In This Section

This section contains the following topics:

Introduction

This topic contains information on developing claims for service connection (SC) for PTSD or other conditions based on personal trauma, including

• general information on personal trauma
• developing claims of SC based on in-service personal trauma
• assigning claim attributes to claims based on personal trauma
• MST claim processing requirements
• action to take when the Veteran alleges MST or other personal trauma but does not claim a disability, and
• soliciting or clarifying consent for automatic notifications to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in claims based on MST.

Change Date

December 16, 2024

VIII.iv.1.B.1.a.  General Information on Personal Trauma

Personal trauma, for the purpose of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation claims, refers broadly to stressor events (also referred to as “personal traumatic events”) involving harm perpetrated by a person who is not considered part of an enemy force.  

Examples:  Assault, battery, robbery, mugging, stalking, harassment.

Military sexual trauma (MST)  is a subset of personal trauma and refers to sexual harassment, sexual assault, or rape that occurs during military service.  

Notes: 

• MST and other types of personal trauma are events that may result in disability, but they are not disabilities in and of themselves. 
• Experiences of MST are not limited to a specific sex or background.
• The perpetrator of an MST or other personal traumatic event may or may not be affiliated with the military.
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly associated with MST and other types of personal trauma, and service connection (SC) for PTSD on this basis may be established under the provisions of 38 CFR 3.304(f)(5).  However, PTSD is not the only diagnosis that can result from personal traumatic events.

References:  For more information on

• the definition of MST, see 38 U.S.C. 1166(d)(2)
• handling claims based on MST without an associated claimed disability, see
  • M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.1.e, and
  • M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 1.C.2.d
• processing claims for PTSD based on personal trauma, see
  • M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.E
  • the PTSD Personal Assault Information site on the Compensation Service Intranet, and
  • 38 CFR 3.304(f)(5), and
• handling claims for SC for non-PTSD conditions based on an in-service personal traumatic event, see
  • M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.1.b and c
  • M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.2.a, and
  • M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.D.2.k.

VIII.iv.1.B.1.b.  Developing Claims of SC Based on In-Service Personal Trauma

When a Veteran claims SC for PTSD or other conditions based on in-service personal trauma, undertake development as necessary for credible evidence to support the occurrence of the personal traumatic event(s).  As discussed in M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.2.a, if the evidence of record is sufficient to establish the occurrence of the claimed in-service personal traumatic event(s), do not undertake any additional development for information about the traumatic event.

Because a personal traumatic event is an extremely personal and sensitive issue,

• many personal traumatic events are not officially reported
• the survivors of this type of in-service trauma may find it difficult to produce evidence to support the occurrence of the stressor, and
• it may be distressing for survivors of MST or other personal trauma to participate in the claims process. 

Important:  Identifying possible sources of evidence to support the claim may require asking the Veteran for information concerning the personal traumatic event(s).  Make this request as compassionately as possible in order to avoid causing further trauma.

Examples:  The following are examples of appropriate language to use when it is necessary to request additional information from the Veteran about a personal traumatic event:

• Please provide a general time frame in which the traumatic event occurred.
• Please provide the unit, base, or installation you were assigned to at the time the traumatic event occurred.

Notes:

• The development activity must work closely with the rating activity when developing claims based on personal trauma.
• The procedures identified throughout this section are intended to supplement the general procedures for development of PTSD claims provided in M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.A.
• Claims for non-PTSD diagnoses must be adjudicated under the general SC provisions of 38 CFR 3.303, which require sufficient documentary evidence of the in-service event.  The development procedures outlined in this section and in M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.A may be used in claims for non-PTSD diagnoses to obtain information to assist in establishing the claimed in-service personal traumatic event(s).

References:  For more information on

• applying the reasonable doubt rule, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 1.A.1.j
• negative evidence, see
  • Forshey v. Principi, 284 F.3d 1335 (Fed. Cir. 2002) (en banc), and
  • Maxson v. Gober, 230 F.3d 1330 (Fed. Cir. 2000), and
• absence of military documentation of a sexual assault, see
  • M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.E.1.c, and
  • AZ and AY v. Shinseki, 731 F.3d 1303 (Fed. Cir. 2013).

