How long does a TSGLI claim take to process, and what can one do if that claim has been denied by the VA? Processing a claim on a Traumatic Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance can take from 90 days to a full year, depending upon whether it is an initial claim or in an appeal stage. Ensuring that all forms are filled out properly and all required documentation is in place can help in making the process go smoothly.

Who Qualifies for TSGLI?

This program is available to all members of the Armed Forces, and provides coverage for serious injuries, regardless of how and when they were sustained, whether on duty, off duty, on active service or in the reserves. If you have Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), you are automatically covered for a traumatic injury.

In order to quality for TSGLI payments, you must:

• have SGLI coverage
• suffer a serious, life-altering loss of sight hearing, paralysis, cognitive disability, burns, limb amputation or loss/disability to other body parts within two years of the causative injury
• survive the injury for at least seven days after the event

In addition, the injury must have occurred lo later than midnight on the day of military discharge.

If you suffered a traumatic injury between Oct. 7, 2001, and Nov. 30, 2005, you may also be eligible for retroactive benefits, regardless of where you were or if your coverage was in effect at the time.

How Long Does a TSGLI Claim Take to Process?

If the initial application or first appeal and all supporting documentation are in proper order, your claim should be processed within 90 business days. If there are inaccuracies or missing information, claim processing can take longer.

Claims that are at the final appeal stage must be considered by the TSGLI Review Panel; in this case, processing can take up to a year.

How Can I Make Sure My Claim is Not Denied?

While there are no guarantees, you can minimize the risk of claim denial by making certain that Part A of your TSGLI claim form is filled out legibly and that all information (such as contact and banking information) is accurate. You should also ensure that you have all required signatures for the release of medical records and power of attorney as well as documentation from all medical care providers.

Is There a Statute of Limitation on Filing a Claim?

Provided you suffered your traumatic injury after October 7, 2001, there is no time limit on filing a TSGLI claim for traumatic injury benefits.

If you were injured via an IED, there are also options for IED bomb injury lawsuits.

How Much am I Eligible For?

TSGLI payments can range from $25,000 to $100,000.

If My Claim is Denied, How do I File an Appeal?

If your claim is denied, you should receive notification in a letter, which will inform you as to whether or not you should file a formal Appeal Request Form and how much time you have to file. If the letter tells you to use the SGLV 8600A TSGLI Request Form, you can download it from Benefits.VA.gov, request it by contacting either the Point of Contact for your branch of the service, or by contacting the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance at 1-800-419-1473.

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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