Questions for GID Veterans.

[KayleeTaylor]

I spent a little over 10 years in the Army and I was injured on my last deployment. The VA gave me my disability letter about 2 years ago and I am at 60%.

Yes, I suppose I could call the VA and ask these questions, but I want to get an idea of what to expect from the VA.

I have noticed that some people have either requested or receive HRT form the VA.

Does the VA cover this in all states?

Would the VA change my rating?

Will the VA cover this for me even though I am at 60%?

Would I have a copay and is it flat-rate or based on income?

Once I feel confident enough that the VA won't try to screw me over, then I will have no problem with directing the rest of my questions to the VA.

Thank you!

:hugs:

Kaylee :)

[Michelle.M]

Yes, I suppose I could call the VA and ask these questions, but I want to get an idea of what to expect from the VA.

Go here first to read the policy:

http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2863


Does the VA cover this in all states?


Yes.


Would the VA change my rating?

No.


Will the VA cover this for me even though I am at 60%?

Yes.


Would I have a copay and is it flat-rate or based on income?

I can’t answer that with any authority, but I’m not paying a copay. It will depend on your circumstances, and I’m pretty sure a 60% disability will negate a copay. Check with your local clinic, since it’s a case-by-case thing.


Once I feel confident enough that the VA won't try to screw me over, then I will have no problem with directing the rest of my questions to the VA.

If you need to be sure about stuff like that before you ask questions then you’ll never ask any questions.

I am getting my HRT from the VA and it’s working out just fine. They also provide therapy and, in areas where it's available, voice training. They do not provide GRS, FFS or BA but they will deal with any complications that may arise from those procedures. They did my pre-surgery lab tests.

Oh, they will also provide the required letters when you're ready for GRS.

The local VA therapist wrote a letter and got the VA to provide a binder for an FTM trans man veteran, and she's going to try and get forms for an MTF trans woman veteran as well.

[RADER]

The best way to deal with the VA is to contact your local Veterans Assistance Commission.
They will go to bat for you, and the VA will listen to their recommendations.
Now one of the easiest ways to contact the VAC, is to join a Veterans group; IE the VFW or the
American Legion. Yes there are dues, but they have what is known as a Service Officer who will
take you down to the local VAC and help you do all the paper work'
In my case, I was in Viet-Nam, been sprayed with agent orange, have medical problems,
well the VA gave me 20%, the VAC got that increased to 80% then to 100%.
So I tell you, try to find a Veterans organization near you, You will be among friends, remember
we all worked for Uncle Sam, and there fore all on the same side.
Rader

[KayleeTaylor]

Thank you both for the valuable information :)

[Michelle.M]

The best way to deal with the VA is to contact your local Veterans Assistance Commission.

Yes, that's great, but she's already 60% disabled and if she thinks that's too low she should definitely do this.

But she's talking about getting trans-related care from the VA. it's pretty much an open-and-shut case. You go see a therapist at the VA (or not, if you already have one), she refers you to endocrinology, you get your HRT and move along. Follow with all that other stuff I mentioned in my previous post when and if it's needed.

No need to make this complicated. Just go get what you need.

[KayleeTaylor]

Good point Michelle. I am fine at 60% cause I still can work and I do. So I take it that the VAC doesn't need to get involved with healthcare unless I have trouble getting it. By the way things are, it doesn't look like I will have any trouble anyway. I am very glad for all the VA has done for me so far :)

[Michelle.M]

Terrific! Yes, I am very pleased with the trans health care I get from the VA, my endo is excellent and the therapist I was seeing wrote one of my GRS letters. I really liked the voice therapy, too. Good luck with your journey!

[BOBBI G.]

I have no disability, and as far as doctors and various tests, I have no co-pays. My medicines for HRT, do cost me $8.00 per prescription per month. All the medical people are very considerate and willing to assist you. Hopefully your endo will be in your Local medical center. I am required to travel to another, and their computer systems are not linked together. I have had a slight problem ordering tests from my endo to my local center, But I have found a way to circumvent it.

Michelle was right on the money with every other thing she told you

Good luck on your quest. Little bumps in the road are really worth the destination.

Bobbi

[KayleeTaylor]

Thank you Michelle & Bobbi :)

Until the new VA opens in Colorado Springs, I will have to travel to Denver. The C/S is more of a clinic, I can get labs there but not much else. So far, there has been no miscommunication between the 2 hospitals, so hopefully I won't have an issue with that.

