First off I posted here a while ago in random subjects and have lurked since (not creepy) lol. Just never had anything to add. Until now.
The basics. 42 years old, 23 years in the Marine Corps, Retired in June, Moved to Denver in July, ended up with a 90% combined disability from VA, Transgender woman my ENTIRE life!. Lots of hiding and repression along the way plus the failed marriages you all heard those stories before.
So for my post. It took me 2 months to get my initial visit with my Primary doctor at the VA. I saw him last week. We went  over my medical issues. He was very good and commented that i was an interesting case. I laughed and said "My case gets better. I'm transgendered and would like to to be referred to a therapist that specializes in that. He took a moment and responded "Im not sure we have anyone here that does that but i'll put a referral in and we can see".He had no change in demeanor or anything. He was good. liked him.
2 days later I get a call from the mental health clinic to schedule an appointment. Now this is an intake appointment. They evaluate your issues then give you a therapist you need based on your issues. I thought that is a great idea to get you to the specialist that best suits your needs.
I had that intake appt today. It went very well. I laid all my crap out. 23 years in the Marines you have a lot of crap. lol. At the end he said he's not sure what we can do for you here with the gender issues but we have a therapist that has training in that and i will get a hold of her and let her know to schedule an appt with you. Then he said "If you don't hear anything in 2 week call me right away". He went on to tell me how glad he was that I was facing this head on and as tough as it may be its the right thing to do. He was very sincere. I told him that if Denver VA isn't set up for Transgender issues then I'm more then willing to be the guinea pig. The sad thing is so far, is that there are numerous VA facilities across the country that are specializing in Transgender health but in my 2 instances at the Denver VA they are clueless to whats out there but on the good side they have been more then willing to help. I will keep everyone updated on my progress and the Denver VA.
OH BTW did first laser hair on face this morning. AWESOME!

Congratulations Marine!

The VA is always a learning curve. While you're getting all your other stuff, do know that they offer speech pathology through the VA. If you choose to use them for developing your voice.

And again congratulations!

Yes I heard that they do offer that. In fact I brought that up today. How can Denver be so far behind? There are VA's offering speech and Denver is not sure of anything they offer. lol. I was not confrontational but more inquisitive. Maybe to plant a seed. The psychologist was very sympathetic and sincere. I would like to get Denver on board with gender issues so i will plant seeds along the path if I can. Call me Johnny Appleseed. No lol.

Ha ha ha ha... I know what you mean. Seattle VA is quite similar. Aka clueless... but it is a "teaching" hospital so meh... new doctors every year.

Quote from: Daniellek74 on September 29, 2016, 10:20:16 PM
Yes I heard that they do offer that. In fact I brought that up today. How can Denver be so far behind? There are VA's offering speech and Denver is not sure of anything they offer. lol. I was not confrontational but more inquisitive. Maybe to plant a seed. The psychologist was very sympathetic and sincere. I would like to get Denver on board with gender issues so i will plant seeds along the path if I can. Call me Johnny Janet Appleseed. No lol.

Needed a little fix.

or Joanne Appleseed.
Harley, if you have any tips or tricks with the VA let me know. Since I'm military retired the therapist yesterday eluded to me going to a TRICARE approved DR for my stuff. Well i'd like to stay in the VA network due to price (free) but I will definitely go where the best care is. I know I will have to pull the "So i'm not worthy of a particular care option because I live here? If lived in one of these places (insert numerous VA locations)it would be covered.

Oh, just register your Tricare insurance through the VA and the VA gets their kickback from Tricare and it'd be transparent for you... that should appease them. But yeah, if you have any questions please ask... I have been dealing with VA for a while. And we all know that Warrant Officers are a bunch of professional manipulators... ha ha ha...

Thanks! laughing hard at the warrant officer comment. A Marine Gunny can also be a load of fun.