Ruth Moore Act of 2013

Great Seal of the United States (obverse)

Ruth Moore Act of 2013

The Ruth Moore Act of 2013 was a significant piece of legislation proposed in the United States Congress aimed at making it easier for veterans to receive Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for disabilities resulting from military sexual trauma (MST). Named after Ruth Moore, a Navy veteran who was a victim of rape by a superior officer and faced a prolonged battle to have her resulting health conditions recognized by the VA, the act sought to address the challenges many veterans face when proving their MST-related claims.

Background

Military sexual trauma is a pervasive issue within the armed forces, encompassing any form of sexual harassment or assault experienced by a member of the military. Victims of MST often suffer from long-term psychological and physical conditions, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, which can significantly impair their ability to lead normal lives after their service. However, obtaining VA benefits for these conditions has historically been difficult, requiring veterans to provide substantial evidence that the incidents occurred during their service.

Provisions

The Ruth Moore Act sought to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to ease the burden of proof on veterans claiming VA benefits for conditions related to MST. Specifically, the act proposed that a veteran's testimony alone, provided it is deemed credible, could be sufficient evidence to establish that an MST-related condition is service-connected. This change aimed to align the evidentiary standards for MST claims with those for combat-related PTSD claims, for which corroboration of the stressor is not always required if the claim is found to be plausible.

Impact

While the Ruth Moore Act of 2013 itself did not become law, its introduction and the attention it brought to the issue of MST in the military had a significant impact. It contributed to increased awareness and subsequent policy changes within the VA to improve the claims process for MST survivors. The VA has since made efforts to train and designate specific personnel to handle MST claims more sensitively and effectively, although challenges remain in ensuring all veterans who suffer from MST-related conditions receive the support and benefits they deserve.

Legacy

The Ruth Moore Act of 2013 stands as a testament to the ongoing struggle to address and rectify the injustices faced by survivors of military sexual trauma. It highlights the need for continued advocacy and legislative action to support veterans affected by MST and ensure they receive the recognition and benefits they have earned through their service. Ruth Moore's bravery in sharing her story has inspired many others to come forward, contributing to a growing movement to confront and eliminate sexual violence within the military.