VIII.iv.1.B.1.c.  Assigning Claim Attributes to Claims Based on Personal Trauma

To facilitate tracking and proper routing of claims, claims processors must assign the appropriate claim attributes to claims based on personal trauma. 

Determine the nature of a Veteran’s claimed condition and personal traumatic event(s) and, using the table below, ensure one of the following special issues is assigned to the relevant contention(s).

Important:  The MST special issue indicator must be used for all MST-related claims, including claims to establish SC and claims for increased evaluation.  This will facilitate

• routing of these claims to the appropriate personnel for processing, and
• automatic notifications from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) about certain upcoming events during the claims process. 

Note:  If the MST special issue indicator has been assigned but, at any time during the claims process, it becomes clear that the Veteran’s claim is not based on an MST event, then

• remove the MST special issue indicator
• enter a permanent claim-level note in the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) documenting the reason the MST special issue indicator was removed, and
• ensure that the appropriate special issue indicator described above for a claim based on non-sexual personal trauma is added, if applicable.  

References:  For more information on

• special issues in VBMS, see
  • the VBMS Core User Guide
  • M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.F.2, and
  • M21-4, Appendix E, 2, and
• automatic notifications to VHA in claims related to MST, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.1.f.

VIII.iv.1.B.1.d.  MST Claim Processing Requirements

All development actions on claims involving MST must only be taken by an individual who  

• has completed the required MST training module(s)
• has been designated as an MST claims processor, and
• is assigned to a
  • specialized MST claims processing site, or
  • special mission station responsible for the claim due to other special circumstances.

Important:  To ensure accurate claims processing, the following checklist and worksheet are required for completion and uploading to the claims folder:

• Personal Trauma Development Checklist, and
• Personal Trauma Incident/Marker Worksheet.

Exception:  When processing an active duty Integrated Disability Evaluation System, Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD), or BDD-excluded claim based on personal trauma, to include MST, the above checklist and worksheet are not required.

Note:  Communication with the designated VBA MST Outreach Coordinator may be warranted, if applicable as described in M27-2, Part I, 2.08.

Reference:  For more information on the requirement that MST-related claims be worked by specialized claims processors, see 38 U.S.C. 1166.  

VIII.iv.1.B.1.e.  Action to Take When the Veteran Alleges MST or Other Personal Trauma but Does Not Claim a Disability

A claim is not substantially complete if a Veteran alleges experiencing MST during service but does not claim SC for a specific disability resulting from the traumatic experience.  In cases such as these, follow the procedures outlined in M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 1.C.2.d.

Note:  If a claim form indicates a non-sexual (non-MST) personal trauma without claiming SC for a specific disability as a result, follow the procedures in M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 1.C.2.b.

Important:  VA does not have a duty to assist until a substantially complete application is received, as provided in 38 CFR 3.159 and as discussed in M21-1, Part I, Subpart i, 1.A.3.c. 

Reference:  For more information on what constitutes a substantially complete application, see

• 38 CFR 3.159(a)(3), and
• M21-1, Part I, Subpart i, 1.A.4.f.

VIII.iv.1.B.1.f.  Soliciting or Clarifying Consent for Automatic Notifications to VHA in Claims Based on MST  

In compliance with Public Law 117-303, MST Claims Coordination Act, VBA will automatically notify VHA shortly before certain events in the claims process (including VA examinations and decision notifications) when a Veteran

• files an MST-related compensation claim
• is enrolled or registered with VHA, and
• consents to the automatic notification.  

The following VA forms give claimants the option to provide or decline consent, or revoke prior consent, for these automatic notifications:

• VA Form 21-0781, Statement in Support of Claimed Mental Health Disorder(s) Due to an In-Service Traumatic Event(s), and
• VA Form 20-0995, Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim.

When a substantially complete MST-related claim is received, follow the steps in the table below to review, solicit, and/or clarify the Veteran’s consent preference, as necessary.

