Veteran Disability Attorney
One of the saddest
situations we help with involves military sexual trauma (MST). The rape of men and women in the military is a black stain on the Defense Department. The VA disability process only makes this stain more
stubborn.
We have developed an
approach that looks at markers that show the MST even when it has not been
reported. The fact is that 70-80% of MST is not reported. We often
approach the VA process to prove the mental aspect of the MST, such depression,
PTSD,
etc. We point out the fall off of performance ratings, discipline issues,
AWOL, drug use, alcoholism or dark letters home.
This unique problem is
now getting Congressional attention. The Ruth Moore Act aims to reduce the
standard of proof for victims of military sexual assault so that they can more
easily obtain benefits, similar to how the Veterans Administration two and a
half years ago relaxed the burden of proof for combat veterans with
post-traumatic stress disorder. The Ruth Moore Act, if it passes, would
make it so that victims need only a diagnosis of a mental health condition and
a link between the assault and that condition to receive benefits. This
is a step in the right direction. Let’s hope Veteran Service Organizations
support this bill and Congress acts on this bill.
http://www.stripes.com/news/us/maine-woman-inspires-federal-bill-to-help-military-sexual-assault-victims-get-va-benefits-1.207371
No comments:
Post a Comment