Press Release from U.S. Army
Traumatic Injury Protection Now Available for Soldiers
December 2, 2006
The U.S. Army received the first 144 claims for the Traumatic Servicemembers’
Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) for Soldiers who incurred a traumatic injury
in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom
(OEF). This new traumatic injury protection available under the Servicemembers’
Group Life Insurance (SGLI) plan provides financial assistance to eligible
Soldiers and their families, which is vital during their extensive recovery
and rehabilitation process.
“Our Nation’s commitment to our Soldiers is evidenced by this program. TSGLI is another benefit which assists our fallen warriors and their families so they can focus on recovery, further exemplifying the Warrior Ethos, “Never leave a fallen comrade,” said Col. Mary Carstensen, Director of U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program and TSGLI.
Administered by the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) on behalf of the Army, the mission of TSGLI is to ensure eligible Soldiers receive the monetary payments they are entitled to while providing them with the necessary information and assistance to complete and submit their TSGLI claims.
TSGLI provides retroactive payments for Soldiers who have suffered a qualifying loss due to a traumatic injury while serving in theater during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom between Oct. 7, 2001, and Dec. 1, 2006. Current coverage under SGLI is not required for retroactive entitlements.
After Dec. 1, to receive coverage under TSGLI, Soldiers are required to have coverage under SGLI. After Dec. 1, TSGLI coverage will be automatic for all Soldiers who have SGLI coverage.
If a Soldier is unable to complete a claim due to incapacitation or death, family members with an appropriate Power of Attorney or letter of guardianship may apply for TSGLI benefits on behalf of a Soldier. Family members of a deceased Soldier who survived for 7 days after incurring a traumatic injury and qualifying loss may also apply for TSGLI benefits.
TSGLI covers a range of traumatic injuries, including, but not limited to:
- Total and permanent loss of sight in one or both eyes;
- Loss of hand or foot by severance at or above the wrist or ankle;
- Total and permanent loss of hearing in one or both ears;
- Loss of thumb and index finger of the same hand by severance at or above the metacarpophalangeal joints;
- Quadriplegia, paraplegia, or hemiplegia;
- 3rd degree or worse burns covering 30 percent of the body or 30 percent of the face; and
- Coma or the inability to carry out two of the six activities of daily living due to traumatic brain injury.