Notes:

• If the Veteran does not return the Consent to VHA enclosure, no further action is necessary.  VBA is required to give Veterans who file MST-related compensation claims the option to consent to the automatic notifications, but the Veteran is not required to respond.  If the Veteran does not respond, the system will reflect that consent was not provided and VBA will not send the automatic notifications to VHA
• System functionality will automatically scan, process, and track the consent selection.  If the Veteran consents to the automatic notifications, system functionality will check the Veteran’s VHA enrollment/registration status.  This information will be automatically populated in the VHA COMM CONSENT and VHA ENROLLMENT fields on the VETERAN SUMMARY pane in VBMS, along with a corresponding VBMS note. 
• The actions VBA claims processors must take related to the automatic notifications are
  • soliciting or clarifying consent, if necessary as described above, and
  • ensuring the MST special issue indicator is appropriately applied. 

Important: 

• The MST special issue indicator must be applied as described in M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.1.c to properly drive the automatic notifications. 
• When the Veteran has selected a specific consent option, subsequent receipt of a form where the Veteran leaves the consent section blank does not change the prior consent selection.  Only a new consent selection or revocation of prior consent will change a previous consent selection.    

Introduction

This topic contains information on developing for stressors related to personal trauma, including

• sufficient evidence to document occurrence of a personal trauma stressor
• information needed regarding a personal trauma stressor
• procedure for reviewing for credible evidence of a personal trauma stressor
• development to identify the records custodian in claims based on personal trauma
• required information in MST claims development letters
• obtaining police reports in claims based on personal trauma, and
• personal trauma or MST stressors and the Military Records Research Center (MRRC).

Change Date

December 16, 2024

VIII.iv.1.B.2.a. Sufficient Evidence to Document Occurrence of a Personal Trauma Stressor

Prior to undertaking any initial or subsequent development for information to support the occurrence of the in-service personal traumatic event(s), thoroughly review the evidence of record for documentation sufficient to establish that the traumatic event occurred during a period of qualifying service. 

If any of the following are of record, or are obtained through development of the claim, then further stressor development is not needed:

• the original or a copy of a report or complaint regarding an MST event(s) filed with the Department of Defense (DoD) that
  • includes signatures from the applicable DoD officials at the time of filing, and
  • otherwise appears legitimate
• in-service records showing complaints or treatment related to the personal traumatic event(s), for example, clinical records showing mental health treatment or consultation in response to an assault (sexual or non-sexual)
• alternative sources of evidence that provide documentation of the personal traumatic event(s), for example, civilian police reports, rape crisis center records, or other private medical reports
• evidence showing PTSD was initially diagnosed during service, or
• other evidence, in either service records or alternative sources, that provides sufficient documentation to support a conclusion that the personal traumatic event(s) occurred.

Notes: 

• Alternative sources of evidence that are sufficient to document a personal traumatic event for VA compensation purposes include official records from Federal or non-Federal entities that show the Veteran experienced the event during a period of qualifying service and provide the place and circumstances of the event.
• If the claim is for a non-PTSD condition (mental or physical), sufficient documentation such as that described above can serve as evidence of the in-service event, and the claim must be considered under the general direct SC provisions of 38 CFR 3.303.
• When available service records or alternative sources of evidence do not contain sufficient documentary evidence to establish the occurrence of the personal traumatic event(s), 38 CFR 3.304(f)(5) provides a lowered evidentiary standard that may be used to support claims for SC for PTSD.  This more liberal approach allows VA to use evidence of behavioral changes (also referred to as “markers”) in combination with clinical review and interpretation of such evidence to concede a personal traumatic event, as discussed in M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.E.1.d and e.  These provisions related to clinical interpretation of behavioral changes, or markers, should only be applied when the
  • in-service personal traumatic event(s) cannot otherwise be established through sufficient documentary evidence of the event(s), and
  • claimed or diagnosed condition is PTSD. 

Important:  The development activity must work closely with the rating activity to determine if the evidence available in the particular case can be considered documentation sufficient to establish the occurrence of the personal traumatic event(s) or if additional stressor development is needed.  As noted in  M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.A.3.c, stressor concession is ultimately the rating activity’s responsibility.

Example 1:  The Veteran indicated experiencing a sexual assault and that civilian authorities investigated the assault.  A copy of the report from the civilian authorities is provided and it shows their office investigated an assault involving the Veteran and the Veteran’s domestic partner on April 15, 1990.  Review of the Veteran’s records shows this was during a period of active duty for training. 

