By Stephanie Kalota
Founder, Veteran Legislative Voice
April is Sexual Assault Consciousness Month, and whereas army items are holding pancake breakfasts and enjoyable runs, I’m highlighting laws that might make a distinction for Army Sexual Trauma (MST) survivors.
MST is a number of occasions throughout a service member’s time in service the place she or he skilled sexual harassment or sexual violence.
The Wounded Warrior Venture not too long ago carried out a survey and located that 73 % of girls warriors mentioned they’ve been sexually assaulted or harassed whereas within the army.
Within the final two years, the Division of Protection has made some strides in bettering the army justice system, however little enchancment has been made with the Division of Veteran Affairs on the care of MST survivors.
A report printed final 12 months reveals that regardless of the VA’s makes an attempt to enhance the incapacity claims course of, ladies usually tend to be denied claims involving posttraumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD). The underlying purpose is that womens’ claims are primarily based on the truth that they’re extra more likely to expertise MST, inflicting the event of PTSD.
Nearly all of these ladies veterans wouldn’t have reported their MST expertise, thus missing documentation and proof of assault or harassment. The rationale males usually tend to be permitted for PTSD claims is that their widespread causation of PTSD is fight.
Look ahead to the next Payments and voice your help for them with elected officers:
Senate Invoice 3025 – Service Members and Veterans Empowerment and Assist Act of 2021, launched by Senator Jon Tester. This invoice would increase the definition of MST to incorporate “technological abuse” corresponding to utilizing cyber bullying strategies and cyber stalking. This invoice would additionally set the usual of proof to approve veterans on psychological well being circumstances that resulted from MST. This invoice would require annual opinions and research to high quality test the effectiveness of those insurance policies.
Home Invoice 6961 – Dignity for MST Survivors Act, launched by Consultant Frank Mrvan. This invoice would attempt to enhance hearings earlier than the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) claims that contain MST. The BVA is the place claims are heard earlier than a decide after the veteran has filed an enchantment within the legacy appeals course of or exhausted choices within the present course of. This invoice would require that every member of the BVA full coaching on claims involving MST previous to receiving the case.
Home Invoice 4627 – Veterans’ Culturally Competent Care Act by Consultant Lisa Blunt Rochester. This invoice would make the VA require non-VA psychological well being suppliers (which can be utilized by the Group Care program) to finish programs that may familiarize them with veteran particular points like MST.
