Maine native Ruth Moore had to fight for 23 years to get Veterans Affairs compensation for disabilities caused by being raped while she was in the Navy. Democratic U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine’s 1st District sponsored legislation named for Moore that has been included in a broader measure dealing with the Veterans Administration.
“It’s an important step in making sure the VA follows through on its promises to fairly treat our veterans,” she says. “Almost every day I hear from another veteran who is the survivor of military sexual trauma.”
Pingree says those assaults in the military can cause serious, long-term problems for the victims. She says while the VA has made some progress, far more needs to be done to help those victims of military sexual assault.
“Those assaults leave an indelible mark on lives in the form of PTSD, anxiety, depression, so many other conditions. But despite some progress at the VA on their claims, too many are denied the disability benefits they have earned,” she says.
