VA MST Screening Questions

This guide will cover VA MST screening questions, MST support and resources, and how the VA rates MST.   

If you have experienced military sexual trauma (MST), it’s essential to understand you’re not alone and that help is available.   

Since MST is an experience, not a diagnosis, it affects everyone differently.   

The VA recognizes the significant impact MST can have on a veteran’s mental and physical health and has a screening process to help identify and support those affected.  

What is Military Sexual Trauma (MST)?

According to the VA, MST refers to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service. Unfortunately, many cases of MST go unreported, so it’s challenging to know exactly how many veterans are affected.  

However, research shows that approximately 1 in 3 women veterans and 1 in 50 men veterans report experiencing Military Sexual Trauma (MST) during their Veteran Health Administration (VHA) screening. However, anonymous surveys have reported higher rates. It’s important to remember that anyone can experience MST, regardless of gender. 

Examples of MST include, but are not limited to: 

• Being pressured or coerced into sexual activities, such as with threats of negative treatment for refusal to cooperate, or with promises of better treatment in exchange for sex 

• Sexual contact or activities without your consent, including when you were asleep or intoxicated 

• Being overpowered or physically forced to have sex 

• Being touched or grabbed in a sexual way that made you uncomfortable, including during “hazing” experiences 

• Comments about your body or sexual activities that you found threatening 

• Unwanted sexual advances that you found threatening 

VA MST Screening Questions

You can expect the following MST screening questions as part of your confidential VA MST screening.  

While you were in the military: 

1. Did you receive uninvited and unwanted sexual attention, such as touching, cornering, pressure for sexual favors, or verbal remarks? 

2. Did someone ever use force or threat of force to have sexual contact with you against your will? 

Note on VA MST Screening Questions: An affirmative response for either is considered a positive screen for MST. However, a positive screen doesn’t indicate a veteran’s current subjective distress, diagnosis, interest in, or need for treatment.  

Remember that VA healthcare providers should ask every veteran whether they experienced MST, especially since many don’t disclose this information unless asked directly.  

MST VA Disability Ratings

While there is no specific VA rating for MST, you may qualify for VA disability for mental health conditions related to MST.  

For example, many veterans experience MST and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), so you may be eligible for a PTSD VA rating.  The VA rates PTSD at 0% to 100%, with breaks at 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70% under the § 4.130 Schedule of ratings—Mental disorders. 

Average Disability Rating for MST

The average disability rating for mental health conditions, including PTSD related to MST, is often cited as 70%, but it’s possible to receive a 100% MST PTSD VA rating if you have total occupational & social impairment due to: 

• Gross impairment in thought process or communication 

• Persistent delusions or hallucinations  

• Grossly inappropriate behavior 

• Persistent danger of hurting yourself or others  

• Intermittent inability to perform day-to-day activities  

• Disorientation of time and place 

• Memory loss of names of close relatives, your occupation, or your own name  

It’s important to understand that you don’t need to meet all the subjective symptoms listed above to receive a 100% MST VA Rating .  

Service-Connecting MST

To receive an MST VA disability rating, you must establish a direct link between your condition and military service.  

To establish service connection, you must:  

MST Support and Resources

If you’re an MST survivor, it’s crucial to remember that the VA is firmly committed to providing access to the required help you need. Services are designed to meet you where you’re in your recovery process.  

VA MST-related services include, but are not limited to: 

• Every VA healthcare system has an MST coordinator to assist with MST-related issues.  

• There is no charge for the treatment of physical and mental health conditions related to MST. (You don’t have to be service-connected or have a VA disability rating to receive this care.) 

• MST-related counseling is available through community-based Vet centers.  

• There are nationwide programs that offer specialized sexual treatment in residential or inpatient settings.  

To receive more information about available services: 

• Contact your existing VA healthcare provider 

• Contact the MST coordinator at the nearest VA medical center  

• Contact your local Vet center 

Conclusion

Since MST can lead to various long-term health conditions, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and other physical health issues, it’s crucial to receive the appropriate care and support.  

Early identification through screening can help connect you with valuable services and resources, guiding you toward recovery and enhanced quality of life.