Can I establish a service connection and disability rating based solely on Gender Identity Disorder?
A4. Although Gender Identity Disorder (GID) is a treatable condition catalogued in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) and the World Health Organization International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems – Revision 10, it is not recognized in and of itself as a service connected disability. The Department of Defense does not change the service records following a veterans SRS/GRS/GCS, arguing that one’s name at time of discharge or retirement is an historical fact. The Service Discharge Record Form DD-214 does not show gender, nor do military retiree ID cards. (The Service Secretaries will authorize a separate Statement of Service showing that one served under the new name and new sex during the historical service period. Some active duty members have been successful in changing their names in military records prior to discharge or retirement. There is some “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” risk in this if done too earl
