Transgender Health Care in the U.S. Military and Veterans Health Administration Facilities

Abstract: Health care for transgender veterans in the United States (U.S.) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is relatively new and for active duty service members (ADSMs) in the military is quite recent. Prevalence of transgender veterans and ADSMs, health conditions, and healthcare provision in VHA and military facilities are reviewed. There are approximately 134,300 transgender veterans and 15,000 ADSMs. Based on diagnostic codes, more than 5000 transgender veterans receive care in VHA. Transgender veterans experience higher rates of most mental and physical health conditions compared to non-transgender veterans. Comprehensive health care is provided at VHA facilities, except surgical interventions for gender confirmation, and is beginning to be provided in military facilities. While VHA and military facilities have increased access to health care for transgender veterans and ADSMs, determining outcomes of care is premature. Healthcare delivery efforts alone are unlikely to erase health disparities experienced by this group.