Explaining the What, Why, and How of TSGLI

Since 2006, the Department of Veterans Affairs has offered a unique insurance program known as TSGLI (Traumatic Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance) to offer military personnel who sustain catastrophic injuries financial aid. You can be qualified for TSGLI compensation if you’re a soldier and you have been hurt since November 10, 2004. The TSGLI, its purpose, and the procedure to submit a claim are all explained on this page.

What is TSGLI?

TSGLI stands for Traumatic Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance. It is a program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs that provides lump-sum payments to servicemembers who suffer certain types of traumatic injuries.

These benefits are in addition to any other life insurance coverage the service member may have. TSGLI can help cover things like:

• Lost wages

• Medical expenses

• Rehabilitation costs

• Funeral expenses

To be eligible for TSGLI, the injury must have occurred on or after November 11, 2004. The service member must also be insured under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program at the time of the injury.

There are a few different types of injuries that TSGLI covers. These include:

• Loss of limb (including amputation)

• Loss of sight

• Paralysis

• Burns

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Why Does TSGLI Exist

The organization was established to provide financial assistance to servicemembers who suffer traumatic injuries. The program is essential because it provides a safety net for servicemembers who may otherwise struggle to cover health expenses.

TSGLI provides servicemen and women and their families with a connection to rehabilitation and support services. For those managing the effects of a severe injury, it is a priceless tool. It also provides more services, like:

• Employment rehabilitation

• Educational guidance

• Employment support

• Finance counseling

• Grief counselling

How to File a Claim

If you are a veteran who has suffered a traumatic injury, you may be eligible for benefits from TSGLI. To win a TSGLI claim, you will need to submit the following documentation:

• A completed application form

• A duplicate of your service release documents (DD-214)

• A duplicate of your personnel records

• A letter from your treating doctor describing the kind and severity of your injuries

If You’re Lacking Any of Those, You Can:

• Get a record of your DD-214 from the National Archives

• Visit the National Personnel Records Center to acquire a copy of your service in the military.

• If you don’t have a doctor, you can get a free medical examination at a VA facility

Once you have gathered all the required documentation, you can submit your claim online, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. If you have any questions about TSGLI or need help filing a claim, you can contact the Veterans Benefits Administration at (800) 323-2600. You can also find more information on filing a TSGLI claim on the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Special Circumstances for Cover

There are a few instances when TSGLI may not cover a service member. For example:

• If the harm was caused intentionally

• If the service personnel were injured while breaking the law

• If the service member was intoxicated at the time of the injury

Also, if the service personnel passes away as a result of their injuries, TSGLI benefits aren’t given. In this situation, the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) plan may be able to provide assistance to the dependents.