Department of Veterans Affairs seal (Photo: Diane Cordell)
The Transgender American Veterans Association, TAVA, a group representing transgender Veterans, has decided to withdraw its lawsuit against the VA. This decision came after receiving a letter from Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough, according to The Center Square publication.
The lawsuit, which was filed in January, aimed to compel the VA to act on the group’s petition from 2016 regarding gender-confirmation surgery. However, the department rejected the petition, claiming that it had already addressed the concerns raised by the lawsuit.
TAVA accused the department of failing to fulfill its promises to provide gender-confirmation surgery to Veterans. While the VA offers medically necessary gender-affirming care to Transgender Veterans, it does not cover gender-affirming surgical procedures due to an exclusion in its medical benefits package.
McDonough had announced over two years ago that the VA would offer gender confirmation surgery, but he recently stated that more time was needed to implement this policy. He emphasized that Transgender Veterans deserve high-quality healthcare and benefits, including access to gender-affirming care.
McDonough assured that the VA is committed to providing care to Transgender Veterans but acknowledged that more work needs to be done before initiating any regulatory changes. He explained the importance of thorough consideration to ensure that the services meet the VA’s standards for quality healthcare nationwide.
Meanwhile, the VA will continue to provide alternative forms of gender-affirming support to Veterans, including medical assistance, support groups, and mental health services. McDonough pointed out the VA’s commitment to providing world-class care in a safe and welcoming environment, free from discrimination.
He reiterated President Biden’s directive to prioritize the well-being of all Veterans and pledged to uphold that standard. McDonough stated that Elnahal has been given several months to complete the research and analysis needed to move forward with providing gender-confirmation surgery to Transgender Veterans.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
