Secretary of Defense Ash Carter’s announcement that the military would start the process of ending the ban on transgender individuals sparked many questions, especially considering veterans.
According to Navy Times, a working group will study the issue and identify ways the military is prepared to make the change, how and where transgenders will live, and the health care costs associated with that.
Yet, transgender individuals have been discharged for coming out while serving in the military and have challenges in obtaining veterans benefits because they are unable to change their name on their DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, which is required to receive these services,
WNYC reported.
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While the future remains uncertain as to what will happen with those who are discharged and transgender veterans, some states are trying to get the process started.
In Colorado, legislation was proposed to honor the estimated 100,000 military members who were kicked out because of their sexual orientation,
The Colorado Independent reported.
Additionally, an LGBT coordinator for veteran affairs was approved in Oregon to assist with providing benefits and health care coverage to these individuals,
Oregon Live reported.
McClatchyDC reported that programs affected by the department’s policy could include TRICARE. This health care provider for families of military members and veterans denies transgender individuals coverage of certain operations that are covered for others, such as breast implants and hysterectomies.
Last year, the Army agreed to change the gender statuses of discharge documents on two transgender veterans even though the ban was still in place,
according to The Guardian.
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