MST Care at VA: Free, No Claim Required
One in three women veterans who screen at VA report Military Sexual Trauma. The VA system that covers MST treatment is separate from the disability claims system — and it is dramatically more accessible than most veterans realize. You don't need to file a claim, get a rating, or have an honorable discharge to receive free MST care.
What VA actually covers — and what's NOT required
- 1You don't need to file a VA claim to get MST treatment. The two are separate systems.
- 2You don't need a service connection or rating. Eligibility is based solely on the report of MST.
- 3You don't need an honorable discharge. OTH and uncharacterized discharges are eligible.
- 4There's no income limit and no copays for MST-related care.
- 5There's no statute of limitations. You can seek care at any age, any time after the events.
- 6Active-duty members can use Vet Centers for MST without DOD referral. Information is not released to DOD.
- 7MST happens to men too. Care is open to all veterans regardless of gender.
What VA defines as MST
Military Sexual Trauma at VA covers sexual assault OR sexual harassment that occurred during military service. The events can have happened on or off duty, on or off base. The perpetrator can be anyone — military member, civilian, contractor, or stranger — and there is no requirement that the events were ever reported at the time, or that they would have met legal standards under the UCMJ.
Mental and physical conditions that VA links to MST — depression, PTSD, anxiety, sleep disorders, chronic pain, substance use disorders, and others — are all covered for free MST treatment.
If you're still on active duty
Vet Centers are off-base, community-based, and confidential. Active-duty members can use them for MST counseling without a DOD referral, and what you discuss stays separate from your military medical record. This is by design — VA built this pathway specifically because active-duty MST survivors often can't access support through their military chain without consequences.
Find your nearest Vet CenterMore resources
Beyond MST
Free, anonymous self-help app from VA's National Center for PTSD. No login, no tracking. Tools for managing intrusive memories, sleep disruption, and avoidance.
National Center for PTSD
Educational resources on MST and treatment options, written for survivors. Includes self-assessment tools and treatment-finder.
Make the Connection
Peer-stories portal. Hear how other veterans navigated MST care without ever being asked to share your own story.
VA MST Home
Official VA hub for MST resources, including the MST Coordinator finder and policy details.
If you're in crisis right now
Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988 then Press 1, text 838255, or chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Open to all veterans regardless of enrollment, regardless of discharge type. Confidential.