After a childhood of sexual abuse by my adoptive parents, I joined the Army at 19. I was raped while stationed in Germany and had several severe MST experiences that are now the subject of Facebook conversations of the male medics I served with.

I also have a tough time going to the VA. I am outnumbered by men and I feel some VA employees are demeaning toward women. I am treated as if I should be subservient or tough it out like a soldier, to endure the anxiety and trauma of going to the VA. I shouldn’t have to endure that in order to get regular medical care.

The veteran’s agencies and VA doctors treat me as if the benefits I qualify for are a free handout. No one regards these benefits in the same way they were presented when I enlisted. I received a paltry wage in exchange for these employee benefits. Now that I need medical care, the VA does not have a facility that is sensitive to my emergent medical needs.