Military life insurance programs are designed to protect service members and their families, yet denials are far more common than most people expect. Claims under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, Veterans’ Group Life Insurance, and Traumatic Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance are often rejected based on technical interpretations, administrative delays, or alleged disclosure issues.
Unlike private life insurance, these programs are governed by federal regulations and military administrative processes. That does not mean denials are final. Many are overturned on appeal when the facts are fully developed and the rules are applied correctly.
Below are real examples of denied military life insurance claims that were successfully resolved.
Army Intoxication Death and Alleged Misrepresentation
In one case involving Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, an Army service member died in a car accident while intoxicated. The claim was denied based on alleged misrepresentation of alcohol use.
On appeal, evidence showed that the disclosure was not material to coverage and that intoxication did not establish intent to deceive. The denial was overturned, and the family received the full SGLI benefit.
TSGLI Denial After Combat Related Traumatic Brain Injury
An Army officer suffered a traumatic brain injury while deployed in Afghanistan. His claim under Traumatic Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance was denied on the basis that the injury did not qualify as a covered loss.
Medical records and expert evaluations demonstrated permanent functional impairment affecting daily living. The appeal succeeded, and TSGLI benefits were awarded.
Navy Officer Heart Attack While on Leave
A Navy officer passed away from a heart attack while on authorized leave. The SGLI claim was denied due to an alleged failure to disclose a pre existing heart condition.
The beneficiary challenged the denial, showing the condition was not material and that the insurer improperly relied on hindsight. After litigation and appeal, the claim was resolved in favor of the family.
Marine TSGLI Denial Caused by Administrative Delay
A Marine lost his leg in an IED explosion during deployment. His TSGLI claim was denied because administrators claimed the coverage was not active.
Evidence showed the Marine submitted his paperwork before deployment, but processing delays within the system caused the issue. The appeal demonstrated administrative error rather than ineligibility. Benefits were paid retroactively.
Tobacco Use Allegation After Active Duty Death
After an active duty corporal died from cancer, the SGLI claim was denied based on alleged undisclosed tobacco use.
On appeal, medical records confirmed the service member had quit years earlier and that tobacco use was unrelated to the cause of death. The denial was reversed, and the beneficiary recovered the full benefit.
TSGLI Vision Loss Initially Rejected
A deployed service member lost functional vision in one eye after being shot. The TSGLI claim was denied because the injury did not involve complete anatomical loss.
The appeal focused on total functional loss, which is recognized under TSGLI guidelines. The denial was overturned, and benefits were paid.
Stroke Death and Undiagnosed Hypertension
A sergeant died from a stroke while serving on active duty. The claim was denied due to alleged non disclosure of high blood pressure.
The appeal established that the service member had not been diagnosed and could not disclose what he did not know. Medical evidence further showed no clear causal link. The denial was reversed.
Helicopter Crash Injury and Preexisting Waiver Dispute
A service member lost an arm in a helicopter crash while deployed. TSGLI initially denied the claim, citing a prior waiver related to that limb.
On appeal, it was shown that the waiver did not apply to the new injury caused by the crash. The TSGLI office approved the claim after review.
Beneficiary Dispute Due to Unprocessed Change
In another SGLI case, a service member attempted to update his beneficiary designation before death. The change was never processed due to administrative error.
The spouse’s claim was denied. Evidence of the service member’s intent and completed forms supported the appeal. The denial was overturned, and benefits were paid to the intended beneficiary.
Common Reasons Military Life Insurance Claims Are Denied
Across SGLI, VGLI, and TSGLI claims, denials frequently involve:
Alleged misrepresentations about health, tobacco, or alcohol
Disputes over whether injuries meet TSGLI loss definitions
Coverage gaps caused by paperwork or processing delays
Beneficiary designation errors or unprocessed changes
Many of these denials result from rigid administrative interpretation rather than actual ineligibility.
Appealing Denied SGLI, VGLI, and TSGLI Claims
Military life insurance denials are not governed by the same rules as private insurance, but they are still subject to fairness, due process, and evidentiary standards. Appeals often succeed when supported by service records, medical documentation, sworn statements, and proof of administrative error.
A focused legal review can uncover mistakes, misapplied regulations, or overlooked evidence that changes the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SGLI and VGLI?
SGLI covers active duty service members. VGLI is optional coverage available after separation from service.
Can TSGLI denials be appealed?
Yes. Many TSGLI denials are reversed with additional medical documentation and legal argument.
What if a beneficiary change was not processed before death?
If intent can be proven, administrative errors can often be overcome on appeal.
Can claims be denied for medical non disclosure?
Only if the omission was material and intentional. Many denials fail when those elements are missing.