Life Insurance for Service-Connected Disabled Veterans.
VGLI Supplemental, S-DVI, and the civilian carriers that underwrite service-connected disabilities fairly. You have more options than agents typically tell you.
Service-connected disabled veterans often get told 'you can't get private life insurance' or are pushed straight to high-cost guaranteed-issue products. That's usually wrong. The reality is more nuanced — and significantly more favorable to most disabled veterans than the typical pitch suggests.
Most service-connected conditions, when they're stable, treated, and not actively progressing, are fully insurable through private carriers — often at standard or even preferred rates with the right carrier match. The exceptions are recent diagnoses, conditions in active treatment, or specific high-mortality categories.
Key points for your situation.
VGLI Supplemental coverage
Adds up to $400K of coverage on top of base VGLI. Useful as a baseline for veterans who can't easily qualify civilian.
S-DVI (Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance)
VA program for veterans rated for a service-connected condition. Caps at $40K (or higher with supplemental). Premiums based on age at issue.
Private carriers underwrite service-connected fairly
Stable, treated PTSD, controlled diabetes, joint conditions, hearing loss, tinnitus — all routinely placed at standard rates with the right carrier.
Active treatment delays application
Recent diagnosis or active treatment for a serious condition usually means waiting until things stabilize. We'll be honest about timing.
Layering strategy makes sense
Many disabled veterans stack: VGLI Supplemental + S-DVI + private term. Each piece covers a different gap.
Disability rating doesn't directly determine insurability
Underwriters care about the underlying conditions, not the rating itself. A 70% rating with stable conditions can produce favorable rates.
Top questions on this scenario.
Can I get private life insurance with PTSD?
Yes, in most cases. Stable, treated, employed = often standard rate. Active crisis or recent hospitalization may require waiting. Specific carrier choice matters significantly here.
What if I have multiple service-connected conditions?
Carriers underwrite the combined risk picture, not each condition individually. Stable management of all conditions typically results in standard rates; active management of multiple may move you to substandard.
Is VGLI Supplemental worth it?
Often yes — especially as a baseline before the 240-day window closes. We'll model whether you should also pursue private coverage on top.
What's the difference between S-DVI and VMLI?
S-DVI is general-purpose life insurance for service-connected disabled veterans (caps at $40K base + $30K supplemental). VMLI is mortgage-specific coverage for severely disabled veterans with a VA-funded home loan (caps at $200K). Different products, different purposes.
What if I'm declined by a private carrier?
We pivot. Different carriers underwrite differently. A 'decline' at one is sometimes a 'standard' at another. Failing that, VGLI Supplemental and S-DVI become primary.
Start with the free Will Kit. No pressure, no obligation.
We'll mail your kit, then schedule a 15-minute review whenever you're ready.