Analysis:  The report from the civilian authorities is considered official documentation establishing that the Veteran experienced the personal traumatic event during a qualifying period of service.  This is sufficient evidence to support the occurrence of the in-service event, under either 38 CFR 3.304(f) for PTSD or 38 CFR 3.303 for other conditions, whichever is applicable to the claim.  Further stressor development is not needed, to the Veteran or any other source. 

Example 2:  In a lay statement provided in support of the Veteran’s claim, the Veteran’s mother indicates that she remembers the Veteran informing her of the experience of sexual harassment over the phone during a period of active duty.

Analysis:  The statement from the Veteran’s mother is not sufficient on its own to serve as

• credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred, as required by 38 CFR 3.304(f) for a claim of PTSD, o
• sufficient documentation of the in-service event for the purposes of determining SC under the general provisions of 38 CFR 3.303 for a non-PTSD claim.    

However, if the claim is for PTSD, the statement should be used to support the Veteran’s claim under the provisions of 38 CFR 3.304(f)(5), along with clinical interpretation of behavioral changes when deemed necessary. 

References:  For more information on

• the definition of qualifying service, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A.1.c
• DoD MST reports or complaints, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.3
• alternative sources of evidence of in-service personal trauma, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.E.1.c
• clinical interpretation of behavioral changes as markers of personal trauma, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.E.1.e
• PTSD initially diagnosed during service, see
  • 38 CFR 3.304(f)(1)
  • M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.A.3.b, and
  • M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.D.1.d and e
• the definition of competent lay evidence, see 38 CFR 3.159(a)(2)
• acceptable lay evidence, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 1.B.2.a, and
• when to use lay evidence, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii.1.B.2.b.   

VIII.iv.1.B.2.b. Information Needed Regarding a Personal Trauma Stressor

In claims based on personal trauma, the following information is generally needed to establish the occurrence of the in-service personal traumatic event(s) or to allow for further research or development to establish the claimed stressor:

• statement(s) or other evidence from the Veteran that identifies the type of traumatic event(s) claimed (MST or non-sexual personal trauma)
• a brief description of the traumatic event(s) (for example, mugged or sexually assaulted)
• location of the traumatic event(s) and/or Veteran’s unit of assignment at the time, and
• approximate date(s) of the traumatic event(s).

Important: 

• Do not request completion of VA Form 21-0781 or otherwise develop further to the Veteran for the details described above if sufficient information is available in the evidence of record. 
• Personal traumatic events can be researched based on information found in
  • VA Form 21-0781
  • lay statements
  • military records, or
  • medical records or statements made to an examiner.

Notes:

• Regarding the location and/or unit assignment at the time of the personal traumatic event(s), information should be sufficient to identify the potential base or installation where the Veteran was assigned at the time of the event.  This is particularly important when the Veteran filed a report of the event and development for the report is necessary.
• Exact dates are not needed and there is no minimum time frame that must be provided for personal trauma stressors.  It is only necessary that there be enough information to allow for
  • research or development to establish the occurrence of the personal traumatic event(s), or
  • identification of markers or behavioral changes around the time of, and after, the event, if the evidence is otherwise insufficient to establish the claimed in-service personal traumatic event(s).

VIII.iv.1.B.2.c.  Procedure for Reviewing for Credible Evidence of a Personal Trauma Stressor

The Secretary has undertaken a special obligation to assist a claimant in producing corroborating evidence of an in-service stressor in claims based on personal trauma per Patton v. West, 12 Vet. App. 272 (1999).  In view of this special obligation, it is critical to

• make all required efforts to obtain evidence of personal trauma, and
• consider all available evidence bearing on the question of whether the personal traumatic event(s) occurred.

Follow the steps in the table below to determine if there is credible supporting evidence of a personal trauma stressor.

VIII.iv.1.B.2.d. Development to Identify the Records Custodian in Claims Based on Personal Trauma

When the Veteran indicates a personal traumatic event was reported or a complaint was made, or that an investigation was conducted, development may be needed to identify the appropriate records custodian.  VA has a duty to assist in

• obtaining information from the Veteran to identify the custodian of the indicated records, and
• attempting to obtain the records from the identified custodian by following the applicable procedures for requesting Federal or non-Federal records.