Bobbi, do you have to go in weekly for HRT treatment or does the VA mail it to you? I know there are pills, patches, injections - but it seems to me that the VA would rather mail you a prescription than see you weekly for an injection.

[TeresaL]

I too am receiving trans care through the VA system. Your disability percentage should cover everything at no cost to you, plus you get mileage thrown in as well. All medications are mailed.

I'm in voice therapy as we speak. LOL. It's good. I'm on starting my second year of hormones with the VA. We also have a support group that meets monthly.

Just follow the yellow brick road and click your heels. ;-)

[BOBBI G.]

Kaylee,

I am using the patches, and yes, they mail them to me. To make sure there is no delay in receiving second batch, just reorder as soon as one arrives. That gives them time to process, and there is no break in the medication. I was never asked my preference, But I had been taking Estrogen for about two months before I saw my endo. I'm still taking the dosage from the VA that I took from the internet pharmacy. I gave them full disclosure as to what I was taking, so there were no surprises..

Teresa, How did you find out about the voice therapy? That has never been mentioned by any of my doctors or Head crushers.

Bobbi

Hope this helps

[TeresaL]

Hi Bobbi. My endo told me about it.

Are you getting anything positive from the "head crushers?" My voice therapist seems to do better than them by coaching feminine traits and actions from me. I feel value-added after leaving. My therapists leave me with a what the frack does this help?

Added: Im too hard-headed and set in my ways for a head shrinking. LOL.

[KayleeTaylor]

Thank you Bobbi and Teresa :)

I don't like the VA therapists either, so I will continue to see my civilian one. That's good that I wont have to drive 80 miles to see the endo for hormones, some of my friends (civilian) have to see their endo once a week for hormones. I am glad the VA does things differently, so hormones will be added to the long list of medication that I get from the VA. I really like the eVet ordering system and the mailman always leaves it for me even though half the medicine I am supposed to sign for.

I will look into voice coaching, but I have a feeling that I will have to go to Denver for that too :(

:hugs:

Kaylee :)

[BOBBI G.]

Thanks for the lead on the voice. I won't see my endo until February and she is my 65 mile one way treck down I -95. Having her return my calls has been a problem, so I think I will ask my psyc if she knows of any services here at the West Palm Beach VA.

I went through a couple therapists and then found her. She has started a new support group and during a brief history of ourselves, she educated us she was gay (lesbian). So she can identify with some of the problems we all face. I like her, and for me, she is a keeper. The knowledge I have discovered about myself, with her lead, has been eye opening and sometimes mind blowing. I guess I'm just lucky.

Thanks again,

Bobbi

[mbmeen12]

Miss KayleeTaylor thank you for asking such a relevant question! And to the ladies giving great advice, followed by the link to back up the discussion. I have saved the link/publication, good luck Kaylee and lets us know or PM me if you cross a situation that you can talk too triumphs and the step backs...Thank you for your service and I am close to retirement myself and apx 5 mikes behind you....Merry Christmas too!

[Mary Lee]

I have been to the VA for GID for about 5 mounths. I am 100% P&T. How did you get voice therapy and coaching for feminine traits and actions?
I am not on HRT as I tried it a while back and it did not agree with me. I have posted the HRT medical problems before.

[Leah Lynn]

I'm going through the VA to do my hrt, perhaps do it all, at least as far as they will go with me. The VA has a flat rate of eight dollars per prescription; every month I pay sixteen dollars for Spiro and estrogen. I do almost all of my doctoring through the VA, so my GP hooked me up with endo and psychiatric appointments to get started. A therapist is available to me. For certain reasons, my Vietnam service does not show, so I'm a Class 5. However, my income ( or lack of it) makes me eligible for full coverage. You should qualify as a 2 or 3. Class 1 is for 100% disabled in combat.

Hope this gives you a little insight. Good luck!

Leah

[TeresaL]

Ask your GP for voice training. I have know way of knowing what is offered in other states besides Indiana. Good luck!

[Rachel Mari]

How do you get started with the VA?

I already have a civilian therapist and endo (HRT 6 months), but would I have to change doctors?

[BOBBI G.]

