IRS facing sex change suit

[neosoul]

what classifies as cosmetic surgery? something you choose to have...?

ETA: and who is the IRS to say what is and what isn't medically necessary?

[Tom Earp]

Isn't it a typical IRS response? They are more kindlier and friendlier now are they not?

Is it cosmetic or a physcological surgey?

[ASUADPi]

Originally Posted by Tom Earp

Isn't it a typical IRS response? They are more kindlier and friendlier now are they not?

Is it cosmetic or a physcological surgey?

I think they called it cosmetic.

[ASUADPi]

This person had the sex change to feel better about himself (since it was male to female). The surgery was not life saving.

As for cosmetic surgery, I believe there is gray area. My aunt had to have a masectomy and then reconstructive surgery. She definately deserved the write off since she was fighting breast cancer. But that is my personal opinion.

This is over someone who is choosing to participate in cosmetic surgery to make themself feel better about themself. IMPO.

[neosoul]

Originally Posted by ASUADPi

This person had the sex change to feel better about himself (since it was male to female). The surgery was not life saving.
As for cosmetic surgery, I believe there is gray area. My aunt had to have a masectomy and then reconstructive surgery. She definately deserved the write off since she was fighting breast cancer. But that is my personal opinion.

This is over someone who is choosing to participate in cosmetic surgery to make themself feel better about themself. IMPO.

and you know that because...? It is not an easy decision to make, and it's not about making yourself feel better. Constantly taking hormones and check-ups doesn't sound like fun to me

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by neosoul

and you know that because...? It is not an easy decision to make, and it's not about making yourself feel better. Constantly taking hormones and check-ups doesn't sound like fun to me

It's still a choice.

As far as I'm concerned, this is a problem that can be treated two different ways - physically (sex change surgery) or psychologically (counseling, therapy, anti-depressants). I don't believe people are really "born in the wrong body"...I do believe people end up with psychological problems that cause them to think they are the opposite sex.

[OneTimeSBX]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

I don't believe people are really "born in the wrong body"...I do believe people end up with psychological problems that cause them to think they are the opposite sex.

i can see where you are coming from, BUT there are so many mental disorders...just watch "medical incredible" or "mystery diagnosis"...

there are people who sleep-eat. there are savants who cannot function in daily life but can sculpt fascinating works. ever heard of narcissistic personality disorder?

if a person can be born with these mind boggling diseases and illnesses, why couldnt someone be born and feel they are in the wrong body? true, some could be developed over time, but some of the most profound cases were from people who said they knew as kids.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by ASUADPi

This person had the sex change to feel better about himself (since it was male to female). The surgery was not life saving.

As for cosmetic surgery, I believe there is gray area. My aunt had to have a masectomy and then reconstructive surgery. She definately deserved the write off since she was fighting breast cancer. But that is my personal opinion.

This is over someone who is choosing to participate in cosmetic surgery to make themself feel better about themself. IMPO.

Wait - so that kind of "reconstruction" to "feel better about herself" (since, after all, there's no physical reason for her to need a fake breast, right?) should be covered?

Even though it has no effect on the actual cancer at all?

Doesn't a sex change have far more direct influence on things like depression and quality of life?

I think you're showing quite a bit of bias here.

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

It's still a choice.

As far as I'm concerned, this is a problem that can be treated two different ways - physically (sex change surgery) or psychologically (counseling, therapy, anti-depressants). I don't believe people are really "born in the wrong body"...I do believe people end up with psychological problems that cause them to think they are the opposite sex.

I don't know enough about the transgendered, but I think your conclusion that the second form of treatment is equally effective as the first is an open point of dispute.

Also, while you might not believe people are "born in the wrong body," might it even be conceivable that a sex change surgery is an effective 'treatment' for the important psychological issues you believe contribute?

Seriously, it's a $25k medical write-off - the IRS should probably stay out of this dispute all together by allowing it.

[kstar]

Originally Posted by ASUADPi

This person had the sex change to feel better about himself (since it was male to female). The surgery was not life saving.

Tell that to the transgendered person. Her life might not have been in physical danger, but mental anguish and depression from being born the wrong gender severely affects her quality of life.

[James]

They weren't born the wrong gender. They are unhappy with their gender to the point of pathology. Thats a difference.

I don't especially care if its a write off or not. People that collect taxes and people that increase taxes are bottom feeders anyway.

Originally Posted by kstar

Tell that to the transgendered person. Her life might not have been in physical danger, but mental anguish and depression from being born the wrong gender severely affects her quality of life.

[kstar]

Originally Posted by James

They weren't born the wrong gender. They are unhappy with their gender to the point of pathology. Thats a difference.

From their point of view, they were.

There have been times that anyone wishes they weren't the sex they were born, transgender isn't that just longer. I don't understand it, but I am certain that I can't unless I had been born a boy.

Transgender is a touchy subject in psychology, but I believe that it is best treated through gender reassignment surgery, in those that are truly transgendered.

[OneTimeSBX]

if this person is truly truly a woman trapped in a mans body, and nobody knows that but her, i say what the hell... people try to carry dogs and cats and half-cousins on their taxes, why not this?

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by OneTimeSBX

if this person is truly truly a woman trapped in a mans body, and nobody knows that but her, i say what the hell... people try to carry dogs and cats and half-cousins on their taxes, why not this?

As another sort of tax fraud? I can see that.

[Tom Earp]

So, this person is basically Screwed?

Yep sounds like it!

[squirrely girl]

Originally Posted by James

They weren't born the wrong gender. They are unhappy with their gender to the point of pathology. Thats a difference.

I don't especially care if its a write off or not. People that collect taxes and people that increase taxes are bottom feeders anyway.

only quoting you because your points were succint and easy to discuss...

but all of this is such a debatable area - and seeing as so few people on GC are doctors or psychologists (or transgendered for that matter), its REALLY hard for me to take people's personal OPINIONS too seriously. and that's really what a lot of these arguments (both for and against) come down to... personal opinions. sorry, but people's personal and religious views just aren't enough of a real argument.

at any rate i'm totally with you on the taxing issue james. damn irs. there's a freaking bloated gov't agency i wouldn't mind seeing scaled back some...

- m