I don't want to post this as "News" because the press conference is very long and covers a wide variety of issues,(budgeting, personnel, etc.), most of which are irrelevant here. But it is important information about where we currently stand. I am also adding some background info for context for Vets who may not be aware of what has been happening on this issue. I will post a link at the bottom for those who want to watch the entire video or read the transcript themselves.
The part I want to share is specifically addressing the VA's policy on Gender Affirming Surgery. First off, the VA does not cover that. A little background:
In 2016, a petition was filed asking the VA to change this policy as it discriminates against transgender veterans and
only transgender veterans by denying Gender Affirming Surgery. The VA reviewed the complaint and agreed. The VA promised to change its policy, but to do so requires changing the Federal Regulation in Title 17 which excludes "gender alterations" from the medical benefits package.
In 2018 the VA proposed the change and opened it for Public Comment.
In 2021, VA Director Donough stated that they are in the process of changing the policy but it would take about two years to implement. They need to hire and train staff, etc.
After two years (2023) nothing has happened except a lot of training so that VA employees are more accepting of various gender identities, not just transgender.
In January 2024, TAVA (Transgender American Veterans Association) filed a lawsuit against the VA accusing them of stalling and requested the federal court order them to change the regulation immediately.
That brings us to February 26, 2024, and the press conference with the VA Secretary.
Source: Veterans Administration Press Room
VA Secretary press conference, Monday, February 26, 2024,
Published online: February 26, 2024, 10:30 amEXCERPTS Below: (Click Link at end of this posting to read entire article) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Leo Shane, from Military Times, mentioned that the VA Secretary had signed a memo in response to the Transgender American Veterans Association petition regarding gender confirmation surgeries. The Secretary said in the memo at the time that he wanted further study to know the number that might be involved. This was announced in the summer of 2021. Mr. Shane asked, at this point what information is the VA still looking for. "Is this just a way to keep pushing this into the future and not making a final decision?"
Denis McDonough (VA Secretary) responded that transgender Vets deserve world-class gender-affirming care and that it should be available to any Vet who needs it. He said that although the VA remains committed to providing care to transgender Vets, it is not ready at this point to initiate rulemaking addressing the specific regulatory changes proposed in the petition.
He has asked the Veterans Health Administration to produce estimates and collect data concerning the population of Veterans who will become newly eligible for hospital care under recent major expansions of VA care. He stated that the PACT Act was just signed by the President in 2022 and that expands VA healthcare coverage, including trans veterans. They will continue the current policy while they collect data for further analysis.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The entire press conference can be found here:
Click Link--> VA Secretary Press Conference Feb 26, 2024
