LGBTQ+ veterans

More than one million veterans identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer, and these veterans can face increased health risks and unique challenges in accessing quality health care. Many of these veterans receive care at the Department of Veterans Affairs, but others may be unaware of what services are available or have concerns about discrimination. The VA has made efforts to improve healthcare access for LGBTQ+ veterans, aiming to provide high-quality, respectful, and inclusive care.

What is VA’s policy on LGBTQ+ veterans?

The VA’s policy is that all veterans deserve respect and dignity.

• The VA has a nondiscrimination patient care policy that includes sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
• VHA Directive 1340 (September 21, 2022) remains in effect and states that VHA staff may not try to convert or change a veteran’s sexual orientation.
• The VA will only provide cross-sex hormone therapy to veterans who were already receiving it from the VA or the military.
• The VA does not offer any other gender-affirming medical or surgical care for gender dysphoria.
• Veterans with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria will continue to receive other comprehensive healthcare services, like preventative and mental health care.

Character of Discharge and VA benefits eligibility

The new rule, effective as of June 25, 2024, expands access to care and benefits for certain former service members by:

• Removing the regulatory bar for “homosexual acts involving aggravating circumstances or other factors affecting the performance of duty,” as a bar to benefits.
• Creating a “compelling circumstances exception” for certain former service members.
• Allowing some previously denied service members to reapply for benefits.

While the VA has never offered gender-affirming surgeries, it previously provided support letters for veterans seeking these procedures from non-VA providers. However, Veterans Health Administration Directive 1341(4), which authorized those letters, has now been rescinded.

What services does VA provide for LGBTQ+ veterans?

The VA’s LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (VCC) and VISN Lead roles remain unchanged, ensuring culturally competent and veteran-centered care. VCCs provide education and guidance at VA medical facilities, promoting best clinical practices and support for LGBTQ+ veterans.

The VA has adjusted policies to comply with new federal guidelines. This includes ensuring intimate spaces within VA facilities, such as bathrooms and patient rooms, are designated by sex (male or female) or unisex for single-person spaces.

The VA is authorized to provide:

• Hormone treatment (for eligible veterans under the criteria above)
• Substance use/alcohol treatment
• Tobacco cessation treatment
• Treatment and information on prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/PrEP
• Intimate partner violence reduction and treatment of after-effects
• Heart health screening and treatment
• Cancer screening, prevention and treatment

What can LGBTQ+ veterans expect when accessing their earned benefits?

All veterans—including gender and sexual minorities—deserve and can expect to be treated with dignity and respect when working with DAV benefits advocates on their claims. VA states that it is likewise committed to ensuring it honors the service of all veterans by providing the care they need without discrimination.

It is important for LGBTQ+ veterans to let their providers know about sexual activity and identity so they can be appropriately screened for potential medical issues. VA providers may ask about sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual health and social experiences, which may include exposure to violence in the home or homelessness. This information can help providers guide veterans to resources, services and programs that can address their unique needs.

LGBTQ+ veterans can be assured that their providers will keep any information they reveal confidential. They can ask that their gender identity or sexual orientation not be revealed in their medical record, although this may compromise their ability to receive appropriate tailored care needed.

The VA has also committed to a zero-tolerance policy around harassment and assault within the VA health care system. Learn more about that policy here.

TVC Discharge Upgrade Program

The Discharge Upgrade Program connects eligible servicemembers and veterans with volunteer attorneys to address unjust discharge ratings. Veterans with Other Than Honorable discharges due to PTSD, TBI, MST or Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Due to a limited number of volunteer attorneys, potential clients must complete an online intake form and cooperate with a complete records review. If your case is a match for services, they will notify you; otherwise, they will provide referrals to other legal resources and information for self-application. Women Veterans may also qualify for additional legal help.

Where can a veteran learn more?

Veterans can utilize no-cost DAV benefits advocates to learn more about available veterans’ benefits, programs and services. DAV’s legislative team is dedicated to advancing equity in health services and benefits for underserved and minority veteran populations, including LGBTQ+ veterans. Learn more about DAV’s critical policy goals here. More information on the VA’s LGBTQ+ veterans policies and programs can be found here.

Confidential crisis support

If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line now: Dial 988 then press 1, or visit veteranscrisisline.net. You can call, text or chat online with caring, qualified VA responders. Many of them are veterans or family members of veterans.