I'm an army veteran I've always known that there has been something wrong with my life and I've been doing some thinking and research over the years. I'm a woman trapped in a mans body :/ I just need more insight to anyone who deals with the VA system for care. And also how to go about being seen for it. Even if it's a normal Dr or therapist I have to see to get the ball rolling I'm currently in the rochester NY, area if you live around there let's chat.
Thanks
Hi Sarah :icon_wave:
Welcome to Susan's :) Glad to have you here, We actually have several veterans from all branches of the military and even a topic called Roll call! (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,96755.msg708143.html#msg708143) by one of our vets who happens to have also served in the Army
Check it out :) I'm sure you'll find a great number of helpful friends here
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Hugs
V M
Hi Sarah, Welcome to Susan's.
I just did it the easy way, called national crisis line and explained things to them. they made all the necessary contacts to the VA closest to me. And so I am on my way! :)
I too am an Army Vet. There is actually a thread on here that is to help veterans navigate the VA. There is plenty of help here for you.
Hi Sarah and fzzybunny, welcome to the site and thank you both for your service! I hope you sign in over in my thread that V M linked to. We have a lot of veterans here, and a ton of collected experience with the VA. Hugs, Devlyn
Hi Sarah, :icon_wave:
Welcome to our little family. Over 9092 members. That would be one heck of a family reunion.
Feel free to post your successes/failures, Hopes/dreams. Ask questions and seek answers. Give and receive advice.
But remember we are family here, your family now. And it is always nice to have another sister. (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsmileys.on-my-web.com%2Frepository%2FAnimals%2Fferret-3.gif&hash=f49e2f86761323f2abd9c33941920389dbb3b10f)
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Janet )O(
Hi Sarah, I'm also wondering about how to handle the VA, but I'm actually still in until my MEB is done so I've only talked to my Pyschologist about my gender issues and hes been keeping it quite since my other issues have been present and documented for over a year.
The VA has a transgender care policy. It states that all forms of non-surgical treatment are fully covered. It also states that they are to change your name when you get it legally changed, and change the gender markers on your file to the gender you identify with. Since the majority of VA employees are still unfamiliar with this policy, I recommend you print out a copy and take it in to your appointment.
Welcome Sarah,
Good question I was just going to pay out of pocket for a everything but might have to check with VA myself. I will probably still do my therapy with the therapist I picked out. That is if she ever calls me back for an appointment. I was born and raised in Rochester but have moved down to Florida. Even though I love the city and its residence I could not take the winter weather anymore. Today and tommorow high temps up there is a good example. Come back often and asks lots of questions.
Kelly