TeresaL,

Thanks for the hint of my GP. I'll give her a call and see what she can do. I don't see her again until March, so I hope she gets back to me. Once again, Thanks.

Bobbi

[KayleeTaylor]

Thank you ladies for the information :) I will be going to the VA after the new year, I'll let you know how it goes :)

:hugs:

Kaylee

[Mary Lee]

I am in the greater Cleveland, Ohio area.

[Cindy J Angel]

Cindy over in Denver of the east NC. VA has been right there for me. have my sec therps. app in Jan thank god I was about to go crazy. Got my app on Friday and been doing better. u will have no problem with VA love Cindy

[hannahbear]

The V.A. will cover hormones, therapy (they will most likely have to outsource you to an outside provider via the Pay Fees or Fee Basis Office, different V.A. Hospitals call it either/or.). They will also assign you to an endocrinologist, as well as your voice/speech therapy.

you are ENTITLED to all of these. If they try to tell you different, go to your Patient Advocate's Office and file a complaint, they will get it resolved.

Always, always, always, always, take a copy of that VHA Directive regarding Transgender Patients with you. Some doctors are NOT in the KNOW, you can help educate them so they can better help you.

VA won't cover surgery, cosmetic stuff, hair removal or anything else, but the hormones, therapist, and speech therapy is a big money saver.

To answer the questions from your opening post:

1.) Yes, it a nationwide directive, and applies in all states.
2.) No. they can not legally do that unless you are lying or misrepresenting your injuries/illnesses/disabilities.
3.) Yes they will cover for you even if you are only 5%. You simply only must be a veteran with a service connected disability.
4.) Depends. If you have no income, you will get everything free. If you make a substantial amount of money, you might have to pay $8 for your prescriptions, and a small copay. Ask the eligibility office next time you are there, they can explain it to you.


I get my endo, hormone prescrips, gid therapist, and speech/voice therapy through the Denver, CO V.A. at no cost. I am service-connected, 20%, Army. Also since my provider is far away from my house, I get gas mileage reimbursement to and from.

[Sabrina133]

Hi Kaylee,

I am also receiving care through the VA. I concur with all thas been said. Consult your local VA rep and get started. Its well worth it. Good luck and happy journey.

Bree

[Patty B.]

I had no idea the VA covers any of these services, I am a vet, with no real disability but am interested in any of these services. I guess I'll have to look into this, thanks.

[BOBBI G.]

TeresaL,

Thanks for you voice input. My psychiatrist set me up with a speech therapist and I have my first appointment this coming Thursday. Totally pumped at the thought.

Bobbi

[Patty B.]

After reading this thread again it sound like I've got to have some sort of disability to qualify for these services, please correct me if I am wrong. I did an evaluation in 1974 for an active duty injury, I do not remember what the result was if any at all 5% maybe or none at all just do not remember. It didn't seem to me to be a big issue with me at the time. I will still contact the va just like to have a little info before hand. Thanks and great post.

[mbmeen12]

Hi Miss Patty B, seek help and you might be surprise to find out and keep us posted as to the type of service you receive and quality.

[BOBBI G.]

Patty,

I have absolutely no disabilities, that would help me qualify for any special consideration, and yet all services are furnished. The only out of pocket I have is the co-pay on the meds. Dr. visits, support groups, counseling, and lab work is all part of the promise made when you agreed to give up at least 6 years of your life for your country. This is just about the only promise the government has kept, in my 70 years on this earth.

Bobbi

[KayleeTaylor]

I am very glad that others were able to use this thread for help too! :)

Well, I am now 3 months away from seeing an endo, takes a long time to be seen at the VA :(

[BOBBI G.]

Kaylee,

Don't be afraid to find a work around the stumbling blocks with The VA system. I am lucky to have a GLBT liason at the medical center here in WPB. She has given me tremendous assistance finding doctors who will bypass some of the ways to having done what needs to be done.

Bobbi

[hannahbear]

I am very glad that others were able to use this thread for help too! :)

Well, I am now 3 months away from seeing an endo, takes a long time to be seen at the VA :(

just a suggestion, call back and ask if they can overbook you, and then show up EARLY like 30 minutes before they open (not 30 minutes before your APPT, but 30 minutes before the clinic actually opens for the day). Chances are you might get seen quicker. I did that with mine, and it worked out great and I was able to be seen. Just stress to the receptionist, it's very pertinent that you get in to see him/her ASAP.

