VA extends retroactive traumatic injury benefits

September 19, 2011

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is extending retroactive traumatic injury benefits to servicemembers who suffered qualifying injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), during the period October 7, 2001 to November 30, 2005, regardless of the geographic location where the injuries occurred. Effective October 1, 2011, the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) Traumatic Injury Protection benefit will be payable for all qualifying injuries incurred during this period, regardless if the servicemember had TSGLI coverage at the time of the injury.

According to the VA, TSGLI provides a payment ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to servicemembers sustaining certain severe traumatic injuries resulting in a range of losses, including amputations; limb salvage; paralysis; burns; loss of sight, hearing or speech; facial reconstruction; 15-day continuous hospitalization; coma; and loss of activities of daily living due to traumatic brain injury or other traumatic injuries. National Guard and Reserve members who were injured during the retroactive period and suffered a qualifying loss are also eligible for a TSGLI payment.

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veterans