Man Sues IRS Over Sex Change Operation

BOSTON (AP) -- Not all medical expenses are tax deductible. Former Coast Guardsman Rhiannon O'Donnabhain is suing the IRS for rejecting a $25,000 tax deduction for a sex-change operation. O'Donnabhain underwent a sex-change after spending years as a father, husband, serviceman and construction worker.

The IRS maintains the procedure was cosmetic -- not a medical necessity. The Boston woman claims the tax agency should treat sex changes just like appendectomies, heart bypasses and other needed medical procedures.

The case is set to go to trial July 24 before the U.S. Tax Court.