Experienced Military Sexual Trauma Lawyer San Antonio, TX
Many veterans have suffered sexual assault or harassment while in the service, resulting in long-term mental health issues and emotional damages. These veterans are entitled to benefits, but they often face even more red tape from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) than veterans seeking other disability benefits.
This could be for a number of reasons. Often, veterans do not report the incident or incidents that led to sexual trauma for fear of retaliation from superiors or the impact such a report may have on their military career. The VA typically rejects these claims at face value if there is not a filed report, claiming that there’s no evidence that a mental health condition is related to a victim’s service.
At Glover Luck LLP, we understand how difficult it is to talk about or even think about issues of sexual trauma. We believe that the culture of intimidation that keeps victims from speaking up is not a valid reason for the VA to deny these earned benefits. Our San Antonio, TX military sexual trauma lawyer is prepared to advocate for you and ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to from enduring sexual trauma during your service.
What To Know About Military Sexual Trauma Claims
The VA is difficult to navigate even with clear-cut service-related disability cases. While sexual trauma is undeniable, it can be difficult to prove allegations of sexual harassment and rape, making such claims particularly challenging and painful for veterans.
The VA defines military sexual trauma (MST) as “psychological trauma resulting from a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment which occurred while the Veteran was serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.” It defines sexual harassment as “repeated, unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature which is threatening in character.”
Fortunately, there is no time limit for a veteran to file a claim for a condition associated with military sexual trauma. These claims may be made years, or even decades later. Moreover, the VA provides free medical care for MST survivors, even while your VA claim is still pending. You do not need to produce documentation of MST experiences to obtain free VA care.
All of that said, to receive your full disability benefits from MST, you will need to successfully process a claim. Navigating these claims can be challenging and requires a nuanced understanding of the VA claims process, which is why a military sexual trauma lawyer in San Antonio, TX is so crucial.
Contact Our Military Sexual Trauma Lawyer San Antonio, TX
Sexual trauma claims are emotionally draining and deeply painful for many veterans. But, as a survivor of MST, you deserve the maximum benefits available to you.
Our attorneys at Glover Luck LLP will treat your case with sensitivity and confidentiality while fighting for your full VA benefits. Contact our San Antonio, TX military sexual trauma lawyer today to discuss your case.
