Questions you may have about VA’s Trauma Counseling Programs

The Aftereffects of Sexual Trauma

Healthcare for Women Veterans

Benefits and Services for Women Veterans

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Introduction

A number of veterans, both male and female, may have experienced a sexual trauma or a personal assault while they served on active military duty. While some veterans sought counseling and treatment for the aftereffects of the trauma, many have never discussed the incident or their medical or psychological condition with anyone. These victims are very uncomfortable talking about the incident and wonder if they should try to express their feelings, or if it would even matter. Yet, these women and men know that they have "not felt the same" since the trauma occurred.

Unfortunately, this is a common reaction to an incident of sexual trauma or personal assault. Many of these incidents are not reported. In fact, only 16% of rapes that occur in this country are ever officially reported. There are reasons for the silence: many of the victims base their reactions on socially accepted misconceptions about those who have experienced sexual trauma. Nearly one-third of all trauma victims develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during their lifetime. Physical problems and a general feeling of "not being well" often accompany PTSD symptoms.

 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare professionals are sensitive to the aftereffects of an experience of sexual trauma or personal assault and the impact it can have on a person's physical and emotional health. Our clinicians understand the feelings of fear, anxiety, shame, anger and embarrassment that victims of a sexual trauma can experience when they try to discuss the incident and their current physical and mental health. VA healthcare professionals can help veterans to better cope with the aftereffects of a trauma experience and help veterans regain their confidence, self-esteem, and hopefully improve their quality of life. VA provides eligible veterans confidential, priority counseling and treatment for the aftereffects of a sexual trauma or personal assault.

In addition to trauma counseling, related healthcare services are also available at VA medical facilities. It is important to know that sexual trauma-counseling can be provided regardless if the veteran ever reported the incident. There is no requirement for the victim of a sexual trauma to have reported the incident when it occurred or at any time during military service

The Veterans Health Programs Act of 1992

The passage of Public Law 102-585 in 1992 authorized VA to include outreach and counseling services for women veterans who experienced incidents of sexual trauma while they served on active duty in the military. Public Law 103-452 later amended this Law. This new Law authorized VA to provide counseling to men as well as women. 

This Law defines a sexual trauma as sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape and other acts of violence. It further defines sexual harassment as repeated unsolicited, verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature, which is threatening in nature.

Questions you may have about VA's Sexual Trauma Counseling Program

How long does current legislation give VA authority to provide counseling and treatment for sexual trauma? 

VA has been authorized legislative authority to provide counseling and treatment for sexual trauma through December 31, 2004. 

Is a veteran eligible to receive care for sexual trauma, even though the incident was never reported? 

Yes, to be eligible to receive counseling and treatment for sexual trauma from VA, there is no requirement that a woman veteran must have reported the sexual trauma when it occurred or at any time during her active military service. Where can a woman veteran receive care or more information regarding the VA sexual trauma services? A woman veteran seeking counseling and treatment for sexual trauma may contact the Women Veterans' Coordinator at the nearest VA regional office, medical center or vet center. The telephone number for the medical center or vet center can be found in the telephone directory under "U.S. Government" listings. Veterans may also call the VA national toll free information and assistance number, 1-800-827-1000 for up-to-date information about VA sexual trauma programs and services and other benefits that may be available both from VA and the local communities.

What is VA disability compensation and who is eligible for this benefit? 

Veterans who become disabled by injury or disease that was incurred in or aggravated by active military service during wartime or peacetime, and were discharged or separated under other than dishonorable conditions, may be eligible for monthly payments from VA. The amount of these payments, called disability compensation, is based on the degree of disability. Disabilities are rated from zero, or non compensable, to 100 percent disabling, in increments of 10 percent. If there are two or more disabilities, the individual percentages of each are used to determine a combined disability evaluation. Generally, Compensation is not payable for disabilities evaluated at the less than 10%.

Can a veteran who experienced a sexual trauma while serving on active duty qualify for disability compensation? 

VA may pay compensation to a woman veteran for disabilities incurred in or aggravated by military service, including disabilities or injuries resulting from sexual trauma. Veterans who experienced a sexual trauma while serving in the military can obtain assistance from their local VA regional office for filing a disability claim. Information may also be obtained by calling 1-800-827-1000. A Women Veterans' Coordinator is available at each regional office to assist women veterans in obtaining information about accessing VA benefits and services.

Does a veteran who experienced sexual trauma while serving on active duty automatically qualify for VA disability compensation? 

