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Companion Toolkit

Military Sexual Trauma VA Claims

The Complete Guide to VA Disability Benefits for Military Sexual Trauma Survivors

Your Toolkit Includes

Editable guides, templates, trackers, and calculators designed to be used alongside the book. Each file mirrors a concept or chapter from the guide — download what you need, fill it in, and build your claim package at your own pace.

Military Sexual Trauma VA Claims

FWD Assist Publishing

Built by Joshua Christopherson. VA disability claims educator. Air Force and Air National Guard disabled veteran with hands-on VSO experience.

Get the one-page MST claims master checklist.

Free printable PDF that distills this toolkit into one page covering what matters most in this process.

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About This Topic

A comprehensive guide to VA disability claims based on military sexual trauma, written with sensitivity and precision. Covers the special evidentiary standards that apply to MST claims, how to document trauma without military records, the role of markers in the veteran's service record, and how to navigate the VA's MST coordinator network.

What the Book Covers

Key topics and takeaways from Military Sexual Trauma VA Claims:

The special evidentiary standards that apply to MST claims
How to document trauma when military records don't exist
How to work with MST coordinators and the VA's support network
How to file secondary conditions like PTSD and depression from MST

Who This Is For

  • Survivors of military sexual trauma seeking VA benefits
  • Veterans who need to file without traditional military records
  • Advocates and counselors supporting MST survivors
  • Anyone navigating the VA's MST-specific evidentiary standards

Download the Entire Toolkit

All 21 files in one zip · 0.2 MB

Download All (.zip)

Companion Toolkit

21 files for Military Sexual Trauma VA ClaimsOrganized by when you need them in the claims process.

Assessment & Preparation

4 files

MST Definition and 38CFR Reference Guide

Quick reference to the 38 CFR sections that govern your claim type

11 KB

Post Rating Benefits Calculator

Calculate additional benefits unlocked by your MST-related rating

9 KB

TDIU Eligibility Worksheet MST

Assess TDIU eligibility specifically for MST-related conditions

8 KB

VA Forms Quick Reference

Quick-reference guide to the VA forms used at each stage of a claim

11 KB

Evidence Building

9 files

Alternative Evidence Worksheet

Identify and organize alternative evidence when direct records are unavailable

9 KB

C&P Exam Preparation Guide

Step-by-step preparation guide for the C&P examination

11 KB

C&P Exam Symptom Summary Builder

Build a symptom summary sheet to hand your C&P examiner at the appointment

8 KB

C-File Request Guide Tracker

Request and track your VA C-File to verify what evidence VA already has

10 KB

Evidence Package Assembly Guide

Assemble the complete evidence package VA needs to rate your claim

11 KB

Medical Appointment Log

Track every medical appointment, provider, and what was discussed

11 KB

MST Support Services Navigator

Navigate VA and community support services available for MST survivors

10 KB

Nexus Letter Provider Briefing Kit

Brief your treating provider on what VA needs in a medical opinion

12 KB

Records Request Templates

Templates for requesting military and medical records for your claim

11 KB

Statements & Letters

2 files

Buddy Statement Builder

Guide a buddy through writing a lay statement that supports your claim

39 KB

Personal Statement Writing Guide

Guide to writing a personal statement that addresses VA's evidence needs

11 KB

Filing & Submission

1 file

MST Claims Master Checklist

Master checklist for filing an MST claim from evidence through decision

11 KB

Tracking & Monitoring

4 files

Claims Master Tracker

Track every claim, rating, effective date, and status in one master spreadsheet

11 KB

Claims Timeline Tracker

Track your claim through each stage from Intent to File to final decision

8 KB

Deadline Date Tracker

Log every VA deadline and window so nothing expires unnoticed

9 KB

Decision Letter Decoder

Break down a VA decision letter line by line to find errors and next steps

12 KB

Appeals & Reviews

1 file

Appeals Strategy Guide

Map your appeal options under the AMA and choose the right lane

11 KB

How to Use This Toolkit

Every file is yours to keep. The Word documents (.docx) are your guides, templates, and letter builders — open them, fill in your information, and use them with your claim. The spreadsheets (.xlsx) are your trackers and calculators — they include real formulas that do the math for you. Save them to your computer and update them as your situation changes.

Disclaimer: FWD Assist HQ and FWD Assist Publishing provide educational resources only. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice, medical advice, or accredited representation. Always consult with an accredited VA attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer for personalized guidance.