Noteboom The Law Firm

Policy that Determines Disability Compensation for Genital Injuries Being Reviewed

March 29, 2011 - It is not a question of if those soldiers who suffer traumatic injuries to their genitals and reproductive organs receive benefits. Rather, it is a question of what the benefit rates for the soldiers are. Rep. C. W.  "Bill" Young (R-Fla.) believes the benefits for such injuries are not nearly enough and has been pushing for them to be increased. Officials from both the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) are reviewing benefit payments. If changes are made, they could be implemented by this summer.

The benefits soldiers receive for suffering genital injuries do not make sense when compared with other types of compensation. Recent congressional testimony revealed soldiers receive more benefits for losing a finger than they do for losing their penis. Rep. Young has labeled groin injuries as the new signature wounds among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

The benefits to which everyone is referring are those paid by the Traumatic Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (TSGLI). The VA provides this benefit, which tops out payouts to soldiers at $100,000 for "life-changing injuries or disabilities."

Should a soldier lose a thumb, TSGLI pays out $50,000. Should a soldier lose a reproductive organ, however, TSGLI pays out only $25,000, and even then specific prerequisites must be met. To claim their $25,000, soldiers must either spend 15 continuous days in a hospital or spend 30 days unable to accomplish at least two of the following:

• Bathing themselves;
• Remaining continent;
• Dressing themselves;
• Eating on their own;
• Going to the bathroom without assistance; or
• Getting in and out of a bed or chair.

Despite losing a reproductive organ, if the soldier doesn't meet the above listed qualifications, he or she will not be given the money. Alterations in the benefits policy will hopefully be made soon.