If traumatic brain injury is the signature wound of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, then improvised explosive devices are the signature weapons. The concussive force from the blast rattles brains against the skull, which can result in devastating and lifelong injuries. But the shrapnel from the bombs is just as destructive.
The nature of the weapons used—buried in walls, floors, roads, and trails—can produce injuries to the reproductive organs with uncommon frequency compared to other conflicts. In recognition of this trend, Veterans with traumatic genitourinary injuries are now qualified under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI).
Men and women are both covered under TSGLI for genitourinary injuries. For men, a lump-sum payment of $25,000 would be given for each testicle lost. The loss of a penis—or severe damage that would result in the inability to have intercourse—would result in a payment of $50,000. For women, $25,000 would be granted for loss of one ovary, or $50,000 for both. Loss or severe damage to the uterus or vaginal canal would result in a payment of $50,000.
Payments for these injuries are retroactive to October 7, 2001; the start of the war in Afghanistan. If you or a family member may qualify, visit the TSGLI page for frequently asked questions, a procedure guide, a list of service contacts, and an application for TSGLI benefits.
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Just a note. I have never read this publication, but it appears to have a federal emblem on it. It distresses me that the first line in this article has a typographical error. Poor writing makes an educated person question the source.
What’s the typo?
Hey Alex:
At least tell me how I violated the rules of the blog.
Jack Kelley
What about all of the women who came back and had miscarriages and was considered high risk pregnancies? I am one of them who came back and had two miscarriages. There were women who came back and conceived the babies, but the babies came out deformed and missing organs and parts of the bodily functions.
Wouldn’t hold my breath on that one. Agent Orange survivors from Vietnam just now getting compensation. War ended 1975…
The signature wound of the Viet Nam war.
“Landmines were also employed in the Vietnam War in an extremely effective manner,
albeit different than the manner used in World War II or in the Korean War. A US Army
Pamphlet on mine awareness distributed during the Vietnam War states, ”Mines and booby traps have been employed so often and effectively by the Viet Cong that the war has often been referred to as the ‘War of Mines and Booby Traps’.” The Viet Cong became extremely adept at employing landmines in locations and in manners previously not thought of. Antipersonnel landmines were hung from tree branches and fused with multiple tripwires. The Viet Cong were also skilled at turning Claymore mines around during the night, causing numerous friendly casualties. Landmines were so effective in Viet Nam that in some sources, it is stated that onethird of all US casualties were caused by mines.”
USAWC STRATEGY RESEARCH PROJECT
ANTIPERSONNEL LANDMINES – DO THEIR COSTS OUTWEIGH THEIR BENEFITS?
by
COL Albert G. Marin III
U.S. Army
U.S. Army War College
US wounded Viet Nam, 153,303 a third of that is 51,101 do you think any of these casualties suffered “7520: Penis, removal of half or more…30%”
They will receive NO lump sum for their loss because there are now two classes of Veterans. Post TSGLI and Pre TSGLI.
Thirty Thousand [30,000] years of war fare!. With Genital Mutilation COMMON FARE IN MANY A TRIBES!. MORE SO From THE Continent where Life SUPPOSEDLY STARTED!. TAKES A LONG TIME TO GET CERTAIN THINGS DONE AND RECOGNIZED!: Don’t IT?. To the point where; it is something done in a hospital, (Gender surgery) supported by a full regiment of Pharmaceuticals.
Still Premised on Warfare!![hidden in the Medical Professions?]: Your Men are NO Good, Your Women are No good , Your Children are no good!. So Hack them all up for your personal Media circus [sans] Freak shows { The Jokers Lament for one and for all}?.(The Great Alexander show?) :Or is it the incorrect empire Builders I Mentioned?.
This is a real tangible standard. However, what about quality of life. Loss of sexual organs is obviously important. Just as important is the functionality of those organs. Nerve damage and loss of functionality, to include erection, should somehow be factored into Traumatic Injury Protection. Is it and just not included in this blog?
The amputees and blinded combat vets from Korea or Viet Nam can see that their limbs and eyes probably don’t constitute “devastating and lifelong injuries”. Otherwise, Congress would just make TSGLI retroactive to Dec 7 1941.
They keep making the eligibility date retroactive, please hurry and get to all Vets before we are dead.
Traumatic genitourinary injuries are not new to this conflict, who explains to the Vets who lost that they were just out of luck?
Alex your texts on this blog are very interesting. Congratulations, where can I get your e-mail, or Facebook. I’m a reporter and I would love to talk with you.
Answer me at my e-mail. Regards
MY first wife (dead now) and I had 12-13 miscarriages and spontainous abortions plus our first child died of spina bifida and yet I can get no compensation. Finally after 10 years of marriage we did have two health daughters..Did other Vietnam Vet have numerous miscarriages with women? I also had miscarriages with my second wife..I called the CDC by they were no help..I have been denied compensation 2 times.