TSGLI Benefits For Veterans With Traumatic Injuries

TSGLI covers service members who suffer traumatic injuries while on active duty.  Unfortunately, many service members are not aware that they are eligible for the coverage.

This article provides information about TSGLI and some of the common questions that veterans have.

Is TSGLI the same as VA disability compensation?

No.  TSGLI is a different benefit.

The TSGLI benefit comes the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) insurance policy.  It covers almost all service members from October 7, 2001 to present unless they waive coverage.

TSGLI benefits are paid in a lump sum payment.  If you are also eligible for VA disability compensation benefits, the TSGLI benefits are not deducted from your VA disability compensation benefits.

What sort of traumatic injuries are covered by TSGLI?

Generally, you are covered if you suffer a traumatic injury on active duty.  The injury does not have to be suffered during combat and can even be suffered while you are off duty.  This means that you may still receive TSGLI benefits for a car wreck or other injury off duty.

Injuries from car wrecks can potentially qualify for TSGLI benefits even when they happened off duty

The word “traumatic” means different things to different people.  Some people think severe injury when they hear the word “traumatic”.

But an injury does not have to be severe to qualify as a traumatic injury for purposes of TSGLI benefits.  A traumatic event might include any event where an external force causes harm to the service member.  Don’t assume that your event would not qualify as a traumatic event.

Are any sort of traumatic injuries excluded from TSGLI coverage?

There are some injuries that are excluded from TSGLI coverage.  The primary exclusions include:

  • Self inflicted injuries,
  • Injuries occurring while committing a felony,
  • Injuries occurring while taking an illegal controlled substance, and
  • Injuries from diagnostic or preventative medical procedures.

What severity of injury must I suffer to qualify for TSGLI benefits?

You also must show that you have a certain type of injury to qualify for benefits.  The types of injuries are divided into two types, Part I and Part II.

Loss of sight from a traumatic injury could qualify for TSGLI benefits
Loss of sight in one or both eyes can potentially qualify a service member for TSGLI benefits

Part I focuses on specific types of injuries.  These include:

  • Loss of sight (one or both eyes)
  • Loss of hearing (one or both ears)
  • Loss of speech
  • Quadriplegia
  • Hemiplegia
  • Paraplegia
  • Uniplegia
  • 2nd degree or worse burns
  • Amputation of hand
  • Amputation of fingers
  • Amputation of foot
  • Amputation of toes
  • Limb salvage
  • Facial reconstruction
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Genitourinary losses

Part II losses focus on how the injury affects the service member.  The injury can qualify for benefits if it results in the inability to perform at least 2 activities of daily living for 30 days.  Injuries resulting in hospitalization for at least 15 days can also qualify for benefits.

What benefits does TSGLI pay?

A successful claim qualifies a service member for a lump sum payment of $25,000, $50,000, $75,000 or $100,000.

For Part I losses, the amount of the lump sum payment depends on the type and extent of injury suffered.  Sometimes, injuries that qualify for lesser amount can be combined with other injuries to reach the full $100,00 payment.

Part II losses focus on the duration of hospitalization or the duration of the inability to perform activities of daily living.  Each 30 consecutive days of activities of daily living loss will qualify the affect service member for $25,000.  This means that 120 days of activities of daily living loss qualifies a service member for the maximum payment of $100,000.

Is it too late to file my TSGLI claim?

Probably not.  If you have not filed a claim, you should still be able to file one.

Other questions about TSGLI?

Many people have questions about TSGLI benefits.  If you have any questions, we would be happy to talk to you.

The best way to do that is through a free consultation.  To set up a free consultation, simply complete the “Need Help” form on the right side of this page.  If you prefer, you also can call us and one of our staff will happily assist you in scheduling a free consultation.

Travis Studdard is an attorney who focuses on representing veterans in VA disability compensation claims.  He regularly writes about issues that are important to veterans and their families.

You can subscribe to his Veterans Disability channel on YouTube.

Rita BarnesRita Barnes
00:03 20 Jan 22
This is a great group of people who really care about your well being. They all treated me as though I was family and helped me with my work comp case in more ways than the average would have.Thank you Jason and Thank you Tina! For doing an awesome job.
Cortex ButlerCortex Butler
18:09 29 Dec 21
I am a Veteran of United States Air Force and was awarded my first 30% in 1996 and have been fighting for my rating for 26 years I came to Perkins and Studdard in 2019 while my mom was in a terrible incident and was given to much anesthesia and through GODS Grace she was spared her life, She is disabled since 2018 and I have been struggling with my life and issues and yet I didn’t call the law firm every 10 minutes or call being rude anytime, I mentioned this as I got to know Jessica more than just a phone call and Mr Studdard was always available when not working on other cases or in court, They always called back and Never had to do a call back, My Review is Simple in Life there peaks and valleys and it doesn’t stop because you have issues, Perkins & Studdard took my case in 2019 in 2021 I received my 100% from VA, I Was Never Rude, I was Never Promised Success, I Was Never Lied too and I was Always Treated with Respect, Friendliness, and Kindness the Real Stuff not a (Money Thing) If You want a firm that Cares about the Client and will work on your case even through a pandemic, Will not lie, will not promise anything will communicate your case and will Give you their Best ALWAYS THIS IS THE Best Law Firm for VETS HANDS DOWN Perkins and Studdard THERE IS NO OTHER 100% we had 5 calls Total Case That’s Taking Care Of Business
annetteMomma nokesannetteMomma nokes
14:29 12 Sep 16
Jason and his paralegal Lisa were on point and on top of their game when it came to handling my worker's comp. injury case. I tried going it alone and the insurance carrier pushed me around. They denied extra physical therapy. They denied injections the doctor recommended to ease my pain. When I turned my case over to Jason things turned around, QUICK. They were at all times attentive and on top of my case. I cannot recommend Jason and his staff enough. If you are hurt at work, this is the firm you want on YOUR side.
Sheila KirklinSheila Kirklin
23:11 12 May 16
Jason Perkins, was my lawyer in a workers comp. case, my case has settled now, and I am very happy for all Jason and his office hard work on my case, he was always there to help me out with any questions that I had or help I needed. Jason is a excellent lawyer and if I ever need another one I would only go to Perkins,Because I believe they would be able to help me in any situation I am in need of..
Anna PabonAnna Pabon
23:16 13 Sep 15
I recommend Perkins Law Firm. Everyone I came in contact with there was very nice. Kim was very helpful and any time I had a question she made sure I got an answer. Ann Margaret really took the time to explain things to me.
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