TSGLI providing support for wounded Soldiers

ARNEWS ^ | Feb 15, 2006

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Feb. 15, 2006) -- More than 600 Soldiers so far have benefited from TSGLI, the new traumatic injury protection through the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance.

Payments have ranged from $25,000 to $100,000 depending on the injury for Soldiers who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

TSGLI provides monetary assistance to Soldiers and their families who have suffered an injury resulting in a traumatic loss (i.e. loss of limbs, sight, hearing, traumatic brain injury, etc.) This assistance enables family members to be with them during their recovery time from such an injury.

“The TSGLI benefit dramatically helped my future,” said Spc. Shervayne Diaz. “When I couldn’t work, the TSGLI benefit was there to help pay my bills. Any Soldier who has sacrificed deserves this benefit, and I am grateful for this much-needed assistance.”

Administered by the Army Wounded Warrior Program on behalf of the Army, the TSGLI program aims to provide Soldiers with the necessary information and assistance to complete and submit their TSGLI claims and ensure eligible Soldiers receive the monetary payments to which they are entitled.

“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 the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program and TSGLI.

There are almost 3,000 Soldiers like Diaz who incurred injuries fighting in the Global War on Terror who may be eligible for the TSGLI retroactive benefit, officials said.

Soldiers may qualify for the retroactive benefit if they suffered a qualifying loss due to a traumatic injury while serving in theater in Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom between Oct 7, 2001 and Dec. 1, 2005. Coverage under SGLI is not required for the retroactive benefit.

After Dec. 1, all Soldiers covered under SGLI will automatically be covered under TSGLI.

How to apply for TSGLI?

Soldiers may obtain a claim form at www.aw2.army.mil/tsgli or by calling 1-800-237-1336. Once they have the claim form, they need to complete it and obtain certification from a health care provider.

It is important for health care providers to completely fill in Part B of the TSGLI application, officials said.

Once the Soldier has completed Part A, and the healthcare provider has completed Part B, the application can be submitted to the Army for an award decision. It is important for Soldiers to understand that they do not have to complete Part C, which will be completed by the TSGLI office, officials said.

Completed claim forms can be sent one of three ways:

1. via fax to 1-866-275-0684 (preferred)

2. via e-mail to TSGLI@hoffman.army.mil

3. via U.S. Mail to:

Department of the Army

Traumatic SGLI (TSGLI)

200 Stovall Street

Alexandria, VA 22332

Additional information on the traumatic injury protection benefit, as well as a listing on qualifying injuries, can be obtained by visiting the TSGLI web site at www.aw2.army.mil/TSGLI or calling 1-800-237-1336.

[JLO]

Thanks for posting that site. Seems secure.