Can you claim PTSD if you were raped?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 22:02:52 -0400

If you were raped, are you able to say you now have PTSD?
I’m sorry if this is a stupid question or if this offends anyone I’m just wondering.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 25 at 2019 10:05 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 22:05:25 -0400

Yes, it's called military sexual trauma.

You can keep this in mind about PTSD. What I tell people is PTSD is your brain's NORMAL reaction to a highly abnormal situation. It can come from a long list of things including sexual trauma.

Response by SPC Stephanie Mason made Jul 25 at 2019 10:06 PM

SPC Stephanie Mason — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 22:06:32 -0400

You can go to a Veteran Center or the VA and let them know you need help filing an Intent To File. You can use that to file PTSD by MST (Military Sexual Trauma)
I am currently working on that right now and seeing a therapist at the Veteran center who is helping me get it written out. Once it is submitted there will be a visit like any disability interview (I don’t remember the proper term) and they will look over your intent to file as well as any other items you may have (for me notes from my therapist) they will then determine if you have PTSD

Response by SPC Stephanie Mason made Jul 25 at 2019 10:08 PM

SPC Stephanie Mason — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 22:08:33 -0400

I also want to add you did not have to report the assault during your time of service and will not be expected to report it on an official level- they will also not reach out to the assaulter, so the victim will be protected

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jul 25 at 2019 10:15 PM

Maj Kim Patterson — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 22:15:08 -0400

It's a great question. SPC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2019 10:22 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 22:22:52 -0400

Yes you could have ptsd as a result of mst.

Response by SGT Jennifer Rixe made Jul 25 at 2019 10:27 PM

SGT Jennifer Rixe — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 22:27:14 -0400

I have a battle that was raped on active duty... she is now receiving disability due to the PTSD. So to answer your question... yes! And don't wait... don't give up. Keep fighting for it.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jul 25 at 2019 10:48 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 22:48:18 -0400

Anyone can say they have PTSD... you have to be diagnosed....

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2019 11:49 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 23:49:38 -0400

Absolutely.
It is the second most common causal factor for PTSD, after combat.
If this is for you, please seek counseling on top of any compensation claim that you file. Any sexual assault leaves damage that can affect a person for a lifetime.
I see from the thread above that this is recent and that you are still in the military.
Message me directly, SPC Private RallyPoint Member. I can help you with this, both on the military and VA side.

Response by Max Ross made Jul 26 at 2019 12:28 PM

Max Ross — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 12:28:52 -0400

Saying one has a condition (PTSD) vs being given the clinical diagnosis are two separate things. Anyone experiencing any type of trauma should link up to MH supports to monitor. I've heard misconception that to have PTSD someone should be affected immediately. Educating them that there is "delayed onset" is important. Meaning, though you may not exhibit the cluster symptoms required to be given PTSD as a diagnosis right away, many start to exhibit them much later on then think it's something else. Getting linked as soon as the trauma occurs and getting routine counseling is important. Also getting the trauma on record sooner rather than later is important to show clear (documented) history and help with any future benefit/ treatment determination.

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Jul 26 at 2019 3:50 PM

SSgt Richard Kensinger — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 15:50:30 -0400

Not a stupid ? at all. I am a clinical psychologist and professor. I advocate and provide clinical consultation for free to victim/survivors of Catholic clergy serial sexual abuse. I also advocate for combat vets who still suffer from combat trauma even dating back to Korea.
I hope you seek out a psychotherapist trained in sexual abuse, and I wish you the very best,
Rich