Important:  If the claim is based on MST and the Veteran indicates a report or complaint was filed with a military or DoD entity, follow applicable procedures in M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.3.d and e.

Notes:

• When requesting additional information, the development activity should
  • use appropriate VBMS development paragraphs, as applicable to the particular facts of the claim, and
  • attempt and document e-mail and/or telephone development, as warranted, to adequately identify the records custodian and ascertain appropriate procedures for requesting records from the identified custodian.
• If a records custodian provides a response that records have been transferred to or are available from a different entity, claims processors must request the records from the newly identified records custodian.
• Development to the Veteran for further information and/or records should be ceased when the
  • requested information or records have been received
  • appropriate suspense date for the request has expired
  • Veteran has responded that they do not have or remember the information requested, and/or
  • Veteran fails to
    • respond to a request for information, or
    • adequately identify a Federal or non-Federal entity that may have supporting evidence.

References:  For more information on

• VA’s duty to assist in obtaining relevant
  • Federal records, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.C.1, and
  • non-Federal or private records, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.C.2
• claimant cooperation with the duty to assist in obtaining Federal records, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.C.1.e
• adequate identification of private records, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.C.2.c
• claims development by e-mail, telephone, and electronic means, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.D.1.d
• alternative sources of evidence of in-service personal trauma, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.E.1.c, and
• obtaining police reports in claims based on personal trauma, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.2.f.

VIII.iv.1.B.2.e.  Required Information in MST Claims Development Letters

When writing a letter to obtain information from the Veteran regarding a claim based on MST, ensure the development letter includes the MST – Important Information VBMS development paragraph.

Note:  The MST – Important Information paragraph informs Veterans of different sources of support they may access during or after the claims process, including the availability of free treatment for mental and physical health conditions related to experiences of MST. 

Important:  Letters and VBMS development paragraphs used to solicit details concerning a combat-related stressful event are inappropriate for claims based on personal trauma.

VIII.iv.1.B.2.f.  Obtaining Police Reports in Claims Based on Personal Trauma

In certain cases, the Veteran may identify a police or other law enforcement report(s) as a relevant alternative source of evidence.  If the report is not already part of the available military or other records, obtain the report(s), as appropriate, from

• military police
• shore patrol
• a provost marshal’s office, or
• other military or civilian law enforcement offices. 

Notes:  

• Requests may be submitted via phone, fax, e-mail, or written correspondence, as long as the request is properly documented in the claims folder.
• If evidence is requested from a Federal entity and a negative response is received or the Federal entity fails to respond, notify the claimant of the unavailability of these Federal records by sending a final notification letter, as discussed in M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.A.1.g.

Reference:  For more information on alternative sources of evidence, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.E.1.c.

VIII.iv.1.B.2.g. Personal Trauma or MST Stressors and the MRRC

Provided all applicable developmental efforts described in this topic have been undertaken, the regional office (RO) Research Coordinator need not routinely be involved in the development of claims based on personal trauma or MST.  However, when the circumstances of the described event are of a nature that would otherwise warrant Military Records Research Center (MRRC) research, the claim should be referred to the RO Research Coordinator for review of the evidence and possible request for verification of the stressor, per M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.A.4.b and c.

Reference:  For more information on when to refer a claim to an RO Research Coordinator, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.A.3.q.

Introduction

This topic contains information on DoD reports regarding MST events, including

• DoD offices responsible for handling MST reports and complaints
• DoD’s reporting procedures following MST events involving
  • sexual assault and sexual abuse, and
  • sexual harassment, and
• developing to
  • the Veteran for DoD MST reports, and
  • DoD in claims based on MST.

Change Date

December 16, 2024

VIII.iv.1.B.3.a. DoD Offices Responsible for Handling MST Reports and Complaints

DoD has three offices responsible for policy related to sexual assault, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment.  Each branch of service may execute policy requirements differently, making standardization across all types of sexual trauma challenging.

The table below describes the types of cases each office handles.

VIII.iv.1.B.3.b.  DoD’s Reporting Procedures Following MST Events Involving Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse

DoD offers two reporting options for MST events involving sexual assault and sexual abuse, restricted and unrestricted. 

