One of my top priorities is making sure that we are doing everything we can to help and support our men and women in uniform who were sexually assaulted during their service. Please check this page periodically for updates on Resources, Legislation, and Policy Updates.
Best, Chellie
"You and your office restored my faith that there are still people in our government who care about us who end up feeling lost in the system. Thank you for making me feel that I matter to our country."
--MST survivor
"I wanted to thank you again for your help with my VA claim. None of this would have been possible without you & my doctors. Thank you & your office from the depths of my soul. There are so many of us out there that need people like you helping people like us. You saved my life."
Has the VA denied your MST-related PTSD claim? Some of those cases are now eligible for review. To find out how to request a review, go to MST Denied Claim Review Process
Legislation and Policy
H.R. 1092, The Service Member and Veterans’ Empowerment and Support Act. Learn more.
For efforts to reform Question 21 on the Security Clearance Questionnaire, please go to Q21
In the Fiscal Year 2020 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill, Congresswoman Pingree prioritized preventing and addressing military sexual trauma. Provisions she fought for included:
Proper adjudication of military sexual trauma claims, including an investigation into discrepancies in VBA's process for reevaluating previously denied claims.
Inclusion of input from male MST survivors
Support of VA's relaxed evidentiary standard for those suffering from mental health disorders as a result of MST
A report on the VA's work to promote a harassment-free healthcare environment for staff, veterans, and visitors to VA health facilities
A requirement for the VA to release a plan on expanding access to military sexual trauma-related care at all VA health facilities
Funding for peer support programs for women veterans
