Traumatic injury pay now covers genital trauma - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Traumatic injury pay now covers genital trauma

Veterans whose genitals have been severely injured as a result of trauma are now eligible for a lump-sum payment under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury program, or TSGLI.

For males, the loss of one testicle would result in a $25,000 payment; of both, $50,000. The anatomical loss of a penis — or damage to the organ so severe it results in the complete loss of the ability to have sex — a $50,000 payment.

Women who lose external sexual organs, their uterus or vaginal canal would receive $50,000. Loss of one ovary would result in a $25,000 payment; of both, $50,000.

The VA announced the changes to the TSGLI schedule of losses Dec. 2. The change is due in part to the increase of these injuries among Afghanistan combat veterans, who conduct foot patrols and are vulnerable to attack from trailside improvised explosive devices.

Since 2009, the number of troops arriving at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center with major injuries to their reproductive organs nearly doubled from 4.8 percent to 9.1 percent. Since 2001, 570 service members have sustained these traumas, known as genitourinary injury, according to Defense Department statistics.

TSGLI is designed to provide a one-time payment to service members who have sustained severe traumatic injuries, in combat, during training or any time while they are on active duty. TSGLI covers injuries such as amputations, limb salvage, paralysis, burns, blindness and other loss.

The first payments for genitourinary trauma are available as of today, according to the Federal Register. Eligibility for the payments is retroactive to Oct. 7, 2001.

To apply, veterans can check out the following link, www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/TSGLI/TSGLI.htm, or contact their service branch’s TSGLI office.

“We recognize that these types of injuries are devastating and can have a long-lasting impact on the service member’s quality of life,” Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki said in a press release. “It is for this reason that it is appropriate to include genitourinary injuries in the list of payable losses specified in the TSGLI program.”