Date of Conferral

4-24-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Counselor Education and Supervision

Advisor

Nicole Hamilton

Abstract

Military sexual trauma (MST)—sexual harassment or assault during military service—is more common among women and is a leading cause of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans Affairs (VA) disability for MST-related PTSD offers financial support, free healthcare, and validation, but women face barriers and uneven access to supports (veteran service organizations, trained advocates, trauma-informed clinicians), reducing their chances of favorable decisions. In this generic qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 purposively sampled women veterans representing diverse service eras, branches, and adjudication outcomes. Analysis was guided by feminist theory to shift focus from individual blame to structural factors, including how institutional practices, gendered norms, and power dynamics influence who is believed and how claims are adjudicated. Six themes emerged: military challenges, coping mechanisms, MST treatment, gender differences in treatment, the VA benefits process, and opportunities to improve application processes revealed that substantial procedural and interpersonal barriers can retraumatize claimants. Recommended reforms include trauma-informed training for VA staff and clinicians, standardized alternative evidentiary pathways when records are lacking, expanded claimant assistance and targeted outreach for marginalized veterans, clearer communication and faster processing, and stronger accountability within military and VA systems. Future research should assess interventions that streamline claims, promote equity and healing, minimize re-traumatization, and measure long-term health and well-being outcomes for MST survivors.

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