Denied Military Life Insurance Claims: SGLI, VGLI, TSGLI & Beneficiary Disputes Successfully Resolved
Life insurance is meant to offer peace of mind for military families, yet denied claims are tragically common—even when service members die in the line of duty or due to service-related injuries. At our firm, we fight for the rights of beneficiaries and service members whose SGLI, VGLI, TSGLI, and other military life insurance claims have been wrongfully denied. Whether the denial stems from alleged misrepresentation, incomplete paperwork, or unfair interpretations of eligibility, we’ve successfully appealed countless decisions. Below are real examples of cases we’ve handled involving denied military life insurance claims across all branches.
Army Member’s Intoxication Death Leads to Denied Claim—Appeal Won
An Army service member died in a car accident while intoxicated. The insurer denied the claim, citing misrepresentation of alcohol use on his application. We challenged this decision, arguing that his disclosure was not material to the issuance of the policy and that the intoxication was unrelated to his intent to deceive. The appeal succeeded, and the family received the full payout.
Army Officer’s TSGLI Claim Denied After TBI—Successfully Appealed
While deployed in Afghanistan, an officer suffered a traumatic brain injury. The TSGLI office denied his claim, stating the injury did not qualify as a "loss" under TSGLI guidelines. On appeal, we provided medical records and expert analysis to show the lasting impact on his daily functioning. The TSGLI denial was overturned, and the officer was awarded the benefit.
Navy Officer’s Heart Attack on Leave Results in Lawsuit Over Denial
A naval officer passed away from a heart attack while on leave. The insurer denied the claim, pointing to an undisclosed pre-existing heart condition. The beneficiary filed suit, arguing the condition was not material and that the insurer acted in bad faith. After litigation, the case was resolved favorably for the beneficiary.
Marine’s TSGLI Claim Denied After IED Blast—Appeal Over Application Delay Won
A US Marine lost his leg in an IED explosion in Afghanistan. The TSGLI office denied the claim, stating there was no active policy in effect. We uncovered evidence showing the Marine had submitted his TSGLI application before deployment, but it was delayed due to administrative mishandling. The appeal succeeded, and benefits were paid retroactively.
Active-Duty Corporal’s Tobacco Use History Leads to Denial—Appeal Granted
After a corporal died from cancer while on active duty, the insurer denied the claim due to undisclosed tobacco use. On appeal, we provided evidence that he had quit smoking years earlier and that his cancer was not linked to tobacco. The appeal was granted, and the beneficiary received the full life insurance payout.
TSGLI Denial After Eye Injury—Appeal Succeeds Based on Functional Loss
A deployed service member lost vision in one eye after being shot in Syria. His TSGLI claim was denied because the injury didn’t involve the complete anatomical loss of the eye. We appealed, arguing that the total functional loss qualified under TSGLI standards. The appeal was successful, and the service member received his benefits.
Stroke Death and Undisclosed Hypertension—Denial Overturned
A sergeant died of a stroke while serving. His claim was denied for failing to disclose high blood pressure. The family appealed, arguing he was unaware of the condition and that it had no direct link to the stroke. Our legal argument and supporting medical evidence led to the denial being reversed.
Helicopter Crash Injury and Disability Waiver—TSGLI Claim Approved
A service member lost his arm in a helicopter crash while deployed in Somalia. The TSGLI office denied his claim due to a preexisting waiver for that arm. We appealed, showing that the crash caused a new injury unrelated to the waiver. TSGLI benefits were granted after the appeal.
Beneficiary Dispute Due to Unprocessed Change—Appeal Won
In one tragic case, a service member had attempted to update his beneficiary designation before his death, but the change was never processed administratively. His wife came to us after her claim was denied. We successfully argued that the service member’s intent was clear and that administrative failure should not override it. The appeal was won, and she received the benefits.
How We Fight Denied Military Life Insurance Claims
Whether it’s SGLI, VGLI, TSGLI, or other military life insurance coverage, insurers and government administrators often deny claims based on:
Alleged misrepresentations on the application (e.g., tobacco or alcohol use)
Disputes over whether injuries or illnesses qualify under benefit guidelines
Lapsed or delayed coverage due to paperwork or administrative issues
Disputes over intended beneficiaries or unprocessed designation changes
Our legal team investigates policy documents, service records, application histories, medical evidence, and communications to build compelling appeals. We work with military families nationwide to ensure they are treated fairly and lawfully.
FAQ
What is the difference between SGLI, VGLI, and TSGLI?
SGLI is Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, offered to active-duty members. VGLI is Veterans’ Group Life Insurance, available after separation. TSGLI is a trauma-based benefit for service members who suffer qualifying losses.
Can I appeal a denied TSGLI claim?
Yes. TSGLI denials can be appealed with additional documentation, medical evaluations, and legal arguments. Many initial denials are overturned on appeal.
What happens if a beneficiary change was not processed before death?
Courts and appeal boards may recognize the service member’s intent if there’s proof of attempted changes. Administrative errors can be challenged with legal support.
Can life insurance be denied for non-disclosure of medical history?
Yes, but only if the insurer can prove the omission was material to coverage. Many denials are reversed when it’s shown the condition was unrelated to the death or unknowingly omitted.