No. As indicated above, payment of compensation is based on the severity of the service-connected disability or disabilities. VA must first determine if there are current disabilities related to military service. If disabilities are deemed service related, VA then evaluates the degree of disability that determines the amount of compensation payable. Once again, compensation is not payable for a less than 10 percent evaluation. A woman who has experienced sexual trauma may or may not have a residual disability that can be considered as service-connected. Each case is reviewed and a decision made based on the specific circumstances of the claimed disability. More information about the entitlement criteria for disability compensation can be obtained by calling the local VA regional office at 1-800-827-1000.

Does sexual trauma have an impact on the mental and physical health of the victim? 

Having been a victim of rape appears to significantly impact on the overall health of the victim. According to the 1988 report, "Rape in America," nearly one-third (31%) of all rape victims develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) sometime during their lifetime. Additionally, researchers are beginning to notice a relationship between PTSD symptoms and an increase in physical health problems and reports of "not feeling well." What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a recurrent emotional reaction to a terrifying, uncontrollable, or life-threatening event. The symptoms frequently develop after a person's sense of safety and security is violated. Individuals with PTSD experience a variety of symptoms that often impede their daily lives. These may include sleep disturbances, nightmares, emotional instability, feelings of fear and anxiety around seemingly non-threatening situations, impaired concentration, and increased stress or problems in intimate and other interpersonal relationships. These reactions are common after a trauma and are pat of the initial adjustment process.

If you have never discussed your trauma with anyone and you are very frightened about talking about it now, and even wonder if you can. What can you do about this fear? 

Unfortunately, this is a very common fear of women who have experienced sexual trauma. In fact, it is estimated that only sixteen (16) percent of the rapes that occur in this country are ever officially reported. Many of the reasons for this silence are based on society's stereotypes of women who have experienced sexual trauma. It is important to remember that health care professionals have become increasingly sensitized to the experience of sexual trauma and the impact it can have on the victim. As a result, they are more able to respond to the fears and anxieties that the victim may be experiencing. They will also understand the difficulty in discussing these reactions with another person and will be able to help the victims express themselves in a way that is most comfortable.

The Aftereffects of Sexual Trauma

Many veterans, who experienced an incident of sexual or personal trauma as a result of assault or harassment while they served on active military, have had no professional counseling and have never discussed it with anyone. The victims are embarrassed and have legitimate concerns about confidentiality. They may experience re-traumatization and have uncomfortable and frightening feelings when they recall the incident. Victims may have strong misgivings about the need or purpose for talking about the incident so long after it actually occurred. VA counselors know that people, who have been traumatized, can be successfully treated and that it is important to the overall health of the victim to talk though these upsetting and terrifying experiences. 

The Psychological aftereffects of a sexual trauma can include: 

• avoidance of places or objects which recall memories of the traumatic incident,                                
• feelings that something is missing or not right,                                
• depression, alcohol and substance abuse,                               
• suicidal thoughts                               
• recurring and intrusive thoughts and dreams about the trauma incident,                                
• non specific health problems, and                               
• relationship problems.

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 Healthcare for Women Veterans

Women veterans are eligible for the same VA benefits as male veterans. VA is required to provide appropriate and timely medical care to any eligible woman veteran. In addition to routine medical care, each VA medical facility provides women veterans the following:

• complete physical exams that include breast and pelvic examinations,                               
• gynecology services, and                               
• referral for necessary services that may not be available at that facility.

VA medical centers have made structural changes and renovated areas to assure privacy for women veterans. Women veterans’ coordinators are available at each VA medical center and regional office to counsel and assist women veterans in applying for VA benefits and services. 

 Benefits & Services for Women Veterans

As a veteran, you may be entitled to one or more of the following benefits. Contact your local VA regional office, medical center or vet center for more information.

• Disability Compensation for service related disabilities                                 
• Disability Pension for non service related disabilities                                 
• Education Assistance Programs                                  
• Work-Study Allowance                                   
• Vocational Rehabilitation & Counseling                                  
• Insurance                                  
• Home Loan Benefits                                  
• Medical Inpatient and Outpatient care                                  
• Substance Abuse treatment and counseling                                  
• Sexual Trauma and Assault Counseling                                  
• Nursing Home care                                  
• Burial Benefits                                  
• Burial in a VA National Cemetery                                  
• Employment Assistance                                  
• Survivors’ Benefit Programs

Call Toll Free at 1-800-827-1000

Addresses and phone numbers for VA benefits offices and health care facilities in your local community can be found at: The VA Facility and Leadership Directory 

Do you have a specific concern or comment about VA programs and services for women veterans?  Contact VA Women Veteran Program Officials.

Remember, most VA facilities have a Women Veterans Coordinator to assist you in applying for VA benefit programs and health care services.  Contact your local Coordinator today.