In California, from the 2011 California Women Veteran survey, A majority of women do not self-identify as veterans and thus have a higher rate of not utilizing their federal/state benefits or participating in veteran events/organizations In 2012-2013, women veterans comprised only 5% of the total customer population served by County Veteran Service Offices Nationwide, 2 out of 3 VA disability claims involving Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related to Military Sexual Trauma (MST) were rejected 32% of PTSD claims related to MST were approved compared to 54% PTSD claims approved overall Women generally given lower VA claim ratings (10-30%) than men (70-100%). There are higher rates of physical/mental health problems,MST, alcohol/drug abuse and Trauma: relationship difficulties among female veterans that can be linked to an overall increase in unemployment and high rate of homelessness for this population. In California, from the 2011 Women Veterans Survey, findings were: Approximately 1 in 5 reported MST % experienced sexual harassment % experienced sexual assault 44% lower enlisted personnel reported MST, 38% non-commissioned officers reported MST, and % officers reported MST Nationwide, MST has been found to be more traumatic and debilitating than sexual assaults and rapes in the civilian context MST is more likely to lead to PTSD than any other military or civilian traumatic event, including combat exposure 39% of homeless women veterans screened positive for MST Health Care In California, from the 2011 Women Veterans Survey, findings were: 46% self-reported a mental health condition; 37% diagnosed with a mental health condition when they returned from Iraq/Afghanistan 1/3 sought mental health services outside of the VA 71% used VHA or military healthcare, 57% felt they did not receive appropriate services (See Figures 1 and 2) % use civilian health care, % feel they do receive appropriate services More likely to have a service-connected disability than male veterans Nationwide, Higher percentage of female veterans use VA health care only Approx. 55% OEF/OIF/OND women eterans nationwide currently use the VA
In California, from the 2011 California Women Veteran survey, A majority of women do not self-identify as veterans and thus have a higher rate of not utilizing their federal/state benefits or participating in veteran events/organizations In 2012-2013, women veterans comprised only 5% of the total customer population served by County Veteran Service Offices Nationwide, 2 out of 3 VA disability claims involving Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related to Military Sexual Trauma (MST) were rejected 32% of PTSD claims related to MST were approved compared to 54% PTSD claims approved overall Women generally given lower VA claim ratings (10-30%) than men (70-100%). Trauma: There are higher rates of physical/mental health problems,MST, alcohol/drug abuse and relationship difficulties among female veterans that can be linked to an overall increase in unemployment and high rate of homelessness for this population. In California, from the 2011 Women Veterans Survey, findings were: Approximately 1 in 5 reported MST % experienced sexual harassment % experienced sexual assault 44% lower enlisted personnel reported MST, 38% non-commissioned officers reported MST, and % officers reported MST Nationwide, MST has been found to be more traumatic and debilitating than sexual assaults and rapes in the civilian context MST is more likely to lead to PTSD than any other military or civilian traumatic event, including combat exposure 39% of homeless women veterans screened positive for MST Health Care In California, from the 2011 Women Veterans Survey, findings were: 46% self-reported a mental health condition; 37% diagnosed with a mental health condition when they returned from Iraq/Afghanistan 1/3 sought mental health services outside of the VA 71% used VHA or military healthcare, 57% felt they did not receive appropriate services (See Figures 1 and 2) % use civilian health care, % feel they do receive appropriate services More likely to have a service-connected disability than male veterans Nationwide, Higher percentage of female veterans use VA health care only Approx. 55% OEF/OIF/OND women eterans nationwide currently use the VA
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