Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Care

What you get

Free treatment for any physical or mental health condition related to MST. No enrollment, disability rating, report at the time, or proof is needed.

What MST-related care asks of you

1. 1No enrollment, rating, report, or proofYou do not need to be enrolled in VA health care. A VA disability rating is not needed. You do not need to have reported the MST at the time or have other proof that it happened.
2. 2Veterans and most former service membersThis includes those with an Other Than Honorable discharge or under two years of service, former Guard and Reserve members with federal active-duty service or a service-connected disability who were discharged under honorable conditions or with an other than honorable discharge, and current service members. VA may require a Defense Department referral for some services.

Source: 38 CFR 17.37(i) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: military sexual trauma care (opens in new tab)

Where do you want to start?

• MST-related care at VA

  MST is sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment during military service. VA gives free treatment for any physical or mental health condition related to MST. Every VA medical facility has an MST coordinator. MST-related outpatient care is at every VA medical center and many VA clinics.

  Source: 38 CFR 17.37(i) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: military sexual trauma care (opens in new tab)

• MST counseling at a Vet Center

  Vet Centers are community counseling centers apart from VA hospitals. Military sexual trauma counseling and referral is part of the counseling they give. Vet Center records are kept apart from other VA and Defense Department medical records.

  1. 1Ask the Vet Center about MST counselingVA.gov says to contact a Vet Center and ask to speak with someone about MST-related counseling.

  Source: 38 CFR 17.2000(d) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.2000(e) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: military sexual trauma care (opens in new tab)

• Other VA health care

  Care for conditions not related to MST comes through VA health care enrollment. Outpatient and inpatient mental health care is part of the medical benefits package for enrolled veterans.

  1. 1Enrollment in VA health careFor care beyond MST-related care, apply for VA health care.

  Source: 38 CFR 17.38(a) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: how to apply for VA health care (opens in new tab)

What to gather, and what it shows VA

None of these records is needed to start MST-related care. BeneVets does not ask for records, and you do not have to describe what happened here.

Steps, in order

1. In crisis, reach out now

   Call 988 and select 1, or text 838255. Or go directly to your nearest VA medical center, whatever your discharge status and whether or not you are enrolled.

   Source: VA.gov: military sexual trauma care (opens in new tab); VA.gov: suicide prevention (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.37(l) (opens in new tab)

2. Know you need nothing to start

   You do not need enrollment, a disability rating, a report made at the time, or proof. The care is free.

   Source: 38 CFR 17.37(i) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: military sexual trauma care (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.108(e) (opens in new tab)

3. Ask for the MST coordinator

   Call or visit your nearest VA medical center and ask to speak to the MST coordinator. Every VA medical facility has one.

   Source: VA.gov: military sexual trauma care (opens in new tab); VA.gov: find VA locations (opens in new tab)

4. Or tell your VA provider

   If you already get VA care, you can tell your VA health care provider about your MST experience.

   Source: VA.gov: military sexual trauma care (opens in new tab)

5. Ask for the clinician you prefer

   You can ask to meet with a clinician of a particular sex.

   Source: VA.gov: military sexual trauma care (opens in new tab)

6. Talk through the kinds of care

   VA lists assessment, medicine, individual and group therapy, care for physical health conditions, and residential (live-in) or inpatient programs for those who need more support.

   Source: VA.gov: military sexual trauma care (opens in new tab)

7. Or contact a Vet Center

   Find a Vet Center with the VA.gov facility locator and ask to speak with someone about MST-related counseling.

   Source: VA.gov: military sexual trauma care (opens in new tab); VA.gov: find VA locations (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 17.2000(d) (opens in new tab)

8. If you are homeless or at risk

   Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 (TTY: 711).

   Source: VA.gov: military sexual trauma care (opens in new tab)

9. Questions about VA care

   Call the VA general information line at 800-827-1000.

   Source: VA.gov: military sexual trauma care (opens in new tab)

10. Enroll for other care, if you want it

    For VA care beyond MST-related care, apply for VA health care with VA Form 10-10EZ.

    Source: VA Form 10-10EZ (opens in new tab); VA.gov: how to apply for VA health care (opens in new tab)

11. Free help with a disability claim for MST

    Care itself needs no filing. A disability claim for MST-related conditions is filed with VA. Free help: an accredited VSO can file this with you. Find one near you in the BeneVets VSO directory at Find an accredited VSO near you.

    Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab); VA.gov: military sexual trauma and disability compensation (opens in new tab)

Good to know