I am finally filing for MST. Advice please? No bashing; I've had enough of that.

2016-07-27T11:29:10-04:00

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Jul 27 at 2016 11:31 AM

2016-07-27T11:31:07-04:00

Please in mail me or Colonel Mikel Burroughs.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 27 at 2016 11:34 AM

2016-07-27T11:34:54-04:00

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made Jul 27 at 2016 11:55 AM

2016-07-27T11:55:09-04:00

Good for you! Research Repetitive Behavior Cellular Regression for MST as well. http://www.evolutionaryhealer.com

Evolutionary Healer | We Change Lives Everyday

Linda Vettrus-Nichols and her husband, Terry Earthwind Nichols, are a dynamic duo of transformation. People have always come to Terry and Linda for wisdom and discernment in difficult situations. They believe that when people have clarity they are able to take focused action. Finding a simple solution creates clarity and helps to move their clients forward.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2016 12:40 PM

2016-07-27T12:40:16-04:00

It is a hard thing that you are facing, one that takes courage to do. I wish you nothing but success in getting treatment and healing.
If you can, tell us how the journey goes for you. There are many out there who are afraid to undergo the process and have questions that you will be able to answer.
As a leader, I know I want to know. I can point my Soldiers in the right direction, but any ground truth you can provide is invaluable.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2016 12:49 PM

2016-07-27T12:49:37-04:00

Stand tall and be brave.

Response by SGT Tracey "Tra" Cooper-Harris made Jul 27 at 2016 4:36 PM

2016-07-27T16:36:21-04:00

SrA Mandy Snyder , all I can say is have a good support network around you. You will face many challenges with people trying to destroy your character, your service, your name just to minimize your experience. Make sure whoever you have filing/handling your case (be it VSO, attorney, etc) has all the information to file a complete case on your behalf & they are supportive. Keep going to counseling, either through the VA, The Vet Center, or civilian practioner (e.g., Give An Hour). Prepare for the typical HHurry Up & Wait.

I did not file for MST during or after my service although I was blackmailed because my "friends" found out I was gay. It was during Dont Ask, Don't Tell, & I had already witnessed that being gay was a bigger issue than sexual blackmail. Keep up the fight, know that this wasn't your fault, & you have support here, sister.

Response by 1SG Dan Thorstad made Jul 27 at 2016 9:26 PM

2016-07-27T21:26:41-04:00

Mandy,
I suggest you visit with a Veterans Service Officer. They can walk you through the process. Documentation showing care after the incident is of great help, otherwise you need to show proof of location and provide a written statement. It's not easy, unfortunately, but is doable when you have help. Good luck, sorry this happened to you. Feel free to contact me for any assistance.

Response by PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster made Jul 27 at 2016 11:25 PM

2016-07-27T23:25:10-04:00

A CSM told me once that it is a shame to NOT ask for help. You are doing the right thing. Keep up with counselling, documenting everything and do not back down. Your RP family will have your back through it all.

When you want to talk about anything-NO matter what, we are here for ya. My shoulders maybe small, but they are here for ya

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 28 at 2016 12:35 AM

2016-07-28T00:35:36-04:00

Be persistent! Do your homework, keep copies, get/have on hand, sworn/notarized statements. Keep copies, seek payback/relief in some form!My prayers. CSM

Response by SGT Stacy Moody made Jul 28 at 2016 8:15 PM

2016-07-28T20:15:20-04:00

Hello there Mandy :)

It took me 22 years so I more than understand. Tell your story, be honest, tell how what happened has affected you and is still affecting you. Do not try to play down your emotions, if your pissed then BE pissed. Females in the,military from day 12 have to learn to suck it up and drive on, because if we complain something hurts, were just being a "girl".

So we have all learned to just handle it and move on, this is the one situation you have to handle and handle it some more, but you don't have to drive on until YOU are ready to, and you deserve as much help and support as YOU need to make it happen. Period, end of conversation.

I also work for the VA, don't hesitate to call me should you have questions or just need someone that speaks the same language :) Desk: [login to see] . (not till monday 1 Aug im on VACAY! ha~!)

Response by SGT Karen Scott made Jul 29 at 2016 1:28 AM

2016-07-29T01:28:49-04:00

Try to find a legal adviser to help first that knows how and what to do. It depends on where you are at. Ask DAV, VFW, and American Legion this question in your VA. Legal aid is supposed to be able to help! If you have to go through an evaluation that the VA hires to evaluate you like QTC go to counseling before appointment to help calm you down and have someone that care for you to go with you. Why, because it feels like you are being attacked all over again, it may trigger you like it did me and it will make you sick. At no time should you have to kiss up to anyone to advocate, to help you and do what is right! Please be careful some people likes to exploit mst person. I hope you get help. The VA only give so much counseling. So look for a good source for help if the VA mistreats you in any way. It does affect you medically and physically. I hope you get help soon.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 31 at 2016 1:12 PM

2016-07-31T13:12:02-04:00

SrA Mandy Snyder I think it is a very good move on your part. You need to be prepared for the long process when it comes to the VA.

I highly recomment that you reach out to Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM if you haven't already. She understands this process, the time involved, and what is to be expected!

Response by SSG Dennis Wood made Aug 25 at 2016 2:40 PM

2016-08-25T14:40:37-04:00

Stick to your guns, there is a lot of help that you are being denied right now without MST. I know that Congresswoman Tsongas has been fighting a lot for your particular issue. Contacting her office even if you are not in her district could point you at some valuable resources. https://tsongas.house.gov/military-sexual-trauma/

Congresswoman Niki Tsongas : Military Sexual Trauma

...

Response by PFC Meg Meyer made May 15 at 2019 10:42 PM

2019-05-15T22:42:55-04:00

Good luck... I'm in year four of my claim. They gave me 90% the first time through. Insult to injury. My case has a stack of documentation to back it up but they treat me like a liar and a joke. Thank Goddess for thr 90% or i would be dead or living under a bridge by now. Now for the first time in 30 years i at least have a stable roof over my head. Yay! I languish in poverty so at least i have someplace comfy if i off myself. They didn't care when it was happening and they still don't care now. Whoever "they" are. C&P examiners i guess.