LGBT Veterans Fear VA
by Ellen Kozel
You’ve served your country and made it through without being outed, but now you still hide because of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’. This is a common theme of many LGBT veterans who are afraid when it comes to using the VA.
Afraid of putting their partner as next of kin
Afraid of loosing their VA benefits
Afraid of loosing their disability
Afraid of denial of medical benefits
Afraid of harassment by VA staff
The VA is changing on their outlook of no vet left behind. This includes LGBT veterans as well. They are trying to get the word out that “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” “Doesn’t Apply” to LGBT veterans at the VA. I understand for those still in military service that your VA records can be solicited by the military, which is still a stumbling block if you’re in reserve or on active duty. However, those who are out of the service have nothing to fear. You served and you have the right to your VA benefits without any fears of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”.
VA hospitals across the country are now developing Diversity Panels, comprised of mental health providers, doctors and nurses. Their job is to make the facilities more open to the LGBT veterans returning from service. Being a disabled vet myself, I’ve seen significant changes in how the VA is adopting this policy.
Working with the VA, through my organization, there are now support groups for LGBT veterans in Milwaukee, Dallas and many other VA facilities across the country. These groups are designed to address the specific needs of LGBT veterans. In Wisconsin there are signs on the doors of offices that state that the office is LGBT friendly. This takes an effort of the LGBT community reaching out to the VA and letting them know what we need. I also noticed that on one of the video displays it had a reminder to keep your information up to date and under the list of items it listed spouse/next of kin/partner.
If you are mistreated by any of the staff or harassed because of lifestyle, you can go to the patient advocate’s office and file a complaint. All complaints are taken very seriously. You can even request to have a doctor changed if you feel you’re not receiving the best treatment from that physician.
Don’t feel that you’re alone. There are many vets who don’t know the system and how to get what they need. I’ve help many vets, green, blue, purple as well as LGBT find the right resources. Just don’t give up.
You’ve served your country and now it’s time for your country to help you. Your VA benefits are a right and not a privilege.