(Washington, D.C.) – “Vietnam Veterans of America strongly supports and urges timely action on H.R.2576 and S. 1245, The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025, proposed legislation currently under consideration in both the House and Senate, which takes meaningful steps to improve care and support for Military Sexual Trauma survivors,” said Tom Burke, VVA National President.
MST remains a critical challenge affecting both active servicemembers and veterans. National data from a VA screening program in 2025 reveal that about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men respond ‘yes,’ that they have experienced MST, when screened by their VA provider. Survivors can experience severe and lasting health consequences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, homelessness, and too often, suicide.
These long-term impacts can easily prevent veterans from transitioning successfully to civilian life, strain family stability, and erode trust in the very institutions meant to support them. Many veterans delay or avoid care altogether because reporting MST can be traumatic, stigmatizing, or complicated by the military power structure and frequent retaliatory measures within the chain of command. As a result, too many struggle alone, sometimes for decades.
“This legislation is essential to improving care and benefits for survivors of MST, a population whose needs are too often overlooked, misunderstood, and underserved. By clarifying the definition of MST, expanding eligibility for VA healthcare and benefits, and strengthening claims communication and outreach, this legislation will enable earlier access to treatment and a claims process that is more survivor-centered, leading to increased prevention of mental health crises and reduction of long-term disabilities,” Burke said.
“VVA has vigorously advocated for the proper recognition and treatment of MST for decades,” Burke noted. “MST survivors deserve timely access to the benefits and treatment they have earned. We ask all to voice their support for S. 1245 to their US Senators and H.R. 2576 to their US Representatives, and we exhort the members of Congress to return to work and prioritize this legislation.”
