For Your Benefit
For and about Hawaii's military
See also: In The Military
VA offers help for
victims of sexual traumaQ: I have heard a lot about sexual problems in the military. Just how committed is the VA to helping victims of sexual trauma?
A: Veterans who suffered personal assault or sexual trauma while on active military duty, including service at one of the military academies, may be eligible to receive VA disability compensation, counseling and other benefits from the VA. Sexual trauma can cause serious physical and mental problems for its victims.
Veterans who suffered personal assault, rape, domestic battering or stalking while on active duty may have lingering physical, emotional or psychological symptoms. VA has specially trained professionals to coordinate care and counseling. These health-care professionals are sensitive to the physical and psychological effects of sexual trauma or personal assault.
Disability compensation is a monthly payment to a veteran disabled by an injury or a disease incurred or aggravated during active service.
Post-traumatic stress disorder could be secondary to sexual trauma. PTSD is a recurrent emotional reaction to a terrifying, uncontrollable or life-threatening event. For further information, contact the Honolulu VA benefits and services at 433-1000.
Another option is to contact the Honolulu Vet Center located on Kapiolani Boulevard. Vet Centers are also located on Hawaii, Kauai, Maui and Guam. Contact 973-8387 for more information.
If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran,
call Fred Ballard at the Veterans Affairs at 433-0049
or visit the VA Web site at www.va.gov/hawaii
or the Star-Bulletin at 529-4747.Gregg K. Kakesako, who covers military affairs for the Star-Bulletin,
can be reached by phone at 294-4075
or by e-mail at gkakesako@starbulletin.com.