The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025 seeks to enhance health care and disability benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for individuals who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). It mandates a report on MST in the digital age, evaluating current VA policies for gaps in coverage related to online or technological communications and recommending revisions.

A key focus is on improving the processing of disability claims related to MST. The bill defines MST for compensation purposes and requires the VA to consider a diagnosis, a medical link between symptoms and MST, and credible corroborating evidence from non-military sources like law enforcement records, family statements, or documented behavioral changes. It also ensures that veterans are informed about acceptable evidence and have the opportunity to provide it, with all such claims reviewed by specialized teams.

To reduce re-traumatization, the bill allows veterans to choose a VA medical facility for MST-related medical examinations instead of a contractor location. It also establishes a workgroup to review VA correspondence for sensitivity and mandates that all written communications to MST survivors include contact information for MST coordinators, the Veterans Crisis Line, and Vet Centers.

The legislation requires the VA to conduct a study on the quality of training for personnel who review MST claims and the accuracy of claims processing procedures. Furthermore, it mandates annual special focus reviews of MST disability claims processing accuracy, with erroneous claims being reprocessed, until accuracy rates consistently reach 95 percent.

Access to health care is expanded by making all former members of the reserve components eligible for MST counseling and treatment, regardless of their duty status or line of duty determination. The VA must also proactively send information about available MST services and coordinators to veterans within 14 days of them submitting an MST-related disability claim. Finally, individuals who withdraw from service academies will receive information on VA MST care eligibility and access to relevant service records.