Phoenix area or Arizona VA

[Robbyv213]

Has anyone used any of the VA locations in az? More specifically in the Phoenix area or surrounding areas of Phoenix? I'd like to know if anyone has used any of the locations here, what their experiences has been so far, and if there is a facility or doctor(s) that are better than others.

So in my past I have moved a lot from CA to MD to PA, now I'm here in Az. And I have yet to register here for az VA health care. I know I have been putting it off and being lazy about it. I do not foresee any reason that would make me be not eligible. I do have a service connected disability rating of 100% PNT. I don't know if my rating will affect the care and treatment I will receive.

Also does anyone know if receiving transitional care if it affects your disability benefits, if so how does it affect them, or can your rating affect your eligibility for care or level of care?

I am very ignorant of the VA and I typically try to not ever use them if at all possible. I have not had the best service with the VA, and id most likely pay out of pocket for care then to deal with the VA at all. That being said of it can cover prescriptions and blood work etc then I'm thinking maybe it's worth trying to look into it.

Does any one know if I am seeing a therapist already if thr VA will use my private therapists diagnosis? Or will I have to go through the va for more therapy and diagnosis from a VA therapist to move forward?

Does this look like the appropriate road map for course of action.

1. Sign up/ determine eligibility for local VA health care.

2. Get primary care doctor.

3. Ask primary care doctor for trans/gender specific care treatment or referral to specialist for trans health care to get started on mental health diagnosis, therapy etc?

Road map may change once I get assigned and start seeing specific specialists to determine best care for my individual needs.

I did look up the VA 2013-003 document for standards of care for trans,gid, and intersex individuals. It is very informative.

[LoriDee]

Robby,

I answered most of your questions in the other post.

Your medical care (transition or other) has no effect on your disability. As 100% service-connected, your medical care is covered at no cost. As stated in the other post, I don't know if you will pay less than I do, but it is possible. When you register they can answer all of your questions.

I had been seeing a private therapist before going to the VA. I signed HIPAA forms to authorize my therapist to send his notes to my VA psychologist. My VA psychologist said that he never read them. He prefers to do his own evaluation without anyone else's opinions influencing his diagnosis.

After that, I continued in therapy with the VA psychologist. He left the VA and I was assigned a new psychologist and I have been seeing her for a couple of years. Our LGBTQ+ Care Coordinator is also a psychologist in our Mental Health Services department.

Only you can decide your path of transition. But if you want to do it through the VA, your plan is solid.

[Robbyv213]

Lori Dee

Yes you answered most of my questions on the other post. It is greatly appreciated. I cant thank you enough for your input and wealth of knowledge.