[Mary Lee]

At my last meeting with my psychiatrist she ask me if I would want to see a doctor for HRT and I said yes and then she told me I would have to dress in order to use the women s clinic. I said I am not ready to do that so my psychiatrist is going to ask the doc if she will talk with me at at another clinic the doc is in to and see what the Doc can or is willing to do for me including speech therapist. Female hormones do not agree with me. Maybe the doc knows of something else. I do not know if the doc is a endo or what. I just hope she will help me in someway.
Will keep all informed.

By the way I am a vietnam Vet and 100% but the 100% disability rating has some but little to do with my transgender issue outside of the fact that my transgender is tied into my PTSD along with a lot of other issues. So is my E.D.

[hannahbear]

i am sorry but this is such CRAP! They can not FORCE, MAKE or REQUIRE you dress in order to be able to see a doctor. This is UNLAWFUL discrimination. Everything is to be done on your own time table. you need to complain to the Patient Advocate office and file a discrimination complaint.

Also, you do not NEED to go to the womens clinic. You need to go to the Endocrinology clinic. Typically the women's clinic at the V.A. only does pap smear, mammograms, and other genetic women related health services. Once you are post-op, then you would go to women's services.

If the doctor is not an endocrinology specialist, you are not getting the correct attention, DEMAND a consult to an endocrinologist specifically.

It really sounds like this doctor who is telling you this is not in the know and does not know procedure and protocol.

DEMAND that your primary care provider

give you a consult to

Endocrinology
Speech & Audiology
and outsource you to a GID Therapist (the V.A. does not provide their own GID therapy in-house).

you are entitled to all of these items without discrimination or mandates that you dress.

[Sarah V]

Ms. Patty B: I am not sure if your question ever really got answered, so I wanted to follow up for you. You are probably correct, it is going to be difficult for you to get these VA services that you seek esp. if you did not claim any VA compensable disability yet.

In order for any Vet to get any VA MEDICAL benefits (Note: I did not say Educational or other type of benefits ((like a VA home loan)), you, as a Vet, have to have been: 1) Be honorably retired (in some form) from one of the armed services (with or without disability), or 2) Have been honorably discharged, though not necessarily retired, (or with a similar discharge = to honorable) and rated/adjudicated by the VA for a Service Incurred - Service Connected disability which the VA gave you a rating of at least 10% or higher.

All otherwise, VA medical benefits are pretty much off the table for you.

However there are still a few things you can do. 1.) You can always apply for a VA disability rating after the fact. It is as simple as writing a condition down on a paper napkin and sending it in, though there is a huge backlog of claims right now and you will probably have to wait quite a bit for the VA to get to your claim. Or, 2.) There is always the chance, depending on your location that your closest VA clinic/hospital is slow and they are trying to keep their doors open, and they are boosting their numbers by allowing Vets to receive VA medical benefits (usually just Primary Care and/or Immunizations) as long as the Vet has a good DD214 (Certificate of Discharge). Some places are doing this, esp. ones located in more rural areas of the US, however they are not openly advertising the fact, and you really just need to ask. It never hurts to ask,...worst the VA can say is No. Once you get yourself established with the VA, then you are in. Hope this helps.

[Patty B.]

Thanks for the info Sarah V, Honorable discharge 1974, year in Thailand during Vietnam, which according to the D.O.D. makes me a Vietnam vet(go figure). I will look into this, live upstate NY, closer to Canada than in the US pretty rural still. I do have my DD214, known all along that is the biggie, discharge certificate is nice but the 214 is important.

[Mary Lee]

Besides being honorably discharged, a zero percent rated military disability will get one in for medical with a copay, but you have to file a claim
If honorably discharged and with low low income that will get one in for medical without a copay.
If one served in Thailand or any other place during Vietnam one is a vietnam era Veteran.
If one served during vietnam with boots on ground, if only for a secound, then one is a vietnam Veteran.
If one had boots on ground and has type II disbeties then a disability rating is almost a given. See a VeteranServiceOfficer about a claim. You do not have to tell the VSO about being CD or TG or TS. You just might have a valid real disability.

[Patty B.]

I've learned a lot from this post so good to know thanks. Patty B.