AMPAA proposed rule change that would have allowed sex confirmation surgery for transgender veterans has been scrapped because of funding, according to Military.com.
The rule change was kicked back by the Office of Management and Budget because it did not include aq source for funding.
A statement from the VA to Military.com said, “VA has been and will continue to explore a regulatory change that would allow VA to perform gender alteration surgery and a change in the medical benefits package, when appropriated funding is available. Therefore, this regulation will be withdrawn from the Fall 2016 Unified Agenda.”
American Military Partner Association, the largest organization of LGBT military families issued a statement expressing its disappointment.
“All of our nation’s veterans, regardless of their gender identity, deserve access to the medical care they earned serving our nation,” said AMPA President Ashley Broadway-Mack. “This is a deeply disappointing setback in making sure an often medically necessary procedure for transgender veterans is part of that care. Moreover, as we face a new incoming administration, we implore fair-minded Americans to stand united in holding our new administration officials accountable by insisting this be fixed. The medical care of all our nation’s heroes, including transgender veterans, must be a priority.”