“These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality,” the executive order says.
The VA offered gender dysphoria treatment for a decade. It never covered gender reassignment surgeries, but it provided treatment for cross-sex hormone therapy and gender-affirming prosthetics such as breast forms, chest binders, and dilator sets for post-vaginoplasty.
“I mean no disrespect to anyone, but VA should not be focused on helping Veterans attempt to change their sex,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a statement. “The vast majority of Veterans and Americans agree, and that is why this is the right decision. All eligible Veterans — including trans-identified Veterans — will always be welcome at the VA and will always receive the benefits and services they’ve earned under the law. But if Veterans want to attempt to change their sex, they can do so on their own dime.”
It is estimated that only one-tenth of 1% of the 9.1 million veterans seeking care through the VA identify as transgender. The VA does not have “consistent and reliable records” on the number of veterans who sought out treatment or the costs associated with it, according to its website.
The VA announced that savings from ending gender reassignment treatment would go toward assisting paralyzed veterans.
However, veterans currently receiving treatment for their gender dysphoria through the VA are exempt from the policy change and can continue receiving care.
LIST: THE EXECUTIVE ORDERS, ACTIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS TRUMP HAS MADE AS PRESIDENT
Meanwhile, the VA will provide letters of support for veterans to encourage other providers to conduct gender reassignment treatment.
The Trump administration also gave transgender sailors and Marines until March 28 to voluntarily leave the military and be eligible for separation pay. This came in response to Trump’s executive order prohibiting transgender people from serving in the military.
