Does anyone here have experience with getting the VA to pay for your HRT?  Do you have to be retired, or can you be separated under honorable conditions?  What paperwork do you need, and what's the process?

When I separated from the Air Force in 2012 I didn't do a follow up physical with the Va because I had a job outside of the country I needed to be at, so did I ruin any chances of the VA covering the treatment? 

Once you make contact with the VA how long does it take to get on HRT?

Thanks everyone

You need to contact your local VA office and ask these questions, they can best help you.  They will review your DD214 to ensure you are eligible.  As long as you were not dishonorably discharged I don't see you having an issue. If you have medical records documenting your current HRT RX as well as all supporting documents from your doctor/therapist, it's a bit easier.  If you have no prior medical record of gender dysphoria then you will have to start from scratch with therapy and get a letter first to get a prescription for HRT under the VA.

I posted this earlier in another thread, it's a pdf of the VA directive on transgender care: http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2863

Hugs, Devlyn

Right when I got out of the military I started with the VA. My primary care physician referred for a meeting with a social worker and then that social worker set me up with a VA therapist who specialized with LGBT veterans. When I was ready, I asked the therapist to refer me to endocrinology.

For the first 7 months I paid a pretty cheap copay for everything. The only thing that was pricey was the appt with the endo was a $50 copay. But then my claim was finally processed and I was rated at 30%. Now all I pay for is an $8 copay for a month's worth of Climara patches.

It all starts with filing VA form 10-10EZ

http://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-1010EZ-fill.pdf

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on March 14, 2015, 11:55:24 AM
I posted this earlier in another thread, it's a pdf of the VA directive on transgender care: http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2863

Hugs, Devlyn

Wow. That's helpful Devlyn! Just read the whole document. I'm totally blown away by it. I really had no idea that through my VA healthcare I could've been seeing a therapist this entire time. Thanks!

This is related to what the gals have posted prior.
Google VA directives
VHA DIRECTIVE 2013-003
Beside reading the above..Contact your local VA and arrange for  a mental heath appointment  and tell them of your GID or;GD or whatever the current term is.. And that you would like to get on their hrt program.
Sit down..take a chill-pill...The VA if you didn't know..moves at glacier speeds.
I am 4 months of running thru their millstones..blood work, therapist, shrink(s),2-3 month appointment lags..
Patience..and a high level of tolerance if; you can endure without busting your major-cranial blood vessels...I don't know..
Iam still awaiting an endo apointment. I do know I've been accepted by a VA gender center (whatever that is suppose to entitle is
unknown)...
But; to me and other vets of like ilk.. This is the only way we can get some help..good luck!

Quote from: andreste on March 29, 2015, 07:13:14 PM
2-3 month appointment lags..
Iam still awaiting an endo apointment.

It is now law that if they cannot get you an appointment within 30 days the VA has to pay for you to see a private sector provider. 

Yep!  They issue to all eligable vets in system,..and those that live further than 40 miles from a VA hospital a veterans choice card.
If you do have one yet..
Phone 1-866-606-8198 for information