VHA LGBTQ+ Health Program
LGBTQ+ Veterans
VA affirms its commitment to providing respectful and dignified care to all Veterans. VA welcomes all Veterans and provides health care for everyone, including 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. 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 a safe and respectful 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 respectful 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)
Other than Honorable Discharge VA Benefits Flyer (with dog tags)
Other than Honorable Discharge VA Benefits Flyer (without dog tags)
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 provide respectful and dignifited care to all Veterans in order to affirm VA's commitment to 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
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