How the Application Process Works In September of 1995, we revised our procedures for considering claims from victims of sexual trauma.  The new procedures take into account the difficulty victims typically have in proving sexual assault or sexual harassment.  Here are the steps you and VA will take if you decide to apply for service-connected compensation for sexual trauma:  You will fill out the compensation application – available at any VA Medical Center or Regional Office.  The Regional Office Women Veterans Coordinator, or one of our counselors will help you. After our initial review of your claim, we’ll send you a questionnaire concerning your sexual trauma.  Your answers will help us get the information we need to decide your claim.  We’ll also request your military records from the Defense Department. Next, you’ll receive a compensation examination, normally at the VA Medical Center nearest your home.  The doctor who talks with you (or examines you, if you’re claiming a physical disability) will forward a diagnosis and finding to us. Once we receive the examination report and any other information we’ve requested, we’ll review your case and make our decision.  If we find that you have a service-connected disability, we’ll assess how disabling it is, and, consequently, how much money you will be paid per month. We’ll write you and let you know of our decision.   If you disagree with it, you will have the right to appeal. If you’re granted service-connected compensation, we will call you in for an examination from time to time.  Over the years, you may improve enough that you won’t need compensation,  If, on the other hand, your disability gets worse, your compensation may increase.  If Your Claim Is Denied We don’t approve every claim for residuals of sexual trauma-simply because not every claim meets the requirements of the law.  But our turning down a claim does not mean we doubt the woman’s account of her traumatic events.  Here are three examples of claims we might deny: A mental health diagnosis can’t be established.  The woman could be struggling with memories of sexual assault of battery, but she may not have a psychological disorder which can be service-connected. We diagnose a mental health disability, but we can’t establish a clear link between the disability and the woman’s military service. We diagnose a physical disability, but there isn’t enough evidence to link the disability to the events described by the woman. In any event, if your claim is turned down, we’ll thoroughly explain your appeal rights.  You can appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals, and, if you’re not satisfied with their decision, you can follow up at the Court of Veterans Appeals.   Call Us! We’d Like To Talk With You If you have suffered from sexual trauma in service, we would like to help you explore your options.  You can reach a woman veterans coordinator Monday through Friday by calling toll free 1-800-827-1000.  Or visit us at the VA Regional Office listed in your phone book. You can have a private conversation with a female counselor. | Page 1 | Page 2 | [ Military Sexual Trauma News ]