Restricted reporting allows a service member to confidentially file a formal report and receive medical care and supportive services, without notifying command or law enforcement or initiating the investigative process.

Unrestricted reporting allows a service member to file a formal report and receive medical care and supportive services, with notification to command and law enforcement, which will initiate the investigative process.

Following an MST event involving sexual assault, a service member may elect one of these reporting options by completing DD Form 2910, Victim Reporting Preference Statement.

Following an MST event involving intimate partner sexual abuse, a service member may elect either the restricted or unrestricted reporting option by completing DD Form 2967, Domestic Abuse Reporting Option Statement.  

The service member may also elect an optional sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE), which is performed by a health care provider and is documented on DD Form 2911, Forensic Medical Report: Sexual Assault Examination.

• DD Form 2911 also allows the service member to elect one of the two reporting options. 
• DoD may not provide VA with a copy of DD Form 2911 itself, but DoD may provide treatment records equivalent to the SAFE instead.  If such records are received documenting the MST event, no further development to DoD or the Veteran is necessary.

Note:  DoD may have used other forms prior to the issuance of DD Form 2910.  For example, the Department of the Navy used the form NAVPERS 1752/1, Sexual Assault Incident Data Collection Report.

References:  For more information on

• developing to the Veteran for a DoD MST report, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.3.d, and
• requesting an MST report from DoD, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.3.e.

VIII.iv.1.B.3.c.  DoD’s Reporting Procedures Following MST Events Involving Sexual Harassment

For service members who experienced sexual harassment during service, DoD does not offer the MST restricted and unrestricted reporting options described above.  However, DoD’s MEO/Army SHARP Program provides three complaint options and one reporting option.

The table below describes the complaint and reporting options provided to service members who experience sexual harassment.

Notes: 

• Each branch of service has different forms and documentation processes for sexual harassment cases, which vary depending on the type of complaint or report made by the service member.
• If the Veteran’s claimed personal traumatic event is based on sexual harassment, follow applicable procedures in M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.3.d and e to develop for the report or complaint, as necessary.  However, the specific means of development to DoD for a sexual harassment report or complaint may vary depending on the branch of service and/or the office where the report or complaint was filed.  Telephone contact with the base or other duty location and/or the applicable MEO/SHARP office may be necessary to determine the appropriate method for requesting these records. 

VIII.iv.1.B.3.d. Developing to the Veteran for DoD MST Reports

Use the table below to determine what development is needed to the Veteran for DoD MST reports or complaints.

Exception:  If sufficient evidence to establish the occurrence of the in-service MST event(s) is already of record, do not undertake any of the development actions described in the table below. 

Note: Prior to developing to the Veteran or DoD for an in-service MST report, MST claims processors should access the DSAID Lookup Tool to determine if data is found for an MST report.  If data is found, further development to establish the occurrence of an in-service MST event is not necessary.

Important:  If the Veteran, in response to a subsequent development letter sent as described in the table above,

• submits a completed VA Form 21-4142 for a restricted MST report filed with DoD, follow the procedures in M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.3.e, or
• fails to respond to the letter or provides a copy of the report or other information sufficient to establish occurrence of the in-service MST event(s), further development is not necessary to either DoD or the Veteran for an MST report or complaint. 

References:  For more information on

• sufficient evidence to establish the occurrence of an in-service personal traumatic event, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.2.a, and
• the DSAID Lookup Tool, see the DSAID Lookup Tool SOP.

VIII.iv.1.B.3.e.  Developing to DoD in Claims Based on MST

Initiate development to DoD

• when the Veteran indicates the MST report was unrestricted, or
• upon receipt of VA Form 21-4142 for a restricted MST report filed with DoD.

Follow the steps in the table below when requesting an MST report from DoD.

Exceptions:  Do not develop to DoD for an MST report if the

• DSAID Lookup Tool provides data
• Veteran submitted the original or a copy of the report or complaint tha
  • includes signatures from the applicable DoD officials at the time of filing, and
  • otherwise appears legitimate
• Veteran identified an entity outside of DoD as the custodian of the record, or
• evidence otherwise establishes the occurrence of the in-service MST event(s).