Traumatic injuries sustained while in the military are typically covered by TSGLI, but exceptions apply that can complicate the claims process.

What is TSGLI?

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) is a program under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program which provides coverage for traumatic injuries sustained while in the military.

If servicemembers are automatically insured under full time SGLI, they are automatically covered under TSGLI. This is the case for various servicemembers including active duty members, reservists, National Guard members, and those on funeral honors duty and one-day muster duty.

Payments under TSGLI can range from $25,000 to $100,000 depending on the severity and the losses sustained. These payments will not affect other disability claims made with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

What Types of Injuries Are Covered by TSGLI?

Generally, severe injuries are covered under TSGLI benefits if they cause a “scheduled loss.” This includes loss of sight, loss of hearing, loss of speech, paralysis, burns, amputation, other anatomical losses, facial reconstruction, coma, traumatic brain injury, hospitalization, and more. Injuries do not have to be related to service or combat in order to be eligible for benefits.

If a traumatic injury resulted in limitations on a servicemember’s ability to perform two or more daily living tasks, this may qualify them for benefits under TSGLI. Daily living tasks include bathing, dressing, eating, using the restroom, and moving around the home.

In order for an injury to be covered by TSGLI, the following must apply to the claimant:

• Have sustained a loss as a result of the traumatic injury;
• Suffered the injury before leaving the military;
• Suffered a loss within two years of the injury;
• Survived seven full days or more following the injury;
• Were an active duty military member, a Reservist, a National Guard member, on funeral-honors duty, or on one-day muster duty

If any of the following apply to an injury, it cannot be covered by TSGLI:

• Self inflected on purpose or the result of a self injury attempt;
• Involved the use of an illegal drug or unprescribed controlled substance;
• The result of a medical or surgical treatment for an illness or disease;
• Occurred while committing to attempting to commit a felony;
• The result of a physical or mental illness

Even if a traumatic injury did not happen recently, servicemembers may be able to claim benefits from TSGLI. Benefits are reportedly available retroactively for eligible injuries that resulted in losses between Oct. 7, 2001 and Nov. 30, 2005.

If you aren’t sure whether or not your injury will be covered, you may want to speak to a qualified attorney. These professionals can evaluate your situation and help you with the claim process. If your claim is not one of the 63 percent of claims that are approved by the VA, an attorney can help you with the appeals process. Experienced lawyers are aware of the documentation required for a claim to be successful, so they can be a great resource to servicemembers looking for benefits under TSGLI.

Get Help Filing Your TSGLI Claim

If you’re a servicemember who was injured while on active duty, in the National Guard or on reserve, you may qualify for benefits through the Traumatic Protection Program through the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance.

Fill out the form on this page for more information. 

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