The fight for gender-confirmation surgery for transgender veterans has reached a new level as an advocacy group takes legal action against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While the VA covers many transition-related services, such as hormone therapy and voice training, it does not currently provide coverage for gender-affirming surgery. This exclusion has prompted the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA) to file a lawsuit demanding that the VA respond to its 2016 petition for a policy change.
The Struggle for Inclusive Healthcare
For almost eight years, the VA has remained silent on TAVA’s petition, despite its officials promising a policy change. This neglect has left transgender veterans feeling frustrated and desperate for access to the care they need. Many of them suffer from persistent gender dysphoria, which can lead to severe emotional distress and even thoughts of suicide.
TAVA President Rebekka Eshler expressed her frustration, stating, “Enough is enough. How can I keep saying, ‘Just be patient’ when these veterans are reaching out because they’re at death’s door? This is about building trust back with the VA. They keep using us for political gain but not keeping their word and keeping their promise.”
The Lawsuit and Its Goals
In an effort to compel the VA to respond to its petition, TAVA has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C. The organization hopes that legal action will force the VA to address the 2016 petition promptly. By taking this step, TAVA aims to ensure that transgender veterans can access the gender-affirming care they desperately need.
The lawsuit asserts that the VA’s failure to provide gender-confirmation surgery puts transgender veterans at a higher risk of physical harm, psychological distress, and suicide. TAVA highlights the importance of these surgeries as an essential treatment for gender dysphoria, referencing studies that show significant reductions in psychological distress and suicidal ideation among transgender individuals who have undergone gender-affirming surgery.
The Impact on Veterans’ Lives
The consequences of the VA’s exclusionary policy are dire. Natalie Kastner, a veteran who served as an Army combat engineer, experienced intense gender dysphoria after starting hormone therapy. Despite expressing her need for an orchiectomy, Kastner was informed that gender-affirming surgery is not covered under VA benefits. In a moment of desperation, she attempted to perform the surgery herself, resulting in a life-threatening situation.
Transgender individuals are significantly more likely to serve in the military, and currently, there are around 10,000 trans veterans receiving transition-related care through the VA. TAVA argues that the exclusion of gender-confirmation surgery puts these veterans at an increased risk of physical and psychological harm. The group believes that it is crucial for the VA to acknowledge the importance of these surgeries in saving lives.
The Road Ahead
If the VA rejects TAVA’s petition, the advocacy group vows to persist in fighting for change. However, if the VA agrees to begin the formal rulemaking process, it could take approximately two years, including a public comment period, before a final rule is published. For now, TAVA’s lawsuit remains a crucial step in ensuring that transgender veterans receive the healthcare they deserve.
To learn more about the lawsuit and its impact, visit F5mag.com.
Source: Transgender veterans sue the VA for gender-affirming surgery