Trans-Servicemembers

I know of a number of trans-people who were in the military, for some they have had positive experiences with the VA but by far the majority that I know did not. I do not know if it was just the VA doing business as usual or if it was because they are transgender. Whatever the reason the VA is saying that they are turning over a new leaf. In 2011 the VA issued a new directive, the National Center for Transgender Equality said this in a press release,

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has issued a Directive to all of its facilities establishing a policy of respectful delivery of healthcare to transgender and intersex veterans who are enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system or are otherwise eligible for VA care. This Directive is an important first step in securing equal access for transgender veterans, and healthcare access for transgender people generally, by setting an example of how healthcare providers in both the public and private sector should be treating transgender patients.

The new directive does not cover Gender Confirming Surgery, but it does cover hormone and auxiliary treatment including therapy.

This spring the Pentagon said that they will change the name and gender on the discharge paperwork (DD-214).

The Pentagon formally recognized earlier this month that there are transgender veterans — a step that LGBT advocates say is a long way from open transgender service in the military, but also a significant first step in that process.

However, an article on ABC News website today said that many veterans are still struggling to change their paperwork,

The association [the LGBT Bar Association] argues that veterans may be denied access to benefits and services when there are discrepancies between what appears on the DD-214 and on court orders, state identification cards and revised birth certificates.

They say there may also be "embarrassing" encounters in which transgender veterans have to "out" themselves to officials.

"I believe this is a no-brainer," said D'Arcy Kemnitz, executive director of the LGBT Bar Association. "I believe the Department of Defense wants to do everything possible for those who have worn the uniform with honor and distinction and have sacrificed for our country."

She said transgender veterans should be able to make a name change on any legal document that requires their name. "It's simple, and there is less paperwork."

So is there a disconnect between the policy and the implementation of the policy or is it they have done a good enough job of spreading the word about the new policy?