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VHA LGBTQ Health Program

LGBTQ Veterans

VA is committed to creating a welcoming environment and improving healthcare for everyone, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Veterans. VA staff play a critical role in ensuring that LGBTQ Veterans receive the care they need and have earned in service to our country.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) welcomes all Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivor beneficiaries, including diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. “LGBTQ” refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer identities. LGBTQ Veterans have faced bias and discrimination, which can affect health. 

At Veterans Health Administration (VHA), we aim to make sure that LGBTQ Veterans know that they are welcome.  

LGBTQ Health Program

Mission Statement 
Provide national leadership through policy, education, advocacy, and innovative data-driven programs to promote LGBTQ Veteran health and well-being.

Vision Statement
Build a VA that LGBTQ Veterans trust to provide affirming care and services to help them thrive.

LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators (VCCs)

There is an LGBTQ Veteran Care Coordinator (LGBTQ VCC) at every facility to help you get the care you need. VHA policies require that your health care is delivered in an affirming and inclusive environment and that VHA employees respect your identity. Contact the LGBTQ VCC at your nearest facility.

LGBTQ VCCs are important resources at every VA medical facility and help to:

  • Create a safe and affirming environment throughout the VA medical facility
  • Spread knowledge about LGBTQ Veteran services
  • Educate and train staff
  • Build a network of allies and partners within VA and the community

Discharged for your Sexual Orientation? You May Be Eligible for VA Benefits

A change in policy means Veterans who were discharged for their sexual orientation may now be eligible for VA healthcare and other benefits. This flyer can help you learn more about your eligibility and how to apply for VA care, services, and benefits.

Visit our website OTH Enrollment | ChooseVA or call us today at 877-222-8387 to learn more. Or to apply How To Apply For A Discharge Upgrade | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)

/LGBT/images/2023/download-button-1.png Other than Honorable Discharge VA Benefits Flyer (with dog tags)
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/LGBT/images/2023/download-button-1.png Other than Honorable Discharge VA Benefits Flyer (without dog tags)
/LGBT/images/2024/Thumbnail-Other-than-HonorableDischargeVABenefitsFlyer-withNOdogtags.png

Why Does VA Focus on LGBTQ+ Veterans?

Research shows that LGBTQ Veterans expect to experience discrimination in VHA facilities which may prevent engagement in care. Research also shows that due to stigma, stress, and discrimination, LGBTQ Veterans as a group experience higher rates of several health conditions compared to non-LGBTQ Veterans, including higher risk for suicide. Therefore, VA is working to reduce minority stress and engage sexual and gender minority Veterans in order to provide health care that addresses their needs.

Contact ‘Ask VA’ online

You can send questions through the secure Ask VA (or AVA) online tool. A VA representative who’s familiar with the topic you’re asking about will respond.  We encourage you to create an account. With an Ask VA account, a VA representative can communicate with you securely about your question.  Contact us online through Ask VA 

 

 

*Link will take you outside of the Dept of Veterans Affairs (VA) Website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites. The link will open in a new window for the content of the linked websites.

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LGBTQ Site Navigation

  LGBTQ Home
  • Find Your LGBTQ Veteran Care Coordinator

  

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LGBTQ Veteran Care Coordinator
VHA Directive 1340: Health Care for Veterans who Identify as Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual