
• Broken bones, commonly in the face and arms (a broken bone is often not compensable by the VA - but limitations resulting from broken bones in the face can affect chewing, breathing, talking, hearing, sight, smell, etc. 
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases

However, many survivors of MST have a lot of difficulty being taken seriously in their VA claim - more than any other class of Veteran, this group could really benefit from professional advocacy.

For example, Veterans who may otherwise be barred from receiving benefits due to an unfavorable character of discharge can still receive free care for all physical and mental health conditions that are related to the MST.  You don't have to file a disability claim with the VBA - you often don't even have to provide evidence of the sexual assault!

For those of you who have never suffered MST, don’t think it only happens to females! 

I am talking to the male MST Veterans as well!

So if you are a Veteran quietly (or not so quietly) suffering from a military sexual trauma event (or know a Veteran who is), contact the VA and discover the help and support that is available.

Don't trust the VA?  Professional Advocacy in the form of an accredited VA Attorney is your next best option.