United States Department of Veterans Affairs

TSGLI Loss Standards

3. Total and permanent loss of speech

When a member has a loss of speech, the member is eligible for a TSGLI benefit for total and permanent loss of speech if the member meets the following standard:


If the member suffers... AND the loss of speech will...

An organic loss of speech (lost the ability to express oneself, both by voice and whisper, through normal organs for speech).*

not improve (with reasonable certainty) throughout the member's life.

* If a member uses an artificial appliance, such as a voice box, to simulate speech, he/she is still considered to have suffered an organic loss of speech and is eligible for a TSGLI benefit.

Reviewed/Updated Date: April 14, 2023